The Idolmaker

The Idolmaker
	Theatrical release poster
Directed by	Taylor Hackford
Produced by	Gene Kirkwood ; Howard W. Koch Jr.
Written by	Edward di Lorenzo
Starring	Ray Sharkey; Peter Gallagher; Joe Pantoliano; Tovah Feldshuh;
Music by	Jeff Barry
Cinematography	Adam Holender
Edited by	Neil Travis
Distributed by	United Artists
Release date	November 14, 1980;
Running time	117 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Box office	$2,625,716[1]

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

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

Ray Sharkey as Vincent 'Vinnie' Vacarri
Peter Gallagher as Guido/Caesare
Tovah Feldshuh as Brenda Roberts
Joe Pantoliano as Gino "G.G." Pilato
Paul Land as Tomaso 'Tommy Dee' DeLorusso
Maureen McCormick as Ellen Fields
Olympia Dukakis as Mrs. Vacarri
John Aprea as Pani Vacarri

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

"Here Is My Love" (Jesse Frederick)
"Ooo-Wee Baby" (Darlene Love)
"Come and Get It" (Nino Tempo)
"Sweet Little Lover" (Jesse Frederick)
"I Can't Tell" (Colleen Fitzpatrick)
"However Dark the Night" (Peter Gallagher)
"Baby" (Peter Gallagher)
"I Know Where You're Going" (Nino Tempo)
"A Boy and a Girl" (The Sweet Inspirations and The London Fog)
"I Believe It Can Be Done" (Ray Sharkey)
"I Believe It Can Be Done" (Instrumental) (Nino Tempo)

Charts

Chart (1981)	Peak position
Australia (Kent Music Report)[3]	37

Home media

On August 27, 2013, Shout! Factory released The Idolmaker on Blu-ray.[4]

Lawsuit

Fabian Forte filed a $64 million lawsuit against the film, alleging defamation and invasion of privacy.[5] 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."[6] 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.[7]

Awards and nominations

Golden Globes 1980, USA
Award	Person
Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Musical/Comedy	Ray Sharkey[8]
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

References

The Idolmaker at Box Office Mojo
"MOVIES: THE STORY OF FRANK AND FABE AND BOB" Farley, Ellen. Los Angeles Times 23 Nov 1980: x30.
Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. p. 283. ISBN 0-646-11917-6.
DVD Talk
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.
Pollock, Dale. "FILM CLIPS: PARAMOUNT'S EISNER CAN'T FIND A BOOTH", Los Angeles Times, January 30, 1981, pg. G-1.
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.
Golden Globes

External links

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[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.

[aus-3] Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. p. 283. ISBN 0-646-11917-6.

[4] DVD Talk

[5] 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.

[6] Pollock, Dale. "FILM CLIPS: PARAMOUNT'S EISNER CAN'T FIND A BOOTH", Los Angeles Times, January 30, 1981, pg. G-1.

[storyofthestars.com-7] 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.

[8] Golden Globes