The Idolmaker

The Idolmaker
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	Taylor Hackford
Produced by	Gene Kirkwood and Howard W. Koch Jr.
Written by	Edward di Lorenzo
Starring	Ray Sharkey Peter Gallagher Joe Pantoliano Tovah Feldshuh
Music by	Jeff Barry
Cinematography	Adam Holender, A.S.C
Edited by	Neil Travis
Distributed by	United Artists
Release date	November 14, 1980 (1980-11-14)
Running time	117 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English

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 (Miami Vice series). It was the feature film debut for Peter Gallagher, Joe Pantoliano, and Paul Land.

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 saxaphone 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.

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.