The Buddy Holly Story (1978): Cast, Ratings & Box Office
The Buddy Holly Story is a 1978 biographical drama directed by Steve Rash, starring Gary Busey, Don Stroud and Charles Martin Smith. It runs 1 hour 54 minutes and earned $14.4 million worldwide. It won 1 Oscar, including Music (Adaptation Score). Critics gave it 78 on Metacritic.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 54m (114 min)
- Director
- Steve Rash
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- Columbia Pictures
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The Buddy Holly Story About?
The premise of The Buddy Holly Story without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
This biography follows Buddy Holly (Gary Busey) as he challenges musical norms to develop his distinctive rock and roll style. His burgeoning fame is challenged by creative differences in Nashville and a misunderstanding at the Apollo Theater. Despite his struggles, Holly perseveres, but his promising career is tragically cut short, leaving an enduring musical legacy that continues to inspire.
The Buddy Holly Story Themes & Keywords
· 28 tags- texas
- character name as title
- buddy holly character
- four word title
- greaser
- song
- singer
- recording studio
- cadillac
- expectant father
- expectant mother
- pregnancy
+16 more Show fewer
- pregnant wife
- blizzard
- singing
- airplane crash
- band
- star
- rock star
- rags to riches
- price of fame
- affection
- disc jockey
- rock music
- musician
- 1950s
- based on true story
- based on novel
The Buddy Holly Story Cast
Gary Busey leads the cast, with Don Stroud and Charles Martin Smith. Directed by Steve Rash; 10 actors are credited in all.
-
Director Steve Rash
Also Starring in The Buddy Holly Story
· 6 moreThe Buddy Holly Story Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave The Buddy Holly Story 78 on Metacritic.
-
Metacritic 78 Metascore
See on Metacritic
The Buddy Holly Story Plot Summary
What happens in The Buddy Holly Story from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
As the vibrant Texas landscape of 1956 bursts with the sounds of rock ‘n’ roll, Buddy Holly](/actor/charles-martin-smith) and his bandmates, Jesse Charles (drummer) and Ray Bob Simmons (bass player), known collectively as The Crickets, electrify a local roller rink with their dynamic performances. Their youthful energy, however, clashes with the expectations of the radio station’s sponsor, who had envisioned a more traditional country music atmosphere. The station manager, Riley, excitedly informs them that the vice president of Coral Records is eager to sign them and take them to a recording studio in Nashville, Tennessee.
Full summary
The whole story of The Buddy Holly Story, scene by scene
The Buddy Holly Story Box Office
The Buddy Holly Story grossed $14.4 million worldwide.
Worldwide gross
$14.4M
- US & Canada
- $14.4M
The Buddy Holly Story Awards & Nominations
The Buddy Holly Story won 1 Oscar, including Music (Adaptation Score). Its biggest night was the Oscars 1979, with 1 win from 3 nominations.
1 win5 nominations3 ceremonies
-
BAFTA 1980 1 nomination- Nominated Most Promising Newcomer to Leading Film Roles – Gary Busey
-
Oscars 1979 1 win · 3 nominations- Won Music (Adaptation Score)
- Nominated Actor in a Leading Role – Gary Busey
- Nominated Sound
-
Golden Globes 1979 1 nomination- Nominated Best Performance in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical (Actor) – Gary Busey
The Buddy Holly Story Trailers & Videos
The trailer of The Buddy Holly Story.
How Well Do You Know The Buddy Holly Story?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
In which year does the story of Buddy Holly begin?
Cars in The Buddy Holly Story
20 cars on screen, including the 1951 Ford F-1 and the 1951 Mercury Sport Sedan.
-
1951 Ford F-1 Important role -
1951 Mercury Sport Sedan Important role -
1953 Cadillac Le Mans Minor role -
1937 Dodge Touring Sedan Minor role
The Buddy Holly Story Also Known As
11 alternative titles, including “Buddy Holly - en rocklegend” and “Die Buddy Holly Story”.
- Also known as
-
- Buddy Holly - en rocklegend
- Die Buddy Holly Story
- La historia de Buddy Holly
- Buddy Holly története
- Историята на Бъди Холи
- История Бадди Холли
- 巴迪霍利传
- Buddy Holly – en rocklegend
- 버디 홀리 스토리
- A História de Buddy Holly
- Opowieść o Buddym Hollym
Seen The Buddy Holly Story?
Movies Like The Buddy Holly Story
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including The Real Buddy Holly Story, Buddy Holly: Rave On and Buddy’s Song.
The Buddy Holly Story FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of The Buddy Holly Story, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Buddy Holly Story?
The Buddy Holly Story runs 1 hour 54 minutes (114 minutes).
When was The Buddy Holly Story released?
The Buddy Holly Story was released on May 18, 1978.
Who directed The Buddy Holly Story?
The Buddy Holly Story was directed by Steve Rash.
More films by Steve Rash Who is in the cast of The Buddy Holly Story?
The Buddy Holly Story stars Gary Busey, Don Stroud and Charles Martin Smith, among 10 credited actors.
How much did The Buddy Holly Story make at the box office?
The Buddy Holly Story grossed $14.4 million worldwide.
How is The Buddy Holly Story rated?
The Buddy Holly Story has 78 on Metacritic.
What awards did The Buddy Holly Story win?
The Buddy Holly Story won 1 award from 5 nominations, including Music (Adaptation Score) at the Oscars 1979.
Does The Buddy Holly Story have a post-credit scene?
No. The Buddy Holly Story has no extra scene during or after the credits.
Coming soon to your phone
The Plot Explained Movie Summary App
From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.
Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app
