Copacabana (1985 film)


Copacabana is a 1985 American made-for-television musical film based on the 1978 song of the same title by Barry Manilow. It aired on CBS on December 3, 1985. The film's script was written by James Lipton, with additional songs written by Manilow. It was directed by Waris Hussein. It starred Manilow himself as Tony, an aspiring songwriter, and Annette O'Toole as Lola, an aspiring singer who falls in with the wrong crowd.
A soundtrack album, , was released for the film. The film also inspired a 1990 stage show at Caesars Atlantic City, which was based heavily on the film, as well as a 1994 musical, also called Copacabana, which was based more loosely on the film, which played in London's West End and elsewhere.

Plot

In 1948, wannabe singer Lola meets aspiring songwriter Tony when both are contestants on a radio show. Tony is immediately smitten with Lola and assists her flailing attempts to break into show business. At Manhattan's Copacabana lounge, both start finding fame. However, fate steps in and Lola is swept to Havana to work in a splashy night club act where she is convinced she will find her stardom, while Tony finds his own career gaining speed at the Copa. But Lola's new mentor and boss Rico demands a price elevating Lola's career, resulting in conflict and drama.

Production

The television project began when Dick Clark approached Manilow and cowriters Bruce Sussman and Jack Feldman, persuading them to develop a musical film around their popular song, "Copacabana."
The film was directed by Waris Hussein and written by James Lipton. It aired on CBS on December 3, 1985.

Cast

The principal cast included:
The soundtrack album produced from the movie is titled Copacabana: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Album and was released by RCA Records.
Songs debuting in the movie version:
At the 38th Primetime Emmy Awards, Copacabana was nominated for Outstanding Achievement in Choreography and Outstanding Directing in a Variety or Music Program, and won the Emmy for the latter category.