FM (VHS, 1991)

Set in the late 70's at a non-conformist rock radio station that cared more about the music than the money. Now it's a period piece for the music industry. Remotes done at record stores, dj that programmed their own music. My how things have changed. Kind of an early version of WKRP. Okay, it wasn't a very well written script and the characters were very thin and it wasn't an accurate look back at how most radio stations were run, but the tunes were tasty. Live appearances by Linda Ronstadt and Jimmy Buffett before he bought and sold Margaritaville are well woth the viewing. It had such a short theatrical run that it was mostly shown on late night tv. Much better this way...no commercials at all-FM (Thank you Donald and Walter) Which one is Dan?

QSKY radio station manager Jeff Dugan builds a large fan base by assembling a group of charismatic DJ personalities playing popular rock and roll. He soon finds that corporate management expects Jeff to use the station's position atop the ratings to sell more advertising time. All of the remaining DJs decide to take control of the station in a sort of lock-in/sit-in/protest. They get listeners to gather in the street outside the station as a sort of protest while the DJs play music without any commercials. The lock-in lasts only until the police get an injunction to remove the staff. A tow truck rips off the front doors and the police enter the building. The DJs battle back using a fire hose and throwing tapes and other office objects at the police. Unknown to Dugan, the company owner Carl Billings has watched from the crowd as the events unfolded. He insists that the DJs stay in the station, fires his management staff responsible for the advertising conflict, and then joins the DJs inside the station. The story unfolds across a background of concerts, broadcast music, appearances by various rock stars, and public appearances by the station DJs. A minor sub-theme to the movie is the competition between QSKY and another area radio station. In addition, the film includes live appearances by Linda Ronstadt, Jimmy Buffett, Tom Petty, and REO Speedwagon. Steely Dan performs the title theme song, "FM (No Static At All)". This classic film is considered by many to be the inspiration for the sitcom "WKRP In Cincinnati". Remember the station's motto: "QSKY, We Never Come Down To Earth".

It is what it is, yo. Really takes you back. The seventies sucked, but there were moments of glorious decedance.