American Hot Wax
“1959. New York City. The battleground was Rock and Roll. It was the beginning of an era. You shoulda been there.”
Synopsis
This is the story loosely based on Cleveland disc jockey Alan Freed, who introduced rock'n'roll to teenage American radio audiences in the 1950s. Freed was a source of great controversy: criticized by conservatives for corrupting youth with the "devil's music"; hated by racists for promoting African American music for white consumption; persecuted by law enforcement officials and finally brought down by the "payola" scandals.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
ABC promo American Hot Wax 1982
Type: Featurette • Published 2013-10-29
Top Cast
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Tim McIntire
Alan Freed
Fran Drescher
Sheryl
Jay Leno
Mookie
Laraine Newman
Teenage Louise
Carl Weaver
Member of The Chesterfields
Al Chalk
Member of The Chesterfields
Sam Harkness
Member of The Chesterfields
Arnold McCuller
Member of The Chesterfields
Jeff Altman
Lennie Richfield
Moosie Drier
Artie Moress
John Lehne
D.A. Coleman
Stewart Steinberg
Stone
Jack Edward Ellis
Phillips
Richard Forbes
Donahue
Stephen Pearlman
Peter Overmyer
Keene Curtis
Mr. Leonard
Pat McNamara
Gordie
Will Thornbury
Sid
Release History & Theatrical Window
March 17, 1978
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
Undisclosed
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
$11M
Total global ticket sales
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Floyd Mutrux
- Screenplay & Story
- John Kaye
- Original Title
- American Hot Wax
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English, Italian
- Runtime
- 1h 31m
- Worldwide Gross
- $11M
- Production Studios
- Paramount Pictures
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Floyd Mutrux
John Kaye
William A. Fraker
Ronald J. Fagan, Melvin Shapiro
Art Linson
Department Leadership Roster
Floyd Mutrux
Director
John Kaye
Screenplay
Art Linson
Producer
William A. Fraker
Director of Photography
Ronald J. Fagan
Editor
Melvin Shapiro
Editor
Robert De Mora
Costume Design
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
PG: Parental Guidance Suggested — May contain mild violence or suggestive material.
International Certification Matrix
Parental Guidance Suggested — May contain mild violence or suggestive material.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for American Hot Wax.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring American Hot Wax.
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Movies categorized under History
New Hollywood
Wikipedia's chronological list of films that are generally considered to be "New Hollywood" productions. 21/07/25
Plex List
music movies
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Frequently Asked Questions About American Hot Wax
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is American Hot Wax about?
This is the story loosely based on Cleveland disc jockey Alan Freed, who introduced rock'n'roll to teenage American radio audiences in the 1950s. Freed was a source of great controversy: criticized by conservatives for corrupting youth with the "devil's music"; hated by racists for promoting African American music for white consumption; persecuted by law enforcement officials and finally brought down by the "payola" scandals.
Who directed American Hot Wax?
American Hot Wax was directed by Floyd Mutrux.
Who stars in American Hot Wax?
The principal cast of American Hot Wax includes Tim McIntire, Fran Drescher, Jay Leno, Laraine Newman, Carl Weaver.
When was American Hot Wax released and how long is it?
American Hot Wax was released in 1978 with a total runtime of 1h 31m.
How much did American Hot Wax make at the box office?
American Hot Wax grossed $11M in worldwide ticket sales.
What is the age rating and content advisory for American Hot Wax?
American Hot Wax holds official age classifications: US: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested — May contain mild violence or suggestive material.).