Mr. Rock 'n' Roll: The Alan Freed Story (TV 1999)

This is the story of Alan Freed. He was working as a DJ in Cleveland, Ohio, and he discovered how amazing R&B or Rhytym & Blues is, however, the music is considered to be "BLACK" music. So,... See full summary »

Director:

Andy Wolk

Writers:

John A. Jackson (book), Matt Dorff (teleplay)

Stars:

Judd Nelson, Mädchen Amick, David Gianopoulos

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Judd Nelson	...	Alan Freed
Mädchen Amick	...	Jackie McCoy
David Gianopoulos	...	Morris Levy
Daniel Kash	...	Hooke
Leon	...	Jackie Wilson
Paula Abdul	...	Denise Walton
Fabian
Bobby Rydell
James C. Victor	...	Jerry Lee Lewis
Walter Franks	...	Little Richard
Joe W. Davis	...	Buddy Holly (as Joe Warren Davis)
Michael Dunston	...	Bo Diddley
LeRoy D. Brazile	...	Frankie Lymon
Michael Daingerfield	...	Bill Haley
Fulvio Cecere	...	Pete Bell

Storyline

This is the story of Alan Freed. He was working as a DJ in Cleveland, Ohio, and he discovered how amazing R&B or Rhytym & Blues is, however, the music is considered to be "BLACK" music. So, most radio stations won't play it. However, Freed believed that it's the next wave, so he fights to have it played on the air. Eventually, he went into the big time - New York, and he decided to dub this music "ROCK & ROLL". Despite his success, he still had a lot of opposition and made deals with the wrong people, which would lead to his downfall.

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Plot Keywords:

cleveland ohio | ponytail | piano | apostrophe in title | model sail boat | 

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Taglines:

The story of rock 'n' roll and the people who changed music forever.

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Genres:

Biography | Drama

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

31 October 1999 (USA)

Also Known As:

Mr. Rock and Roll

Filming Locations:

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Company Credits

Production Co:

Von Zerneck Sertner Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

120 min 120 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

The actor playing Bill Haley is shown playing a guitar solo during "Rock Around the Clock", something the real Haley never did, at least not in 1957-58 when the sequence takes place.

User Reviews

If you grew up through Rock and Roll, you'll be tickled by this movie.

OK, so it is a TV movie. And it didn't cost 100 million to make. But there are several charming story lines throughout the movie, and you do get to re-live some of the songs and performances you loved as a teenager. The actors do passable impersonations of the real stars of yesteryear. Give it a look when it is broadcast, you'll not be disappointed!