American Pop

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.