FM

US, 1978, 104 minutes, Colour.
Michael Brandon, Eileen Brennan, Martin Mull, Alex Karras, Cassie Yates, James Keach.
Directed by John A. Alonso.

A particularly American comedy melodrama echoing interests of the seventies. It is associated with many of the films featuring rock music. It takes the phenomenon of radio, the popularity of the personalities on radio and the growth of F.M. stations. Questions about commercialism and the support of F.M. stations come up. The film tends to be idealistic about the strength of character needed to oppose commercials. The film also features popular rock music of the seventies and features Linda Ronstadt and Jimmy Buffett. The cast is interesting - although it limits itself generally to melodramatics and particular impersonations of F.M. personalities. The film was directed by cinematographer, John A. Alonso, a noted photographer for such films as Chinatown. Alonso also directed the ice-skating telemovie, Champions, a Love Story.

1. The focus on radio, commercialism in radio, F.M. The significance of F.M. radio in the United States, world-wide? The difference of F.M. radio and commercial or national radio?

2. The role of radio in communication, entertainment? Presenting personalities, guides? Folk heroes? The influence of the radio personalities? The music played, the style of the radio and its symbolising of some kind of freedom?

3. The technical aspects of the film: the director and his work as a cinematographer, the use of wide screen colour photography, the incorporation of the music, the rock concert - and its hijacking? The special effects for light and darkness, the atmosphere of the radio station? The final siege?

4. The plausibility of the plot: the establishing of the F.M. radio station, the role of such stations in cities like Los Angeles, the role of the sales manager and the influence from business cities like Chicago, the importance of advertising revenue, the importance of style and integrity? The importance of ratings and audience response? Creative broadcasting - talk-back? The presentation of Jeff Dugan as the young director? His integrity? The confrontation with the sales manager, with the Army and the pressure for commercials? Dugan's staff and their unpredictability? An interesting plot, in terms of realism, contrived melodrama? Comic turns?

5. The presentation of the radio staff - interaction, working as a team? Jeff and his age, personality, his being the driving force behind the station? His sacking of Doc Holliday? The interaction with Bobby Douglas and his intensity, wanting his programme, advising him to be news reader? The friendship with the Prince of Darkness and his bringing the women to the studio? The friendship with Mother and her importance for the stability of the station, her personal style, her wanting to leave? Eric Swann and his mistakes, prima donna manner, his professionalism? Driscoll? The Army personnel? The ups and downs of the station?

6. The importance given in the screen play to showing the station in action: the range and variety of songs presented, the focus on each of the personalities and the particular style in action? Mistakes? Enjoyment?

7. Jeff as hero - American type, dealing with people, his skills, mistakes? His relationship with Laura - the affair, on again-off again, her support? How well delineated a character was Laura - an heroine for the film?

8. The presentation of Lamar an sales manager - his overriding people, commercialism, manoeuvres? The bringing of the Army to the station? Lieutenant Reach (and his pot smoking)? The style of the commercials for the military?

9. The idea of hijacking the Linda Ronstadt concert - rivalry with other stations, tactics, manoeuvres? The presentation of the concert and its effect?

10. The arrival of Billings - his role an owner, his reaction to Jeff, his comment on guts? His saving the day? How realistic was this?

11. The presentation of the American business world - harsh realities, necessities of revenue, the contrast with hopes for creative broadcasting? How do these issues symbolize so many of the commercial clashes of contemporary America? How universal are these themes?