Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube
    Nostalgia Central
    • Home
    • Blog
      • Lists
      • Playlists
    • Television
      • Shows by Decade
        • 1950s Television
        • 1960s Television
        • 1970s Television
        • 1980s Television
        • 1990s Television
      • Shows by Genre
        • Comedy
        • Drama
        • Kids TV
        • Variety
        • News & Sport
        • Advertisements
      • Shows by Country
        • UK TV
        • USA TV
        • Australia & NZ TV
        • Canada TV
        • Europe TV
        • Japan TV
      • Shows A to K
        • Shows A
        • Shows B
        • Shows C
        • Shows D
        • Shows E
        • Shows F
        • Shows G
        • Shows H
        • Shows I
        • Shows J
        • Shows K
      • Shows L to Z
        • Shows L
        • Shows M
        • Shows N
        • Shows O
        • Shows P
        • Shows Q
        • Shows R
        • Shows S
        • Shows T
        • Shows U
        • Shows V
        • Shows W
        • Shows X
        • Shows Y
        • Shows Z
      • Shows 0 to 9
    • Music
      • Music by Decade
        • 1950s Music
        • 1960s Music
        • 1970s Music
        • 1980s Music
        • 1990s Music
      • Music A to K
        • Music A
        • Music B
        • Music C
        • Music D
        • Music E
        • Music F
        • Music G
        • Music H
        • Music I
        • Music J
        • Music K
      • Music L to Z
        • Music L
        • Music M
        • Music N
        • Music O
        • Music P
        • Music Q
        • Music R
        • Music S
        • Music T
        • Music U
        • Music V
        • Music W
        • Music X
        • Music Y
        • Music Z
      • Music 0 to 9
      • Genres
      • Music on Film & TV
      • One-Hit Wonders
      • Online Radio
    • Movies
      • Movies by Decade
        • 1950s Movies
        • 1960s Movies
        • 1970s Movies
        • 1980s Movies
        • 1990s Movies
      • Movies by Country
        • UK Movies
        • USA Movies
        • Australia & NZ Movies
        • Canada Movies
        • Europe Movies
        • Japan Movies
      • Movies A to K
        • Movies A
        • Movies B
        • Movies C
        • Movies D
        • Movies E
        • Movies F
        • Movies G
        • Movies H
        • Movies I
        • Movies J
        • Movies K
      • Movies L to Z
        • Movies L
        • Movies M
        • Movies N
        • Movies O
        • Movies P
        • Movies Q
        • Movies R
        • Movies S
        • Movies T
        • Movies U
        • Movies V
        • Movies W
        • Movies X
        • Movies Y
        • Movies Z
      • Movies 0 to 9
    • Pop Culture
      • Fads
      • Toys & Games
      • Fashion
      • Decor
      • Food & Drink
      • People
      • Radio
      • Technology
      • Transport
    • Social History
      • 1950s Year by Year
      • 1960s Year by Year
      • 1970s Year by Year
      • 1980s Year by Year
      • 1990s Year by Year
      • Events
    Nostalgia Central
    Home»Movies»Movies by Decade»1980s Movies»Movies 1981
    Movies 1981 Movies A 3 Mins Read

    American Pop (1981)

    Share
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp Reddit Email

    American Pop is the animated story of a Russian Jewish immigrant family of musicians whose careers parallel the history of American popular music in the 20th century, starting in 19th century Russia and moving through four generations.

    americanpop_002The story begins in Russia, where young Zalmie’s father is killed for defending the torah against blazing Cossacks. The sequence is meant to recall Eisenstein, but not even Eisenstein could survive the maudlin dramaturgy of such title cards as “Oy! Oy! Oy!”

    When Zalmie and his mama emigrate to New York City, the look echoes the Ash Can School, but the lachrymose tone recalls Ross Hunter.

    We actually hear “There are smiles that make us happy” as Zalmie hovers over his mother’s dead body at the site of the Triangle Fire.

