American Pop

American Pop

Year: 1981

Runtime: 96 min

Language: English

Director: Ralph Bakshi

DramaHistoryMusicAnimation

A young immigrant pursuing the American dream encounters a devastating accident that leaves him unable to speak. The story then follows generations of his family as they passionately pursue music, charting a course through the evolution of American genres, including jazz and rock, and leaving a lasting impact on the 20th century's musical landscape.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – American Pop (1981)

Trace every key event in American Pop (1981) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Rabbi's Murder

In late 1890s Imperial Russia, Zalmie's life takes a tragic turn when his rabbi father is murdered by the Cossacks. In search of safety, Zalmie and his mother flee to America, leaving behind their homeland and the turmoil that shattered their family.

Imperial Russia
2

Arrival in America

Zalmie and his mother arrive in the bustling streets of New York City, filled with hope and despair. This new world presents both opportunities and challenges, marking the beginning of Zalmie's journey into a vibrant but harsh life.

New York City
3

Introduction to Entertainment

In New York, Zalmie meets Louie, a charismatic performer at a local burlesque house. Louie introduces Zalmie to the world of entertainment, where he begins distributing chorus slips and learns the mechanics of stage performance.

New York City
4

Tragedy Strikes

Zalmie's life is forever altered when his mother perishes in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. This devastating loss drives him to fully immerse himself in the theatrical life, finding solace in his work with Louie at a small theatre.

New York City
5

Voice Changes

As Zalmie transitions into adolescence, he faces the challenge of puberty which drastically affects his singing voice. This complication becomes a major obstacle in his dream of becoming a successful singer, forcing him to adapt to his new reality.

6

Performing for Troops

With the onset of World War I, Zalmie travels the world performing for troops, donning a humorous pantomime horse costume. However, his comedic career is cut short during a German air raid that results in a severe throat injury, ending his singing aspirations.

World War I battlegrounds
7

Love and Gangsters

Upon returning to New York, Zalmie attempts to revive his career as a clown and falls in love with Bella, a stripper. However, their relationship takes a dark turn as Zalmie becomes entangled with gangsters, risking everything for his love.

New York City
8

Tragic Bombing

Bella's life is tragically cut short when she opens a bomb intended for Zalmie, leaving him heartbroken. Their son, Benny, grows up under the shadow of loss, finding solace in music as he becomes a skilled jazz pianist.

9

Benny's Life of Conflict

Benny marries Nicky Palumbo's daughter, a decision urged by Zalmie, and enlists to fight in World War II. Seeking redemption for his family's past, he tragically loses his life in Nazi Germany while playing 'Lili Marleen' on an abandoned piano.

Nazi Germany
10

Descent into Addiction

After Benny's death, his wife and son, Tony, are left to navigate a troubled life marked by grief and hardship. Tony embarks on a rebellious journey, stealing his stepfather's car and getting caught up in the aftermath of his father's legacy.

11

Musical Aspirations

In California, Tony works various jobs, but his true passion for music emerges when a rock group offers him a chance to play harmonica. His initial success is overshadowed by the creeping darkness of addiction, impacting his relationships and career.

California
12

Tragic Affairs and Accidents

As Tony becomes romantically involved with Frankie Heart, the band faces trials, culminating in Frankie's overdose before a show. Amidst the chaos, an accident leaves Tony hospitalized, forcing him to confront the consequences of his choices.

13

Return to New York

Tony returns to New York City with his son, Little Pete, aiming to start anew. However, he quickly becomes immersed in the dangerous world of drug dealing, prioritizing drugs over his family's needs and aspirations.

New York City
14

Musical Revelation

Faced with despair and loss, Pete begins to carve his own path in music, refusing to sell drugs unless his talent is recognized. When he plays 'Night Moves' for a band, his raw talent impresses them, leading to his first big break.

15

Legacy of Music

As Pete blossoms as an artist alongside his band, the legacy of his father and family struggles resonates with him. Their stories intertwine through music, proving that despite hardship, creativity and talent can flourish in the face of adversity.

Last Updated: November 08, 2024 at 03:33

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American Pop Summary

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American Pop Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in American Pop

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Characters, Settings & Themes in American Pop

More About American Pop

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