American Hot Wax (1978)

Very best movie i ever watch

Undescribable Perfection

Funny, strange, confrontational and subversive, this is one of the most interesting experiences you'll have at the cinema this year.

Although I seem to have had higher expectations than I thought, the movie is super entertaining.

American HOT WAX. Is a very beautifully nostalgia look at the 1950's. And its a fond look at Alan Freed the DJ who first coined the term Rock and Roll. To describe the new music that the kids were listening to. And the tag line was very true there was a war being fought and the battle lines were drawn on Rock and Roll.On one side the parents the authorities. On the other side the Teenagers a newly coined term for kids between 13 and 18.They were looking for something to give them a a indenity. something to help define them. Alongside them were the Rock and Roll singers themselves just struggling to find a voice and along them were men like Alan Freed who loved them for what they wee doing. Freed dragged Rock and Roll out of the dirty musty shadows. He brought it into the light and He didn't try to change it . He just wanted it to be played. Freed for all of his efforts was a hunted man. The authorities wanted him on every charge they could think of.And they finally got it in the form of payola. In which highly influential DJs were given money to play certain records and push them up to number one. Not very ethical. but in a industry still struggling to come to terms with itself. And no set rules What could it hurt they figured. but it did hurt them and effectively shut Freed down as a result Freed began drinking harder and died at the age of 42. He never survived the 60's and never lived long enough to see his creation become widely accepted and a major force for change. I think Alan Freed would have been proud.American Hot Wax tells the story of Freed struggling to put on the rock and roll show of 1959. the authorities want to shut it down and shut him down. And Freed well he wants it to go on. With the kids at his side and Rock and roll stars backing them up. Freed is determined to put the show on. A compassionate look at a man whose life was hectic and chaotic. Who still had time for his fans. And A man who still had the power to make a few dreams come true for some . A fond look at what was. And one of the best Rock and Roll movies ever made.

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.

I saw this movie when released in the cinema chains and enjoyed. The plot line, although a bit fairy tale in concept, was supported by a great musical score and personal appearances such as Jerry Lee Lewis. An example is Chuck Berry, who told when he was not going to get paid said words to the effect that he would do it for the love of rock 'n' roll!The soundtrack was released on vinyl but sadly, like so many other rock 'n' roll movies including but not limited to 'The Girl Can't Help It' this film has yet to be issued in DVD disc format.The film companies, by their apathy, are denying movie musical historians access to legendary, and not so legendary, performances of the music that swept the past away like an avalanche. They are also opening the market place up to bootleggers, not a good practice.