The Idolmaker

The Idolmaker is a 1980 American musical drama starring Ray Sharkey, Peter Gallagher, Paul Land, Tovah Feldshuh and Joe Pantoliano.

The Idolmaker
Theatrical release poster
Directed byTaylor Hackford
Produced byGene Kirkwood
Howard W. Koch Jr.
Written byEdward di Lorenzo
StarringRay Sharkey
Peter Gallagher
Joe Pantoliano
Tovah Feldshuh
Music byJeff Barry
CinematographyAdam Holender
Edited byNeil Travis
Distributed byUnited Artists
Release date
  • November 14, 1980 (1980-11-14)
Running time
117 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Box office[1]

The film is based on the life of rock promoter and manager Bob Marcucci, who discovered and promoted several rock 'n' roll stars including Frankie Avalon and Fabian. Bob Marcucci served as a technical advisor for the production. It was directed by Academy Award winning filmmaker Taylor Hackford and written by Edward di Lorenzo. It was the feature film debut for Peter Gallagher, Joe Pantoliano, and Paul Land.

Plot

Ray Sharkey plays Vincent Vacari, a songwriter and entertainment manager, driven by his desire to discover the next big act. After watching a local band play, Vacari approaches the talented saxophone player, Tomaso DeLorusso (Paul Land), convincing him to trade his instrument for a microphone. After some months under the guidance of Vacari, the newly named "Tommy Dee" becomes a rock 'n' roll sensation.

Moving forward from his success with Tommy Dee, Vacari prepares another act in the form of Guido (Peter Gallagher), a local teen who had been working as a busboy. With even more gusto and single-mindedness, Vacari embarks on a destructive journey to control every aspect of his new act's image.

Despite his obvious flair for making idols, Vacari's girlfriend, Brenda (Tovah Feldshuh), is concerned that his obsession is destroying everyone around him, including himself.

Cast

Production

Marcucci approached producer Gene Kirkwood with the idea for the film. In the original script, the singers were more sympathetic and the producer less so.[2]

Soundtrack

The film features an original music score by Jeff Barry and choreography by Deney Terrio.

Track listing for the soundtrack
  1. "Here Is My Love" (Jesse Frederick)
  2. "Ooo-Wee Baby" (Darlene Love)
  3. "Come and Get It" (Nino Tempo)
  4. "Sweet Little Lover" (Jesse Frederick)
  5. "I Can't Tell" (Colleen Fitzpatrick)
  6. "However Dark the Night" (Peter Gallagher)
  7. "Baby" (Peter Gallagher)
  8. "I Know Where You're Going" (Nino Tempo)
  9. "A Boy and a Girl" (The Sweet Inspiration and The London Fog)
  10. "I Believe It Can Be Done" (Ray Sharkey)
  11. "I Believe It Can Be Done" (Instrumental) (Nino Tempo)

Home media

On August 27, 2013, Shout! Factory released The Idolmaker on Blu-ray.[3]

Lawsuit

Fabian Forte filed a $64 million lawsuit against the film, alleging defamation and invasion of privacy.[4] Forte, a teen idol of the late 1950s and early 1960s, had been managed by Bob Marcucci. Having served as the inspiration for the character of Guido/Caesare, Forte claimed the film made him look like "a totally manufactured singer, a mere pretty face without any singing ability or acting talent."[5] He went on to say they settled out of court, requiring he, his wife and family receive apologies in The Hollywood Reporter and Variety, and Marcucci's 7.5% ownership of the film passed to Forte.[6]

Awards and nominations

Golden Globes 1980, USA
Award Person
Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Musical/Comedy Ray Sharkey[7]
Nominated:
Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture in a Musical/Comedy Howard W. Koch Jr., Gene Kirkwood


Preceded by
Peter Sellers		 Golden Globes

Best Actor in a Comedy/Musical
1980

Succeeded by
Dudley Moore
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References
  1. The Idolmaker at Box Office Mojo
  2. "MOVIES: THE STORY OF FRANK AND FABE AND BOB" Farley, Ellen. Los Angeles Times 23 Nov 1980: x30.
  3. DVD Talk
  4. Jackovich, Karen G. (March 9, 1981). "'The Idolmaker' Goes Up in Smoke, but Street Kid Ray Sharkey Still Puffs Up His Greatest Creation—Himself". People. Retrieved April 20, 2020.
  5. Pollock, Dale. "FILM CLIPS: PARAMOUNT'S EISNER CAN'T FIND A BOOTH", Los Angeles Times, January 30, 1981, pg. G-1.
  6. Hopper, Hedda. "The Music Index – Story Of The Stars – Fabian Interview". Story Of The Stars. Archived from the original on 2012-03-10. Retrieved 2012-04-11.
  7. Golden Globes
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