Copacabana (1985)

Without a doubt the most ambitious made-for-television musical movie ever made, Copacabana is based on the Top 10 million-selling 1978 single of the same name by Barry Manilow, bringing to life the characters of Tony, Lola and Rico from the lyrics of the record.

Manilow had a deal with CBS for four one-hour variety shows but proposed that instead, they create a two-hour 1940s-style movie with all the elements of a variety show. He wrote ten new songs for the film, asked Dick Clark to produce it, and took time from his concert tour to make his acting debut as Tony.

Annette O’Toole co-starred as Lola, with Joseph Bologna as Rico.

If you’ve ever heard the song, you know the storyline – young Brooklyn songwriter Tony falls for Lola, a singer from the Midwest trying to make it in New York after World War II, but nasty Rico – a gangster from pre-Castro Cuba – turns up and whisks Lola away to Havana.

Copacabana was broadcast by CBS on Tuesday 3 December 1985. With a budget of $4 million, it was one of the most expensive TV movies ever made.

It wasn’t art and it was never going to trouble the Oscars, but it is undeniably fun to watch – a lighthearted fantasy filled with pleasant tunes – and you end up liking it in spite of yourself.

Tony Starr
Barry Manilow
Lola Lamar
Annette O’Toole
Bella Stern
Estelle Getty
Dennis Reilly
James T. Callahan
Pamela Devereaux
Andra Akers
Conchita Rivera
Silvana Gallardo
Rico Castelli
Joseph Bologna
Sam Gropper
Ernie Sabella
Angelo
Cliff Osmond
Bibi Sutton
Dwier Brown
Nick Panotis
Clarence Felder
Nicky Richards
Hamilton Camp
Roscoe, Nightclub Owner
Lonnie Burr
Rico’s Henchman
Brad Logan

Director
Waris Hussein