IMDb > The Idolmaker (1980)

The Idolmaker (1980) More at IMDbPro »


Overview

User Rating:
6.4/10   535 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?

Down 4% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.

Director:

Taylor Hackford

Writer:

Edward Di Lorenzo (writer)

Contact:

View company contact information for The Idolmaker on IMDbPro.

Release Date:

14 November 1980 (USA) more

Tagline:

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 synopsis

Plot Keywords:

Awards:

Won Golden Globe. Another 1 nomination more

NewsDesk:

CBS To Air Ray Charles Tribute
 (From Studio Briefing - Film News. 17 September 2004)

User Comments:

As 9 and 10yr old my friend and I watched this continuously! 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
more
Create a character page for: ?

Additional Details

Runtime:

117 min | 119 min (TCM print)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1 more

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Australia:PG | Finland:K-12 | USA:PG (certificate #26166) | West Germany:12

Company:

Kirkwood more


Fun Stuff

Trivia:

Feature film debuts of both Joe Pantoliano and Peter Gallagher more

Goofs:

Anachronisms: When the "payola money" is exchanged, "Green Seal" Federal Reserve Notes are again seen. more

Quotes:

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


FAQ

This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.
5 out of 5 people found the following comment useful.
As 9 and 10yr old my friend and I watched this continuously!, 20 September 2004
10/10
Author: valkyrie911 from glastonbury, connecticut

We loved this movie! I loved it years later and special ordered the soundtrack on vinyl. Now I'm trying to get it on cd. Impossible I think. Peter Gallagher was hot as "Fabian" and the music scenes were real, not Hollywood musical crap. This is a very moving film about a man who spends his life making the careers of others only to get left behind as they move up the food chain. Talented himself but didn't have "the look" that sold records. Ray Sharky died of aids yrs later, actually did some work while he had hiv and looked it. This is probably his best work. I have always been a movie buff (still dream of directing) and I can remember the Ebert and Roeper review of this film. It was their sleeper hit of the week. I remember if vividly because that's when I learned about the term "sleeper" referencing films. It was a 2 thumbs up and HBO played it constantly. HBO was limited back then and this was always on and we watched it every chance we could!

Was the above comment useful to you?
more (23 total)

Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for The Idolmaker (1980)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
how many times does Ray Sharkey grab his tie zambithegreat
What ever happend to Paul Land? Dameandrea
Peter Gallagher jameelahere-1
WTF was the commenter talking about??? mantis-in-lace
A Truly Great Film juror12
On This-TV Tonight Madness832
more

Recommendations

If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
- - - - -
La Bamba The Buddy Holly Story Elvis Little Richard Coal Miner's Daughter
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
Show more recommendations

Related Links

Full cast and crew Company credits External reviews
News articles IMDb Biography section IMDb USA section
Add this title to MyMovies

You may report errors and omissions on this page to the IMDb database managers. They will be examined and if approved will be included in a future update. Clicking the 'Update' button will take you through a step-by-step process.