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57% Critic Match
American Hot Wax
“1959. New York City. The battleground was Rock and Roll. It was the beginning of an era. You shoulda been there.”
5.7 / 10• 1978• 1h 31m•PG• English
DramaHistoryMusic
Storyline
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 & Crew
Tim McIntire
Alan Freed
Lead
Fran Drescher
Sheryl
Jay Leno
Mookie
Laraine Newman
Teenage Louise
CW
Carl Weaver
Member of The Chesterfields
Al Chalk
Member of The Chesterfields
SH
Sam Harkness
Member of The Chesterfields
Arnold McCuller
Member of The Chesterfields
What People Are Saying
3.0
“A staggering achievement of craft and ambition. Floyd Mutrux's vision lands with breathtaking precision.”
3.0
“Every frame feels alive. American Hot Wax is the rare release that takes its audience seriously.”
