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The Idolmaker (1980)
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Overview
User Rating:
Release Date:
14 November 1980 (USA) moreTagline:
He's got the look... He's got the talent... He's got the Idolmaker... He's got it all!Plot:
Based on the life of rock promoter/producer Bob Marucci, who discovered, among others, Frankie Avalon and Fabian. | add synopsisPlot Keywords:
1950s
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Rock Music
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Teen Idol
Awards:
Won Golden Globe. Another 1 nomination moreUser Comments:
Perfection in modernism more (23 total)Cast
(Cast overview, first billed only)| Ray Sharkey | ... | Vincent 'Vinnie' Vacarri | |
| Tovah Feldshuh | ... | Brenda Roberts | |
| Peter Gallagher | ... | Caesare | |
| Paul Land | ... | Tommy Dee | |
| Joe Pantoliano | ... | Gino Pilato | |
| Maureen McCormick | ... | Ellen Fields | |
| John Aprea | ... | Pani Vacarri | |
| Richard Bright | ... | Uncle Tony | |
| 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 | ... | Ed Sharp | |
| Kenneth O'Brien | ... | Walt Bennett |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
Add content advisory for parentsRuntime:
117 min | 119 min (TCM print)Country:
USALanguage:
EnglishColor:
Color (Technicolor)Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 moreSound Mix:
DolbyFun Stuff
Trivia:
Based on the career of Robert P. Marcucci ("Vincent 'Vinnie' Vacarri"), who discovered and managed Frankie Avalon ("Tommy Dee") and Fabian ("Caesare"). Vacarri's assistant ("Brenda Roberts") is based on Marcucci's real-life assistant at the time, Rona Barrett. moreGoofs:
Anachronisms: The body style of the Ford Thunderbird didn't become available until the 1964 model, but when Caesare plays in Memphis, the date on the banner is March 17, 1961. moreMovie Connections:
Spoofed in "Saturday Night Live: Ray Sharkey/Jack Bruce & Friends (#6.6)" (1981) moreFAQ
This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.more (23 total)
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A lot of postings indicate that this movie could do well in even today's competitive film market. And it could indeed. The late Ray Sharkey gives a very strong award-calbre performance as a repressed performer in the guise of a songwriter/manager for a couple of 1950s style teen idols. A very young Peter Gallagher showed signs that he might have a bigger career than he has apparently had. It's funny how an actor can look so "exotic" and really not actually BE exotic. It's this kind of irony that carries IDOLMAKER to the heights of classic filmaking.