The Idolmaker

PG

Released Nov 14, 1980

1h 59m

Musical

List

90%

10 Reviews

Tomatometer

85%

1,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

Music producer and songwriter Vincent Vacarri (Ray Sharkey) believes that it takes good looks, not talent, to become a teen idol in 1950s America. So when he discovers handsome-faced Tomaso (Paul Land), he sweet-talks him into losing his saxophone and instead becoming a singer. Soon after, Tomaso is transformed into the newest pop star -- Tommy Dee. But when Vacarri takes on a second protégé, Caesare (Peter Gallagher), the rivalry between the two egotistical performers spirals out of control.

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Gary O

A favorite going way back to its theatrical run, saw it twice in theaters, this movie never disappoints. If Peter Gallagher's performance of "However Dark the Night" does not stir you on some level then maybe you're just not stirrable! ;)

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/26/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Music producer and songwriter Vincent Vacarri played by Ray Sharkey believes that it takes good looks, not talent, to become a teen idol. Taking place in 1950s America he discovers handsome-faced Tomaso played by Paul Land and sweet-talks him into losing his saxophone and instead becoming a singer. Tomaso is then transformed into the newest pop star -- Tommy Dee. He's a heartthrob success. But when Vacarri takes on a second protégé, Caesare played by Peter Gallagher, the rivalry between the two egotistical performers spirals out of control. This is a classic example of old vs new/the fresh talent vs the even more fresher talent. Vaccarri is the one who makes dreams happen. The one who makes people into superstars. He's got the power and the influence but where does his loyalty lie? Deep down Vincent wants to be the star but doesn't have the talent or starpower. To be honest I am a stranger to these two leads Sharkey and Land, the only face I know in this cast is Gallagher. But the music is still very rocking from the 1950's era, Gallagher shines in one of his earliest roles, and it's a true example of shifting your abusive executive power from one person to another. Being very proud and insecure can pour onto others and a person's overreaching ambition can be too much to handle, we can pick up and start living again, we don't cut out the people we love, there's a fine line between being successful and wanting that success to be only yours Still, Sharkey should be commended for a performance such as this and since he's no longer around it's a treasure to be cherished for some time. 'Idolmaker' is a worthy watch for the actors, the music, and the face of the music industry succeeding or failing altogether

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

11/15/23

Full Review

Stephen C

Taylor Hackfords debut is a rich tribute to the teen idols of the early 60s before the Beatles landed and blew them all away. Ray Sharkey is excellent as the manager who will cut his own throat to make it in the music industry. Jeff Barry a Brill building expert provides the songs and Hackfords direction is sure and fleet of foot. Good fun

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

07/05/23

Full Review

Roger D

The late 50's and early 60's was a special time for the teen idols in America and England. While Elvis was in the army from 1958 till 1962 , there was an opportunity to come up with a new pop sensation, this film tells the story of a singer songwriter who understands what the teen audience was looking for. This film tells that story in a graphic way , while the films ending is a bit contrived , for the most part it's a gripping story with some fine acting that holds it together. And an original soundtrack that captures that time period.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/01/23

Full Review

jon c

For 2020: Music producer and songwriter Vincent Vacarri played by Ray Sharkey believes that it takes good looks, not talent, to become a teen idol. Taking place in 1950s America he discovers handsome-faced Tomaso played by Paul Land and sweet-talks him into losing his saxophone and instead becoming a singer. Tomaso is then transformed into the newest pop star -- Tommy Dee. He's a heartthrob success. But when Vacarri takes on a second protégé, Caesare played by Peter Gallagher, the rivalry between the two egotistical performers spirals out of control. This is a classic example of old vs new/the fresh talent vs the even more fresher talent. Vaccarri is the one who makes dreams happen. The one who makes people into superstars. He's got the power and the influence but where does his loyalty lie? Deep down Vincent wants to be the star but doesn't have the talent or starpower. To be honest I am a stranger to these two leads Sharkey and Land, the only face I know in this cast is Gallagher. But the music is still very rocking from the 1950's era, Gallagher shines in one of his earliest roles, and it's a true example of shifting your abusive executive power from one person to another. Being very proud and insecure can pour onto others and a person's overreaching ambition can be too much to handle, we can pick up and start living again, we don't cut out the people we love, there's a fine line between being successful and wanting that success to be only yours Still, Sharkey should be commended for a performance such as this and since he's no longer around it's a treasure to be cherished for some time. 'Idolmaker' is a worthy watch for the actors, the music, and the face of the music industry succeeding or failing altogether

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Fabulous! Bergman at her finest! A stellar performance!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/11/23

Full Review

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Taylor Hackford

Director

Ray Sharkey

Vinnie Vacarri

Tovah Feldshuh

Brenda Roberts

Peter Gallagher

Caesare

Paul Land

Tommy Dee

Joe Pantoliano

Gino Pilato

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Joseph Gelmis

Newsday

There's no one with whom to sympathize and there's no accumulation of honest emotion by film's end. Nonetheless, in the style of a live-action comic book, The Idolmaker is colorful and brash and vulgar entertainment much of the time.

Rated: 2.5/4

Oct 10, 2023

Full Review

Noel Murray

The Dissolve

The movie's two main aims -- to blow the lid off the music business and to exalt some of the unsung heroes of American pop culture -- are somewhat contradictory, and haven't been worked into a polished narrative.

Rated: 3/5

Aug 27, 2013

Full Review

Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

At the core of The Idolmaker, making it a better film than it might otherwise have been, is the hungry, lonely ego of the movie's hero, Vince Vacarri.

Rated: 3/4

Oct 23, 2004

Full Review

Lawrence O'Toole

Maclean's Magazine

Part of the reason why The Idolmaker is as compelling as it is comes from Ray Sharkey's performance as Vinnie.

Jul 19, 2019

Full Review

Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Taylor Hackford showed his skills as a commercial director with his very first picture.

Rated: B-

Jul 31, 2011

Full Review

Film Threat

Rated: 4/5

Dec 6, 2005

Full Review

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Synopsis

Music producer and songwriter Vincent Vacarri (Ray Sharkey) believes that it takes good looks, not talent, to become a teen idol in 1950s America. So when he discovers handsome-faced Tomaso (Paul Land), he sweet-talks him into losing his saxophone and instead becoming a singer. Soon after, Tomaso is transformed into the newest pop star -- Tommy Dee. But when Vacarri takes on a second protégé, Caesare (Peter Gallagher), the rivalry between the two egotistical performers spirals out of control.

Director: Taylor Hackford
Distributor: United Artists
Rating: PG
Genre: Musical
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 14, 1980, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 14, 2018
Runtime: 1h 59m
Sound Mix: Surround