American Hot Wax (1978)

I first saw this movie in theaters when I was 9 years old, and because I was so totally blown away by the entire production, especially Tim McIntire's portrayal of Alan Freed, that I ended-up falling in love with, not only the movie, but the entire genre of Rock n' Roll music of the mid 50's-early 60's, and I still feel the same way today. After I eventually found an 8 track tape to the soundtrack of American Hot Wax in 78', which included all the great artists and groups, performing the great music featured in the movie. I played that tape, over-and-over again until I wore it out. Or, until 8 track tapes eventually became obsolete a few years later, I can't remember which. The only reason this movie doesn't receive a 10 from me, is that it takes some dramatic liberties with the actual dates and locations of some important events of the time the movie is suppose to be representing. Like the year that Buddy Holly died, {Spoiler Alert} and the location of the theater where the movies climatic Rock n' Roll show actually took place(hint:it was actually in Boston not Brooklyn, NY) which led to Alan Freed being charged with inciting a riot, and eventually caused him to declare bankruptcy. Yet, despite these rather obvious factual errors to anyone who knows their Rock n' Roll history, American Hot Wax is as fun and exciting as any Rock n' Roll musical that's ever been produced, without having any of the characters dance and sing directly to an audience, that characters would never do unless they knew they were in a movie. While it's difficult to know for sure why a terrific movie like American Hot Wax had such dismal box office returns, and has been kind of forgotten about over the years. Fortunately, for me, I was able to watch the movie in a theater when it was initially released, and was such a wonderful amazingly joyous experience that I never forgot the moment, or the movie, which is one of several reasons American Hot Wax still remains one of my all time favorite little known gems today.

What a great character study where the music itself plays an essential role.We are treated to several scenes where the creative process of producing a rock and roll classic is depicted. Sure, they take a few liberties with history, but the essence of the music and the era is so true to life. Casting a recording studio veteran (Richard Perry) as the producer who finally coaxes "Come and Go With Me" out of an inexperienced group of singers was film-making genius.Lorraine Newman as Teenage Louise was an obvious recognition of the accomplishments of Carole King.Including performances by Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis and Screamin' Jay Hawkins added an air of authenticity to the climatic concert in Brooklyn.Tim McIntire's performance as Alan Freed captured the pioneer disc jockey's habit of tapping the beat of the songs with a pencil in the broadcast booth.The singers portraying The Chesterfields make another appearance in Floyd Mutrux's 1980 comedy riot "The Hollywood Knights" along with Fran Drescher and Moosie Drier. And lets not forget a very young Jay Leno as Mookie, Alan Freed's driver.A wonderful film that deserves a legitimate DVD release with all the extras. Let's solve those music royalty issues and get this movie out to the public.

American Hot Wax is GREASE for grown ups.... well grown ups of 1978 anyway. Reminiscent of American Graffitti and with the GREASE phenomenon a-rockin and a- rollin in theaters all thru 1978 and 79 an 80, American HOT WAX gave us a condensed version of the heady days of 20 years prior.....as opposed to this film 30 years ago now in 2008... which seems incredible in itself. I like this film a lot for its energy and re creation of the time and especially the concert at what is supposed to be the Brooklyn Paramount. Yes swarthy Tim MacIntyre is miscast as the tall genteel looking Alan Freed and it is astonishing to see Fran Drescher and Jay Leno as two of the most obnoxious (read: wacky/funny/loud) cliché Italian characters in support, always bickering and carrying on yelling across other people in some badly directed attempt to ensure we are amused at the boisterousness of every scene.... but where the film is terrific is simply in presenting the music whether performed on screen or on the soundtrack. I particularly like the 'Won't you let me take you on a city cruise' number. There are equally parts irritating (now) and entertaining and the climax is both overemotional and wild, but overall, the film is a strong attempt to give us a sense of 1959 new York and the beast unleashed called Rock and Roll. I clearly recall seeing the fantastic and startling trailer in 1978 at another cinema before COMA and the audience were electrified from those 2 minutes in a far greater way than the 2 hours of the thriller we came to see that night.... at Sydney's gorgeous long lost Paramount Theatre too.

I have seen this movie and think it is absolutely brilliant, not only the movie but the casting as well, Tim McIntire for example played the part so realistically , my children grew up with this as well as movies like streets of fire, Eddie and the cruisers one and two as you can no doubt tell i am a music story buff , unfortunately i longer have a copy so if anyone knows if or when i can get this movie please let me know ,,,, a lot of Aussies i speak to say the same thing about this movie and others like it so keep making them for all us oldies but softies, rock and roll is here to stay it will never die , as sung in American Hot Wax the best movie of all time in my eyes thanks and enjoy