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Don't Turn Your Back on Friday Night poster
IMDb20251h 43m

Don't Turn Your Back on Friday Night

Synopsis

Meet former gravedigger and doorman Ike Reilly. At 40 years old he landed a major label recording contract and in true rock and roll fashion he bought his family a dream home. He took his band out on the road where they became what The New York Times called "one of the best live bands in America." Despite 9 albums, a cult following and immense critical acclaim Reilly has failed to achieve commercial success. Academy Award winning director James Marsh says, "Ike's stuff sounds like it should be enormously successful and it just isn't and I have no idea why." Exploring Ike's career, the film culls over 40 years of footage masterfully weaving in songs that reveal a complicated and formidable artist with an incredibly charismatic family. Struggling with booze and in the face of foreclosure, Ike finds redemption in music, art and family as his 3 sons begin performing with his band.

Release History & Theatrical Window

World Premiere

Oak Park IL Film Festival

Festival / Special Debut

Digital Streaming Debut

August 27, 2024

VOD & Digital Platforms

Key Information & Fast Facts

Director
Michael O'Brien, Mike Schmiedeler
Original Title
Don't Turn Your Back on Friday Night
Spoken Languages
English
Runtime
1h 43m

Creative Leadership & Key Crew

Director

Michael O'Brien, Mike Schmiedeler

Department Leadership Roster

Michael O'Brien

Director

Mike Schmiedeler

Director

Official cinematic photography and background stills for Don't Turn Your Back on Friday Night.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Don't Turn Your Back on Friday Night

Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.

What is Don't Turn Your Back on Friday Night about?

Meet former gravedigger and doorman Ike Reilly. At 40 years old he landed a major label recording contract and in true rock and roll fashion he bought his family a dream home. He took his band out on the road where they became what The New York Times called "one of the best live bands in America." Despite 9 albums, a cult following and immense critical acclaim Reilly has failed to achieve commercial success. Academy Award winning director James Marsh says, "Ike's stuff sounds like it should be enormously successful and it just isn't and I have no idea why." Exploring Ike's career, the film culls over 40 years of footage masterfully weaving in songs that reveal a complicated and formidable artist with an incredibly charismatic family. Struggling with booze and in the face of foreclosure, Ike finds redemption in music, art and family as his 3 sons begin performing with his band.

Who directed Don't Turn Your Back on Friday Night?

Don't Turn Your Back on Friday Night was directed by Michael O'Brien, Mike Schmiedeler.

Who stars in Don't Turn Your Back on Friday Night?

The principal cast of Don't Turn Your Back on Friday Night includes Ike Reilly, Tom Morello, David Pasquesi.

When was Don't Turn Your Back on Friday Night released and how long is it?

Don't Turn Your Back on Friday Night was released in 2025 with a total runtime of 1h 43m.