    Director Ralph Bakshi has been acclaimed for trailblazing new animation techniques, but his work suspiciously resembles rotoscoping, a well-known process by which a live-action film is used as the basis for animation.

    americanpopWhat’s most distinctive about American Pop, however, is its vulgarity. Zalmie becomes a clown in a burlesque show and is deflowered by a stripper with a heart of platinum. She sticks a finger in her mouth as he pulls off his funny pants.

    When Zalmie’s Gershwin-like son, Benny, goes overseas in World War II, he finds a piano in an abandoned cafe and begins to play, unaware of the Nazi soldier lurking behind him. When their eyes meet, Benny switches his tune to Lili Marlene; the German sobs but then, after the song is over, shoots Benny in cold blood.

    The film covers American popular music from the pre-jazz age through rhythm and blues, 1950s rock ‘n’ roll, drug-laden psychedelia, and punk rock, finally ending with the onset of New Wave in the early 1980s.

    As a spot check of pop culture, the film is ludicrous: Benny’s son, Tony, is in Greenwich Village when Allen Ginsberg reads Howl! – then through some time/space warp, he manages to be in Haight-Ashbury for the formation of the Jefferson Airplane.

    Tony, who has the most time onscreen, is, unfortunately, the most irritating example of Bakshi’s hybrid approach. His face is a pug version of the young Brando, but he gestures like James Dean’s Jett Rink in Giant. Actor Ron Thompson’s voice sounds in turns like Al Pacino, Robert De Niro and Sylvester Stallone, only to end up mimicking Robert Blake.

    Tony’s sullen son, Pete, finally becomes the family’s rock superstar; we’re meant to think that his fame has been forged from his family’s history of misfortune and corruption (his great-grandfather colluded with the mob, resulting in his great-grandmother’s death; his grandfather married a mobster’s daughter; his own father got strung out on drugs).

    Although all of the characters are fictional, many were partially inspired by real people. The character of Frankie, for instance, was based on Grace Slick (of Jefferson Airplane) and Janis Joplin (of Big Brother and the Holding Company).

    americanpop 8

    Tony/Pete
    Ron Thompson
    Frankie
    Marya Small
    Louie
    Jerry Holland
    Bella
    Lisa Jane Persky
    Zalmie
    Jeffrey Lippa
    Eva Tanguay
    Roz Kelly
    Crisco
    Frank De Kova
    Benny
    Rick Singer
    Hannele
    Elsa Raven
    Palumbo
    Ben Frommer
    Nancy
    Amy Levitt
    Leo Stern
    Leonard Stone
    Little Pete
    Eric Taslitz
    Izzy
    Gene Borkan
    Beat Poet
    Richard Moll
    Dwayne (voice)
    Phillip Simms
    Little Zalmie
    Marcello Krakoff
    Young Zalmie
    Barney Pell
    Halley
    Ken Johnson
    August
    Gene Woodbury
    Space (voice)
    Marc Levine
    Johnny
    Ty Grimes
    Reed
    Peter Glindeman
    Jeffrey
    Auburn Burrell
    Freddie
    Joey Camen
    Little Benny (voice)
    Bert Autore
    Young Benny
    Tony Autore
    Tony’s Brother
    Johnny Brogna
    Tony’s Sisters
    Dawn Agrella
    Cari Anne Warder
    Curtis
    D.A. Young

