Buddy Holly Story The (1978)

This above average if fictionalized biopic earned Gary Busey (in the title role) his only Oscar recognition (to date) a Best Actor nomination. Joe Renzetti (who appears as a violinist) who received his only Academy recognition (so far) won the Oscar for his Score; he adapted Holly’s terrific leading edge (at the time) Rock n’ Roll music. The film’s Sound also received a nomination; it was also the directorial debut for Steve Rash. Don Stroud and Charles Martin Smith play Jesse Charles & Ray Bob Simmons (respectively) the other members of Holly’s original band the Crickets. Conrad Janis plays Ross Turner the record producer who first “discovers” the band; Maria Richwine plays Turner’s secretary Maria Elena who later becomes Holly’s wife. Gloria Irizarry plays Maria’s protective Aunt Mrs. Santiago. TV’s Fred Travalena plays Madman Mancuso a radio disc jockey who plays one of Holly’s songs continuously until he’s taken off the air forcibly. Several amusing scenes come out of Holly’s sound being classified as “jungle music” and he & his band being thought (sight unseen) to be Negroes because of it.

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