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IMDbPro

The Idolmaker

  • 19801980
  • PGPG
  • 1h 57m
IMDb RATING
6.9/10
1.3K
YOUR RATING
Ray Sharkey in The Idolmaker (1980)
Based on the life of rock promoter/producer Bob Marcucci, who discovered, among others, Frankie Avalon and Fabian.
Play trailer2:00
2 Videos
29 Photos
  • Biography
  • Drama
  • Music
Based on the life of rock promoter/producer Bob Marcucci, who discovered, among others, Frankie Avalon and Fabian.Based on the life of rock promoter/producer Bob Marcucci, who discovered, among others, Frankie Avalon and Fabian.Based on the life of rock promoter/producer Bob Marcucci, who discovered, among others, Frankie Avalon and Fabian.
IMDb RATING
6.9/10
1.3K
YOUR RATING
  • Director
    • Taylor Hackford
  • Writers
    • Edward Di Lorenzo
    • Taylor Hackford(uncredited)
  • Stars
    • Ray Sharkey
    • Tovah Feldshuh
    • Peter Gallagher
Top credits
  • Director
    • Taylor Hackford
  • Writers
    • Edward Di Lorenzo
    • Taylor Hackford(uncredited)
  • Stars
    • Ray Sharkey
    • Tovah Feldshuh
    • Peter Gallagher
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 32User reviews
    • 16Critic reviews
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 1 win & 2 nominations

    Videos2

    Trailer
    Trailer 2:00
    Trailer
    Sneak Previews Season 3 Episode 9
    Video 28:52
    Sneak Previews Season 3 Episode 9

    Photos29

    Peter Gallagher in The Idolmaker (1980)
    The Idolmaker (1980)
    The Idolmaker (1980)
    Paul Land in The Idolmaker (1980)
    Paul Land in The Idolmaker (1980)
    Paul Land and Ray Sharkey in The Idolmaker (1980)
    Paul Land in The Idolmaker (1980)
    Paul Land in The Idolmaker (1980)
    Peter Gallagher in The Idolmaker (1980)
    Tovah Feldshuh and Ray Sharkey in The Idolmaker (1980)
    Peter Gallagher in The Idolmaker (1980)
    Paul Land and Ray Sharkey in The Idolmaker (1980)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Ray Sharkey
    Ray Sharkey
    • Vincent Vacarri
    Tovah Feldshuh
    Tovah Feldshuh
    • Brenda Roberts
    Peter Gallagher
    Peter Gallagher
    • Caesare
    Paul Land
    Paul Land
    • Tommy Dee
    Joe Pantoliano
    Joe Pantoliano
    • Gino Pilato
    Maureen McCormick
    Maureen McCormick
    • Ellen Fields
    John Aprea
    John Aprea
    • Mario Vacarri
    Richard Bright
    Richard Bright
    • Uncle Tony
    Olympia Dukakis
    Olympia Dukakis
    • Mrs. Vacarri
    Steve Peck
    • Mr. Frank Vacarri
    • (as Steven Apostlee Peck)
    Leonard Gaines
    • Luchetti
    Deney Terrio
    • Jerry Martin
    Charles Guardino
    • Jesse
    Michael Mislove
    Michael Mislove
    • Ed Sharp
    Kenneth O'Brien
    • Walt Bennett
    Michael Perrotta
    • Carlo
    • (as Michael Perotta)
    Sylvia Shemmell
    • Sweet Inspirations
    • (as Sylvia Shemwell)
    Myrna Smith
    • Sweet Inspirations
    • Director
      • Taylor Hackford
    • Writers
      • Edward Di Lorenzo
      • Taylor Hackford(uncredited)
    • All cast & crew
    • See more cast details at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Actor Peter Gallagher has said the time he spent as Danny Zuko in the original stage production of "Grease" turned out to be good preparation for all the singing and dancing he had to do in this movie.
    • Goofs
      There are two scenes in the parking lot of the club/bar where Vincent went to see Tommy play saxophone. The first one is where Vincent tells Tommy he would like him to record his songs. The second one is when Caesore is puking after running offstage at his debut which took place two years after the first.The cars in the parking lot are the same cars parked in the exact same order in both scenes.
    • Quotes

      Vincent Vacarri: True sex comes from between your ears, not from between your legs.

    • Connections
      Featured in Sneak Previews: The Idolmaker, The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith, Every Man for Himself, Fade to Black (1980)
    • Soundtracks
      Sweet Little Lover
      Music and Lyrics by Jeff Barry

      Sung by Jesse Frederick

    User reviews32

    Review
    Top review
    10/10
    One of the best kept secrets of film
    This movie is the ultimate sleeper for me. What kept this movie from exploding into the theaters ? It has great direction, outstanding music, and career-defining performances !

    "The Idolmaker" truly has everything. It is set during the time when Elvis was in the Army and everyone was looking for the Next Big Thing (Fabian, Frankie Avalon etc.). It shows how a man who is a great songwriter can turn guys who "have the look" into superstars.

    This is the role that Ray Sharkey was born to play. It is almost as though he was the person who wrote the script, and had himself in mind for the role all along. You can just see the way he delivers his lines, dances to the music, and sings, that he truly is Vincent Vacarri.

    Besides the fact that the acting is great, the musical performances are flawless. The songs just explode from the screen with catchy tunes. It gets especially interesting towards the end when Caesare (Peter Gallagher) gives his giant production live number.

    Folks, if you haven't seen this movie (and I highly doubt that you have) - do yourself a favor and see it ! Like I said, it is a hard to find movie - but it is worth the time to track it down.

    This is what happens if all the elements are clicking properly for a film with musical numbers.

    Like I said, it's the biggest secret in film. Now that you know the secret, do yourself a favor and rent it. You'll thank me afterwards !
    helpful•28
    5
    • MyDarkStar
    • Apr 3, 2002

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • November 14, 1980 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official site
      • MGM
    • Languages
      • English
      • Italian
    • Also known as
      • Alle meine Stars
    • Filming locations
      • Los Angeles, California, USA
    • Production companies
      • Kirkwood
      • Koch Company
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $2,625,716
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $318,403
      • Nov 16, 1980
    • Gross worldwide
      • $2,625,716
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 57 minutes
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

    Related news

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