    Director
    Ralph Bakshi

    Video

    Related Posts

    • American Gigolo (1980)
      American Gigolo (1980)
      When John Travolta dropped out of American Gigolo everyone said he was ruining his career.  But Travolta took a walk and Richard…
    • Adventurers, The (1970)
      Adventurers, The (1970)
      Harold Robbins' guess-who novel about the jet-set and South American politics was as commercial as it was trashy - and…
    • Incredible Shrinking Woman, The (1981)
      Incredible Shrinking Woman, The (1981)
      Lily Tomlin stars in this comedy as Pat Kramer, a frenetic American housewife who, falling victim to 20th-century technology, finds…
    • Absolute Beginners (1986)
      Absolute Beginners (1986)
      This highly stylised musical adaptation of Colin MacInnes' novel celebrates the rise teen culture in late 50s London with a…
    • My Dinner with André (1981)
      My Dinner with André (1981)
      My Dinner with Andre consists entirely of a conversation in a New York restaurant between theatre director Andre Gregory and…
    • Thief (1981)
      Thief (1981)
      High-class jewel thief Frank (James Caan) attempts to settle down and lead a normal life with his girlfriend, Jessie (Tuesday…
    • Abby (1974)
      Abby (1974)
      This African-American retelling of The Exorcist stars Carol Speed as the title character, Abby Williams - the chaste and devout marriage counsellor…
    • Alphabet City (1984)
      Alphabet City (1984)
      19-year old “King of Alphabet City” Johnny (Vincent Spano) is a drug dealer and a collector for the mob. He…

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp Reddit Email
    Previous ArticleBaby, The (1973)
    Next Article Into The Night (1985)

    Comments are closed.

    A Labour of Love

    Nostalgia Central has been a labour of love for me since 1998.

    If you find the site informative or enjoyable, please consider a donation – no matter how small – to help me with the running costs of the site and ensure I can keep Nostalgia Central running for your entertainment and education.

    Thank you so much, and please enjoy your trip in the time machine!
    Follow us
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    You May Also Like
    • Boombox/Ghetto Blaster
      A boombox (or Ghetto Blaster) – basically a large but […]
    • Two Faces West
      1 9 6 0 – 1 9 6 1 (USA) 39 x 30 minute episodes In this […]
    • Gavilan
      1 9 8 2 – 1 9 8 3 (USA) 10 x 60 minute episodes The NBC […]
    • Inheritors, The
      1 9 7 4 (UK) 6 x episodes This drama series from HTV presented […]
    • Seven Up Series
      1 9 6 3 – Current (UK) “We’ve brought these […]
    • Gilligan’s Planet
      1 9 8 2 – 1 9 8 3 (USA) It’s a brand new story about […]
    Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

    OUR LATEST FACEBOOK POSTS

    60 years of Billy Liar: how the Bradford locations have changed today ... See MoreSee Less

    Link thumbnail

    60 years of Billy Liar: how the Bradford locations have changed today

    theb.fi

    Not everything is at it seems about the shooting locations for this classic story of a Yorkshire daydreamer.
    2 days ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 7
    • Shares: 2
    • Comments: 1

    Comment on Facebook

    “I’ll tell you what Charlie, there’s always been a Holroyd at Holroyd’s mill and by god there always will be” Love this film.

    www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-65006801 ... See MoreSee Less

    Link thumbnail

    Terry Hall: Coventry scooter ride-out pays tribute to singer

    www.bbc.co.uk

    Hundreds of people ride through Coventry on what would have been the singer's 64th birthday.
    1 week ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 12
    • Shares: 2
    • Comments: 0

    Comment on Facebook

    metro.co.uk/2023/03/13/the-whos-roger-daltrey-thinks-theres-no-point-releasing-an-album-18434779/ ... See MoreSee Less

    Link thumbnail

    The Who's Roger Daltrey thinks there's 'no point' releasing another album

    metro.co.uk

    Bad luck.
    1 week ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 1
    • Shares: 0
    • Comments: 0

    Comment on Facebook

    www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-64963359 ... See MoreSee Less

    Link thumbnail

    Sir Michael Caine's first Rolls Royce sells at Duxford for £120K

    www.bbc.co.uk

    The Italian Job actor hired a chauffeur to drive the 1968 Silver Shadow, with its doors still intact.
    2 weeks ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 3
    • Shares: 0
    • Comments: 0

    Comment on Facebook

    www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-64900348 ... See MoreSee Less

