

“1959. New York City. The battleground was Rock and Roll. It was the beginning of an era. You shoulda been there.”
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.

Tim McIntire
Alan Freed
Lead
Fran Drescher
Sheryl

Jay Leno
Mookie

Laraine Newman
Teenage Louise
Carl Weaver
Member of The Chesterfields

Al Chalk
Member of The Chesterfields
Sam Harkness
Member of The Chesterfields

Arnold McCuller
Member of The Chesterfields
“A staggering achievement of craft and ambition. Floyd Mutrux's vision lands with breathtaking precision.”
“Every frame feels alive. American Hot Wax is the rare release that takes its audience seriously.”