The Idolmaker

The Idolmaker is a 1980 American musical drama starring Ray Sharkey, Peter Gallagher, Paul Land, Tovah Feldshuh and Joe Pantoliano.

The film is based on the life of rock promoter and manager Bob Marcucci, who discovered and promoted several rock 'n' roll stars including Frankie Avalon and Fabian. Bob Marucci served as a technical advisor for the production. It was directed by Taylor Hackford and written by Edward di Lorenzo. It was the feature film debut for Peter Gallagher, Joe Pantoliano, and Paul Land.

Plot
Ray Sharkey plays Vincent Vacari, a songwriter and entertainment manager, driven by his desire to discover the next big act. After watching a local band play, Vacari approaches the talented saxophone player, Tomaso DeLorusso (Paul Land), convincing him to trade his instrument for a microphone. After some months under the guidance of Vacari, the newly named "Tommy Dee" becomes a rock 'n' roll sensation.

Moving forward from his success with Tommy Dee, Vacari prepares another act in the form of Guido (Peter Gallagher), a local teen who had been working as a busboy. With even more gusto and single-mindedness, Vacari embarks on a destructive journey to control every aspect of his new act's image.

Despite his obvious flair for making idols, Vacari's girlfriend, Brenda (Tovah Feldshuh), is concerned that his obsession is destroying everyone around him, including himself.

Cast

 * Ray Sharkey as Vincent 'Vinnie' Vacarri
 * Peter Gallagher as Guido/Caesare
 * Tovah Feldshuh as	Brenda Roberts
 * Joe Pantoliano as Gino "G.G." Pilato
 * Paul Land as Tomaso 'Tommy Dee' DeLorusso
 * Maureen McCormick as Ellen Fields
 * Olympia Dukakis as Mrs. Vacarri
 * John Aprea as Pani Vacarri

Production
Marcucci approached producer Gene Kirkwood with the idea for the film. In the original script, the singers were more sympathetic and the producer less so.

Soundtrack
The film features an original music score by Jeff Barry and choreography by Deney Terrio. Music Supervisor: Richard Flanzer


 * Track listing for the soundtrack
 * 1) "Here Is My Love" (Jesse Frederick)
 * 2) "Ooo-Wee Baby" (Darlene Love)
 * 3) "Come and Get It" (Nino Tempo)
 * 4) "Sweet Little Lover" (Jesse Frederick)
 * 5) "I Can't Tell" (Colleen Fitzpatrick)
 * 6) "However Dark the Night" (Peter Gallagher)
 * 7) "Baby" (Peter Gallagher)
 * 8) "I Know Where You're Going" (Nino Tempo)
 * 9) "A Boy and a Girl" (The Sweet Inspiration and The London Fog)
 * 10) "I Believe It Can Be Done" (Ray Sharkey)
 * 11) "I Believe It Can Be Done" Instrumental (Nino Tempo)

Home media
On August 27, 2013, Shout! Factory released The Idolmaker on Blu-ray.

On July 23, 2013, the soundtrack album was finally issued on CD by Varese Sarabande Records.