Deadman's Curve

Good TV movie Only seen it once but I was very impressed with the production and should have been made for the big screen. Two rising stars as the leads and a great soundtrack. It's a shame it's not available to watch again in the UK as I would definitely give it a rerun. In my opinion it's up there with La Bamba.

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.

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.

I remember watching this on or near when it came out and absolutely loved it. I have been a fan of Richard Hatch and Bruce Davidson since then and even a bit before this show aired. Their performances in this movie really MAKE the movie.

The one scene that will always stick in my mind is when Richard Hatch's character (Jan Berry) has just been discovered by the audience to be lip-syncing to one of their songs. What he does to bring them back from the brink of getting up and walking out (or worse!) is truly awe inspiring.

Hope I can find this movie on DVD or even VHS if at all possible as it would be one to own in my opinion!

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.