Deadman's Curve

Great movie about singers Jan & Dean. It made me cry the first time I saw it. Richard Hatch actually studied Jan's walk and speech patterns in order to play the role. Dean provided memorabilia and Jan himself can be seen in the audience near the end. If this makes you curious about them, you can learn a whole heck of a lot more from the book DEAD MAN'S CURVE AND BACK - THE JAN & DEAN STORY by Mark Thomas Passmore. This can be bought at bookstores and Amazon.Com. The book really goes in depth with pictures and carries the story past where this TV movie revitalized their a career. Sort of a "sequel" in a way! Too bad Jan died last year, they were very cool in concert.

The California Surf Scene was captured perfectly in this otherwise totally 70s "Jan & Dean Story". Unfortunately the film focuses almost exclusively on Jan Barry's super-inflated ego and apparent personality flaws. Crediting only himself and his "gift" for the success of "Jan & Dean", Jan soon alienates himself from almost all people who care for him. Figuring he is a "big star" and should be exempt from the military draft, Jan huffs and puffs at a recruiting officer, the storms off, with the scene ending in the infamous "Dead Man's Curve" accident that nearly claimed his life, then left him with many months of convalescence. Even though this near-death experience gave way to some soul searching and a "mellowing" in Jan's stubborn character, it is too little too late.

The music and the atmosphere of the "Hippie 60s" are a pleasant disctraction from the depressing drama. Rolled together, this is no "Grease" and it will leave a bitter taste in the mouth of fans. Jan is portrayed as an utterly unpleasant ego-maniac with no consideration for anyone or anything. Feeling "invincible", he is oblivious to the love of the close friends who stick by him in the ups and downs of the roller-coaster ride of fame and fortune. An invaluable contribution to Rock & Roll, privately Jan & Dean are no success story. What sad lives they lived when the lights went out. Recommended only for the music history lesson. If you are looking for a feel-good movie, don't even consider this one.

Dean Torrence, played by Bruce Davison is such a good friend to ego maniac Jan Berry, played by Richard Hatch, that Berry's constant abuse of Dean, is difficult to watch. The music, from the garage spawned "Jennie Lee", to their surf sounds and beyond, is a highlight of "Deadman's Curve". The movie features a nice assortment of 50s and 60s cars throughout, including some memorable Corvettes. Jan's rehabilitation becomes somewhat tedious, dragging the second half down a notch. Nevertheless as a time capsule, the film succeeds quite nicely. The "bring out the handkerchiefs" ending is unexpected, and quite effective. - MERK

This is an excellent, emotionally compelling telling of the life of Jan Berry. The best thing is the performance of Richard Hatch as Jan, who should have at least been nominated for an Emmy for it, but was overlooked. He is brilliant as he captures Jan's handicap and struggle with aphasia. He also is uncanny at capturing Jan's personality and sense of humor, which is readily apparent to anyone who has seen Jan and Dean in concert. Bruce Davidson is also excellent in the less-showy role of Dean Torrence. Highly recommended for fans of mid '60s music, or anyone interested in dramatic biographical stories.

I just saw this again on TV for the first time in MANY years. Wow!

The performances of Richard Hatch and Bruce Davison are what make the film. Especially the portrayal of Jan Berry after the accident. Very moving story.

I must recommend the book Dead Man's Curve and Back: The Jan & Dean Story which goes further in-depth to their story and tells the amazing story of how this TV movie gave them a whole new career.

I wish current TV movies like the recent Charlie's Angels and Three's Company movies could have been this good by taking the subjects seriously.