Deadman's Curve

Deadman's Curve is a 1978 American made-for-television biographical film based on the musical careers of Jan Berry and Dean Torrence. The film was developed from a 1974 article published in Rolling Stone by Paul Morantz, who also helped write the screenplay.[1]

For other uses, see Dead Man's Curve (disambiguation).
Deadman's Curve
GenreBiography
Drama
Based onmagazine article by Paul Morantz
Written byDalene Young
Directed byRichard Compton
StarringRichard Hatch
Bruce Davison
Wolfman Jack
Susan Sullivan
Dick Clark
Jan Berry
Theme music composerFred Karlin
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
Production
Executive producersRoger Gimbel
Tony Converse
ProducersPat Rooney
Jacob Zilberg (associate producer)
Production locationsTiny Naylor's Drive-In, La Brea Avenue & Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, Los Angeles, California
Villa Alámbra - 1966 Outpost Circle, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California
CinematographyWilliam Cronjager
EditorAaron Stell
Running time100 min
Production companiesRoger Gimbel Productions
EMI Television
Release
Original networkCBS
Original releaseFebruary 3, 1978 (1978-02-03)

Plot

As Jan and Dean rise to the top of the music industry, a horrible car accident leaves Jan incapacitated and their dreams shattered. With the help of Dean and others, Jan slowly recovers, learning again to walk and talk. A comeback to the music industry is seen as a slim chance, but with Jan willing to try, and with Dean right by his side, the duo aim for another shot.

Cast

Dick Clark and Beach Boys Mike Love and Bruce Johnston make cameo appearances, and Berry himself and his parents appear in the audience at the end of the movie.

Production

In May 1977 CBS announced they would make the film.[2]

"Doing the film was a chance to let the world know there was a reason Jan was no longer making records," said Dean. "He had gotten tired of hearing 'I thought you'd just retired from the business and faded into obscurity'."[3]

The film ends with Jan and Dean singing again triumphantly after the audience boos at them for lip synching. In reality, they attempted to perform in 1972 but were booed for lip synching. They did perform again in 1974. The film makes it seem like this happened on the same night.[4]

Reception

The Los Angeles Times called it "shallow entertainment".[5] The New York Times said the film was made "efficiently, if not imaginatively" with an "outstanding" performance from Davison.[6]

Paul Mavis, of Drunk TV, reviewing Deadman's Curve after the death of Richard Hatch, wrote that although the made-for-TV movie skipped quite a few facts, and did little with Dean Torrence's character, the Jan & Dean music was still there, along with Richard Hatch's fine performance: "Cocky and exuberant at first, and then cold, sneering and manipulative as a domineering rock star, Hatch surprised me with the nasty edge he summoned up.... It’s a beautiful turn by Hatch in the classic biopic form: confidence, talent, and drive lead to success, but the ego needed to climb to the top proves to be an Achilles heel, leading to abuse of friends, loved ones, and self, and then to the inexorable downfall, before a painful but enlightening personal redemption."[7]

Ratings

The movie was the 40th highest rating show of the week.[8]

All songs featured are the original recordings, except where indicated

Jan and Dean's latter-day back-up band, Papa Doo Run Run (featuring Dean Torrence), went into the studio to record some additional songs for the soundtrack. Songs included "Pipeline," "Wipe Out," "I Only Have Eyes for You," "Get a Job", "A Teenager in Love," and "One Summer Night", all of which can be heard playing in the background as incidental music.

Release history

"Deadman's Curve: The Jan and Dean Story" was released on VHS Format by Interglobal Home Video.[9]

References
  1. Morrantz, Paul (12 Sep 1974). "The Road Back from Dead Man's Curve". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 31 July 2011.
  2. AN UNHAPPY SECOND: Lean, Hungry Look at CBS Margulies, Lee. Los Angeles Times 27 May 1977: g35.
  3. Tempo TV & Radio: Rock stars Jan & Dean try to put the pieces back together again Beck, Andee. Chicago Tribune 27 Jan 1978: a10.
  4. Tempo TV & Radio: CBS throws viewers a curve with its version of the Jan & Dean story Deeb, Gary. Chicago Tribune 2 Feb 1978: a10
  5. Previewing Three TV Movies: 'Deadman's Curve' on CBS Los Angeles Times 3 Feb 1978: e19.
  6. TV WEEKEND By JOHN J. O'CONNOR. New York Times 3 Feb 1978: C22.
  7. "'Deadman's Curve: The Story of Jan and Dean' (1978): A true rock tragedy". 18 June 2017.
  8. Boxful of Ratings for ABC Anniversary Present Los Angeles Times 8 Feb 1978: f7.
  9. "'Deadman's Curve: The Story of Jan and Dean' (1978): A true rock tragedy". 18 June 2017.
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