    Link thumbnail

    Mystic Meg: Astrologer dies aged 80

    www.bbc.co.uk

    The TV star, whose real name was Margaret Lake, was a well-known TV figure in the 1990s.
    2 weeks ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 1
    • Shares: 0
    • Comments: 1

    Comment on Facebook

    Do you think she know it eas going to happen

    PlayTalk Teletext (1976) | BFI Replay

    Talk Teletext (1976) | BFI Replay ... See MoreSee Less

    3 weeks ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 8
    • Shares: 2
    • Comments: 0

    Comment on Facebook

    Gary Rossington: Lynyrd Skynyrd's last founding member dies aged 71.
    ... See MoreSee Less

    Link thumbnail

    Gary Rossington: Lynyrd Skynyrd's last founding member dies aged 71

    www.bbc.co.uk

    Guitarist Gary Rossington had survived a 1977 air crash that killed several of his bandmates.
    3 weeks ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 2
    • Shares: 0
    • Comments: 1

    Comment on Facebook

    What a talented man. Lucky enough to see original band in concert. BRILLIANT.

    Rest in peace Dickie Davies. An absolute giant of British sports broadcasting.

    ... See MoreSee Less

    Link thumbnail

    Dickie Davies, World of Sport presenter, dies at 94

    www.theguardian.com

    The broadcaster became something of a cult figure after fronting the ITV show for 20 years
    1 month ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 4
    • Shares: 1
    • Comments: 1

    Comment on Facebook

    Yes, one of the great presenters. R.I.P.

    For fans of the radio series Round The Horne (1965 - 1968) - starring the inimitable Kenneth Williams - there are several full episodes on Spotify. Some of the humour is still pretty close to the edge, even by modern standards. Bona! 

https://open.spotify.com/show/7DIM1wfGKwDis0uzsjHeP7?si=pG0_U0TjRKGzVDvrePs4vA

    For fans of the radio series "Round The Horne" (1965 - 1968) - starring the inimitable Kenneth Williams - there are several full episodes on Spotify. Some of the humour is still pretty "close to the edge", even by modern standards. Bona!

    open.spotify.com/show/7DIM1wfGKwDis0uzsjHeP7?si=pG0_U0TjRKGzVDvrePs4vA
    ... See MoreSee Less

    1 month ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 12
    • Shares: 1
    • Comments: 2

    Comment on Facebook

    For those interested, the complete “Jules and Sandy” is available on Audible…

    Bona to vada your jolly old eek. Lovely riah....

    RIP the beautiful Stella Stevens, who has died at the age of 84.

    ... See MoreSee Less

    Link thumbnail

    Stella Stevens: Nutty Professor and Poseidon Adventure star dies at 84

    www.bbc.co.uk

    The co-star of Elvis Presley also worked in TV on series such as Murder She Wrote and Magnum, P.I.
    1 month ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 0
    • Shares: 0
    • Comments: 0

    Comment on Facebook

    Load more
    Please note


    Nostalgia Central covers the period 1950 to 1999 and contains some words and references which reflect the attitudes of those times and which may be considered culturally sensitive, offensive or inappropriate today.
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    Search Nostalgia Central
    Tag Cloud
    Action Figures Amicus Arcade games Australia Beach movies Beatles Blaxploitation Board games British Invasion Britpop Bubblegum music Canada Civil rights Cold War Computer games Crime Disc Jockeys Disco Disney Doo-Wop Elvis Presley Folk rock Girl groups Glam Goth Hammer Heavy Metal Irwin Allen James Bond JFK Kraütrock Labels Madchester Merseybeat Mod revival Motown New Romantic New Wave New Zealand Nixon Northern Soul NWOBHM Oi! One-hit wonders Politics Power Pop Prog rock Pub rock Punk Radio Reggae Rolling Stones Scotland Ska Ska revival Skiffle Soul music Space Race Sport Surf music Video games Vietnam war
    Copyright © 1998, 2023 Nostalgia Central. Run by volunteers. Funded by donations.
    • About Nostalgia Central
    • Contact
    • FAQ

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.