American Hot Wax (1978)

5.8/10 • 91 min • Drama History Music

Overview

This is the story loosely based on Cleveland disc jockey Alan Freed, who introduced rock'n'roll to teenage American radio audiences in the 1950s. Freed was a source of great controversy: criticized by conservatives for corrupting youth with the "devil's music"; hated by racists for promoting African American music for white consumption; persecuted by law enforcement officials and finally brought down by the "payola" scandals.

Cast

Tim McIntire

Alan Freed

Fran Drescher

Sheryl

Jay Leno

Mookie

Laraine Newman

Teenage Louise

Al Chalk

Member of The Chesterfields

Arnold McCuller

Member of The Chesterfields

Jeff Altman

Lennie Richfield

Moosie Drier

Artie Moress

John Lehne

D.A. Coleman

Stewart Steinberg

Stone

Stephen Pearlman

Peter Overmyer

Keene Curtis

Mr. Leonard

Pat McNamara

Gordie

Hamilton Camp

Louie Morgan

Chuck Berry

Self

Recommendations

Respect
Elvis
Taking Sides
Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody
A Complete Unknown
Beyond the Sea
Teen Spirit
Bob Marley: One Love
I Saw the Light
King Creole
Back to Black
Dreamgirls
Elvis
Janie Jones
Eight Men Out
Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere
Thirty Two Short Films About Glenn Gould
Jersey Boys
Great Balls of Fire!
Mr. Turner