The Idolmaker

Taylor Hackford's 1980 feature film debut, which put the late Ray Sharkey on the map, is a music biz saga that draws from the biography of Philadelphia talent manager Bob Marcucci (who managed Fabian and Frankie Avalon), following Sharkey's Vinnie from the boroughs to the big time. In 1959, the 27-year-old waits tables and writes lyrics with Gino (Joe Pantoliano), who composes the music. Although Vinnie's mother (Olympia Dukakis) believes in her son's talent, she wonders whether time has already passed him by—although he insists that a dark-haired singer who makes girls swoon could have a hit with his songs. Towards that end, Vinnie convinces saxophone player Tommy (Paul Land) to record a track, after which Vinnie borrows money from his dad (Steven Peck), presses a single, and scores a regional hit. Seeking national exposure, Vinnie persuades teen magazine editor Brenda (Tovah Feldshuh) to put Tommy on the cover (which leads to television and tours), but Vinnie's father warns that Tommy could walk without a contract, so Vinnie grooms shy busboy Caesare (Peter Gallagher) to become his next idol (Maureen McCormick plays Caesare's most ardent fan). To Tommy's chagrin, Caesare hits the same heights, which causes Vinnie to keep a tighter rein on Caesare. But as Vinnie becomes more controlling, the stars become harder to handle, until something has to give. Bowing on Blu-ray, extras include audio commentary by Hackford. Recommended. (K. Fennessy)