Deadman's Curve (1978) (TV)

User Rating:

6.7/10   

Director:

Richard Compton

Writers:

Paul Morantz (story)
Dalene Young (writer)

Release Date:

3 February 1978 (USA)

Genre:

Biography | Drama

Tagline:

The story of Jan & Dean.

Plot Keywords:

Beach Boy | Pop Music | 1960s | Skateboarding | Car Accident

Cast

Richard Hatch	...	Jan Berry
Bruce Davison	...	Dean Torrence
Wolfman Jack	...	The Jackal
Susan Sullivan	...	Rainbow
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Jimmy D. Armstrong	...	Lead guitar player, Papa Doo Run Run
Pamela Bellwood	...	Annie
Jan Berry	...	Himself
Art Bradford	...	Army Sergeant
Hank Brandt	...	Dean Torrence Sr.
David Byrd	...	Surgeon
Dick Clark	...	Himself
Priscilla Cory	...	Linda
June Dayton	...	Clara Berry
Floy Dean	...	Dr. Vivian Sheehan
Denise DuBarry	...	Susan
Bruce Johnston	...	Himself
Harriet Johnston	...	Backstage fan
Noah Keen	...	Jim Arlett
Mike Love	...	Himself
Anne-Marie Martin	...	Nancy (as Eddie Benton)
James Oliver	...	Engineer
Susan O'Sullivan	...	Rainbow
Jim Rush	...	Bass player, Papa Doo Run Run
Jim Shippey	...	Drummer, Papa Doo Run Run
Leonard Stone	...	Herb Alpert
George Wallace	...	Bill Berry
Kelly Ward	...	Billy
Mark Ward	...	Rhythm guitarist, Papa Doo Run Run
Don Zirilli	...	Keyboard player, Papa Doo Run Run

Runtime:

USA:100 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Australia:PG (video rating)

Company:

EMI Television

Goofs:

Anachronisms: In the scenes set from 1964 forward, Jan and Dean are shown wearing 'seventies-era feathered shag hairstyles. In reality, the duo donned brushed-back "dry" pompadours.

Quotes:

Jan Berry: You can't draft me! I'm a rock and roll star!
Army Sergeant: Well, Elvis was a lot bigger one and we got him! Now raise your hand!

Movie Connections:

Featured in "Behind the Music: Jan and Dean (#1.37)" (1998)

Soundtrack:

Surfin'

The Jan & Jan's Ego Story

The California Surf Scene was captured perfectly in this otherwise totally 70s "Jan & Dean Story". Unfortunately the film focuses almost exclusively on Jan Barry's super-inflated ego and apparent personality flaws. Crediting only himself and his "gift" for the success of "Jan & Dean", Jan soon alienates himself from almost all people who care for him. Figuring he is a "big star" and should be exempt from the military draft, Jan huffs and puffs at a recruiting officer, the storms off, with the scene ending in the infamous "Dead Man's Curve" accident that nearly claimed his life, then left him with many months of convalescence. Even though this near-death experience gave way to some soul searching and a "mellowing" in Jan's stubborn character, it is too little too late.

The music and the atmosphere of the "Hippie 60s" are a pleasant disctraction from the depressing drama. Rolled together, this is no "Grease" and it will leave a bitter taste in the mouth of fans. Jan is portrayed as an utterly unpleasant ego-maniac with no consideration for anyone or anything. Feeling "invincible", he is oblivious to the love of the close friends who stick by him in the ups and downs of the roller-coaster ride of fame and fortune. An invaluable contribution to Rock & Roll, privately Jan & Dean are no success story. What sad lives they lived when the lights went out. Recommended only for the music history lesson. If you are looking for a feel-good movie, don't even consider this one.