FM

Set in the burgeoning age of rock 'n roll, FM (1978) is a comedy-drama that encapsulates the vibrant, rebellious spirit of the late '70s. Michael Brandon, Eileen Brennan, and Alex Karras lead a talented ensemble cast, each bringing their unique charm to this engaging exploration of music radio.

Directed by John A. Alonzo and produced by Daniel H. Blatt, FM captures a transformative era in music through the lens of a popular Los Angeles radio station. Michael Brandon plays Jeff Dugan, the station’s free-wheeling, non-conformist Program Director. Already a well-loved figure in the industry for his work in Lovers and Other Strangers, Brandon brings a charismatic blend of charm and anti-establishment angst to the role. His performance perfectly reflects the spirit of the times - adventurous, rebellious, and exhilarating.

Eileen Brennan as Mother, a late-night DJ on the station, stands out with a warm and engaging performance that underlines the eccentricities of her character. Brennan's sparkling portrayal is memorable - viewing life through a humorous and caring lens while thriving under the call letters of Q-SKY.

Ex-professional football player turned actor, Alex Karras, portrays the charming Doc Holiday, a character whose easy-going persona belies a deeper complexity. Karras brings a rough exterior tenderness to this role, softly invoking the silent heroism of a simpler time.

The film centers around the Q-SKY radio station, a fictional broadcasting hub that attracts an eclectic mix of disc jockeys and staff. The powerhouse team members are buoyantly portrayed by a sparkling ensemble cast, including the likes of Cassie Yates, Cleavon Little, and Martin Mull, who underscore the humanity of the radio station as more than just a transmitter of rock 'n' roll.

FM celebrates the iconic musicians of the era, bolstering the soundtrack with legendary artists such as Linda Ronstadt, Jimmy Buffett, The Eagles, Tom Petty, Queen, and Steely Dan. This reverence for the music industry conveys the central theme of the film - the influential power of rock 'n' roll and its capability to unite people in compelling, meaningful ways.

The movie begins to find its rhythm as a conflict disrupts the jovial atmosphere of the station. The corporate overseers want to incorporate more commercial advertising, a move that clashes with the station's commitment to unfiltered, meaningful music. This struggle between commercial interests and artistic integrity forms the crux of FM's narrative, with the radio station, a symbol of resistance, refusing to sell out.

As the tension mounts, the skirmishes present a fascinating portrayal of the trials faced by the music industry in the late '70s. The directorial prowess of cinematographer John A. Alonzo stewardships this narrative expertly, drawing equally on his expertise in captivating visual storytelling (Chinatown, Scarface) and his knack for portraying character-driven tales.

While the conflict between business and creative expression takes center stage, FM’s subtle acknowledgment that both these worlds must inevitably collide is insightful. Scriptwriter Ezra Sacks' narrative does not shy away from portraying the harsh realities of commercial influence, but it also champions the resiliency, spirit, and magnetic power of music.

Beyond simply being a film about music, FM explores deeper themes of individualism, accountability, and the struggle between art and commerce. However, what truly sticks with audiences is the passion and warmth that the characters exude for their profession, a passion driven by love for their listeners and the music they play.

The film is laced with its era's energy, offering an authentic snapshot of what rock 'n' roll meant to its listeners, becoming an anthem for an entire generation. If you’re a fan of 70s rock music or nostalgic for a time when radio stations were more than just commercial machines, FM creates a vivid, resonant, and celebratory cinematic experience.

Rich character development, a compelling storyline, fantastic music, and the talented ensemble cast make FM a film that stands the test of time. It's a tribute to the power of music, capturing the quintessential representation of late 1970s popular culture. Today, more than four decades after its release, FM offers a timeless exploration of the struggle between commercial demands and the pursuit of creative integrity. It's a trip down memory lane, back to a time when the DJ's voice crackling over the radio was the signal of liberation for many, and rock music was the anthem of a generation.