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Cast
Tim McIntire
as Alan Freed
Fran Drescher
as Sheryl
Jay Leno
as Mookie
Laraine Newman
as Teenage Louise
Carl Weaver
as Member of The Chesterfields
Al Chalk
as Member of The Chesterfields
Sam Harkness
as Member of The Chesterfields
Arnold McCuller
as Member of The Chesterfields
Jeff Altman
as Lennie Richfield
Moosie Drier
as Artie Moress
Movie Info & Details
Release Year1978
Runtime1h 31m
LanguageEnglish
CertificationPG
GenresDrama, History, Music
Votes20
DirectorFloyd Mutrux
WritersJohn Kaye
TypeFeature Film
Rating5.7 out of 10
Cast10 credited
Also Known AsAmerican Hot Wax
About American Hot Wax
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.
Directed by Floyd Mutrux, American Hot Wax leans on a strong ensemble — Tim McIntire, Fran Drescher, Jay Leno — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.
The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 1978.
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