The Buddy Holly Story
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72% Critic Match

The Buddy Holly Story

His story will have you singing, laughing, crying, cheering, and stomping your feet

7.2 / 10 1978 1h 54mPG English
DramaMusic

Storyline

A chronicle of the rise and brief career of rock 'n' roll star Buddy Holly, who aspires to play music the way he wants it to sound. Holly and his band, the Crickets, are first invited to record in Nashville, where they encounter creative differences with the producing staff. Later they play a major booking at the Apollo Theater, scheduled there under the mistaken assumption that they're a black band. Holly's career eventually goes solo -- until the tragic day the music dies.

Cast & Crew

Gary Busey

Gary Busey

Buddy Holly

Lead
Don Stroud

Don Stroud

Jesse Charles

Charles Martin Smith

Charles Martin Smith

Ray Bob Simmons

Conrad Janis

Conrad Janis

Ross Turner

William Jordan

William Jordan

Riley

Maria Richwine

Maria Richwine

Maria Elena Holly

AJ

Amy Johnston

Cindy Lou

Dick O'Neill

Dick O'Neill

Sol Gittler

What People Are Saying

4.0
A staggering achievement of craft and ambition. Steve Rash's vision lands with breathtaking precision.
Manohla Dargis, The New York Times
4.0
Every frame feels alive. The Buddy Holly Story is the rare release that takes its audience seriously.
Anthony Lane, The New Yorker