La Bamba (1987)

Biographical story of the rise from nowhere of singer Ritchie Valens whose life was cut short by a plane crash.

Director:

Luis Valdez

Writer:

Luis Valdez

Stars:

Lou Diamond Phillips, Esai Morales, Rosanna DeSoto

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 1 win & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Lou Diamond Phillips	...	Ritchie Valens
Esai Morales	...	Bob Morales
Rosanna DeSoto	...	Connie Valenzuela (as Rosana De Soto)
Elizabeth Peña	...	Rosie Morales
Danielle von Zerneck	...	Donna Ludwig
Joe Pantoliano	...	Bob Keane
Rick Dees	...	Ted Quillin
Marshall Crenshaw	...	Buddy Holly
Howard Huntsberry	...	Jackie Wilson
Brian Setzer	...	Eddie Cochran
Daniel Valdez	...	Lelo
Felipe Cantu	...	Curandero
Eddie Frias	...	Chino
Mike Moroff	...	Mexican Ed
Geoffrey Rivas	...	Rudy

Storyline

This is the true story of Ritchie Valens, a young rock & roll singer who tragically died in a plane crash at the age of 17. The film follows Ritchie from his days in Pacoima, California where he and his family make a meager living working on farms to his rise as a star. The film also focuses on Richie's friendship and rivalry with his older brother Bob and his relationship with Donna, his girlfriend.

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Plot Keywords:

crash | singer | star | 1950s | loss of brother | 

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Taglines:

Talent made him a star, fate made him a legend. The true story of Ritchie Valens.

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | Music

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Certificate:

PG-13

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

24 July 1987 (USA)

Also Known As:

Let's Go

Filming Locations:

Cowboy Palace Saloon - 21635 Devonshire St, Chatsworth, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$6,500,000 (estimated)

Gross:

$54,215,416 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Columbia Pictures Corporation, New Visions Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

108 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Esai Morales coincidentally has the same last name as the real person he portrays, Bob Morales.

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Goofs

As Bob is tearing down all his artwork after coming home drunk he bumps into the concrete wall of the basement which bends and shakes from his body weight.

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Quotes

Bob Morales: Look Rosie, you're not my wife. Quit being such a drag. What the shit's eating you anyway?
Rosie Morales: I'm pregnant.
Rosie Morales: Well aren't you gonna say anything?
Bob Morales: What's there to say? It's not my first. Or my last.

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Crazy Credits

Caption starting off the music credits: "We greatfully acknowledge the help and support of the Valenzuela family".

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Connections

Referenced in Psych: Game, Set... Muuurder? (2007)

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Soundtracks

"Sleepwalk"
Performed by Santo & Johnny
Courtesy of Pausa, Inc.
Words & Music by Santo Farina, Johnny Farina & Ann Farina

User Reviews

Esai Morales steals the show

Esai Morales gives the best performance of his career in this 1987 movie about Hall of Fame rock and roller Ritchie Valens, who was tragically killed in a plane crash at the age of 17 with the big bopper and Buddy Holly on February 3, 1959. Morales plays Bob Morales, the half brother of Ritchie. Bob is a drunk who feels as if he is in the shadow of Ritchie due to Ritchie's musical talent and success. In fact if I didn't know better you might think the movie is about Bob. He was in the movie a ton. Lou Diamond Phillips does a good job of portraying Ritchie. I would definitely suggest that you watch this movie. It has a ton of great music and like I said before Morales is awesome in this movie.