An Affair of the Heart

Now 63 years old, Rick Springfield might have enjoyed his biggest hits, such as "Jessie's Girl," in the 1980s, but his devoted fans have continued to sustain his career. In the ‘90s, Springfield would return to live performing, and some diehards travel thousands of miles to see him. Director Sylvia Caminer profiles a few of Springfield's most ardent admirers, with former MTV VJ Mark Goodman and actor Corey Feldman speaking to the musician's past. To Goodman, Springfield was a "dick" and a "lightweight," who has only gotten better and more humble with age. As with the legion of Deadheads who have congregated around the Grateful Dead, Springfield's shows have spawned both friendships and romances. Suburban stay-at-home moms JoAnn and Sue welcome the chance to leave their cares behind for the occasional "Rick fix." In their case, that translates to 10 shows a year, including Springfield's annual cruise to the Bahamas. Fourteen-year-old guitar player Dustin has been a fan since he was a tyke, a bond he shares with his single dad, Jeff. And Steve proposed to his wife onstage at a show. Other interviewees talk about the comfort they received from Springfield's music while recovering from sexual assault or cardiac surgery (in Laurie's case, her "pity party" over her medical woes lasted for 24 years). There's also a dark side, however, since Rick addiction has put a strain on at least one marriage. An engaging profile of an ‘80s pop star, this is recommended. (K. Fennessy)