IMDb RATING
6.9/10
1.4K
YOUR RATING
The story of Alan Freed, the pioneering disc jockey who was instrumental in introducing and popularizing rock 'n' roll in the 1950s.The story of Alan Freed, the pioneering disc jockey who was instrumental in introducing and popularizing rock 'n' roll in the 1950s.The story of Alan Freed, the pioneering disc jockey who was instrumental in introducing and popularizing rock 'n' roll in the 1950s.
Carl Weaver
- Member of The Chesterfields
- (as Carl Earl Weaver)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaDuring a television interview at the time just after this movie was released, Chuck Berry said he handled his own wardrobe, and it was all authentic. He still had an entire closet full of the suits he wore while touring during the time frame portrayed in the movie, so what he wears in the movie is what he wore on stage during the 1950s.
- GoofsBuddy Holly's birthday (7 September) fell on Labor Day in 1959, so Artie would have had the day off from school anyway.
- Quotes
[last lines]
Alan Freed: You can stop me, but you're never gonna stop rock and roll!
- Crazy creditsThe closing credits role over a black and white still photo of the real Alan Freed at a radio microphone.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Hollywood Rocks the Movies: The 1970s (2002)
Featured review
Unrecognized Rock & Roll Movie Classic
At the time this movie came out (1978) America was having its 20 year later nostalgia craze for the 1950s and it's music. "Happy Days" and "LaVerne And Shirley" were on TV and songs from the 50s were being remade and heard again. What great timing for this movie! The greatest thing about this movie, of course, are the musical performances. Instead of hiring all soundalikes from central casting, they actually brought back musicians and singers from the 1950s to sing their hits. Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry, Screamin' Jay Hawkins, Frankie Ford and others are on hand to show you what made them great. Of course, this was 20 years after Alan Freed's shows played and the performers do look a little worse for the wear, but their music more than makes up for it. Tin McIntire was fantastic as Alan Freed, a young Jay Leno as Mookie was adequate as was an also young Fran Drescher as Sheryl. Laraine Newman shines as a sort of Carole King character, writing songs for others. Why isnt this movie more popular than it is? Maybe because it's not on video? If you see this on TV some night, be sure to watch it and see the magical early days of Rock and Roll.
helpful•220
- Schlockmeister
- Oct 6, 2000
- How long is American Hot Wax?Powered by Alexa
Details
Box office
- Gross US & Canada
- $7,932,571
- Gross worldwide
- $7,932,571
- Runtime1 hour 31 minutes
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content