Main Cast: Howard Stern, Robin Quivers, Mary McCormack, Fred Norris, Paul Giamatti, Jackie Martling
Release Year: 1997
Country: US
Run Time: 109 minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Plot
Based on a best-selling autobiography, this comedy drama is the surprisingly sweet-natured life story of a controversial radio personality. Howard Stern, who stars as himself, is a nerdy New York kid who dreams of a disc jockey career despite being a self-loathing klutz who lacks a traditional broadcaster's voice. A strikeout artist in college, Stern's romantic travails end when he meets and marries Alison (Mary McCormack), a beautiful social worker. Stern's early career at several radio stations is undistinguished. Bored, he makes his life the centerpiece of his show, including his obsessions with sex and bathroom humor, and he finds willing cohorts in news reporter Robin Quivers and producer Fred Norris. After an abortive tenure at a Washington D.C. station that loathes his high-rated antics, he lands at NBC in New York. Again, Stern clashes regularly with executives, especially Kenny "Pig Vomit" Rushton (Paul Giamatti), who runs roughshod over Stern's team. At home, Stern's tendency to discuss the intimate details of his marriage takes a toll, reaching a meltdown when he jokes about Alison's recent miscarriage on-air. ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide
Review
Although this biographical comedy about famed shock jock Howard Stern has all the raunch his fans would expect, it is also a remarkably moving love story. Stern's courtship and marriage to his wife Allison is presented by director Betty Thomas, through all its turbulent ups and downs, including the notorious miscarriage argument. Anyone wondering how Allison Stern can put up with her husband's tell-all radio personality and on-air sexual flirting with nude models might start to understand. It is because she loves him, and even viewers who don't love Stern's caustically honest style will leave this film at least respecting that. ~ Robert Firsching, All Movie Guide
Rick Butler - Art Director, Phyllis Huffman - Casting, Olivia Harris - Casting, Celia Costas - Co-producer, Joseph G. Aulisi - Costume Designer, Richard Graves - First Assistant Director, Betty Thomas - Director, E.J. Foerster - Second Unit Director, Christopher Woods - Second Unit Director, Peter Teschner - Editor, Daniel Goldberg - Executive Producer, Joe Medjuck - Executive Producer, Keith Samples - Executive Producer, Peter Afterman - Musical Direction/Supervision, Van Dyke Parks - Songwriter, Charles Rosen - Production Designer, Walt Lloyd - Cinematographer, Ivan Reitman - Producer, Beth Kushnick - Set Designer, Tod A. Maitland - Sound/Sound Designer, Len Blum - Screenwriter, Michael Kalesniko - Screenwriter
