Dennis Steinmetz, a director known for his work in the late 1970s, helmed the cult classic Record City (1978). Set against the backdrop of a record store, the film captures the essence of youth culture and the music scene of its time. Steinmetz's direction brings a unique flair to the narrative, blending humor and heart in a way that resonates with fans of exploitation cinema. His work contributes to the ongoing conversation about the intersection of music and film in the cult genre.
Record City
The staff of Record City tries to survive workplace romances, strange shoppers, unpaid bills, and a thief targeting the store. Outside, a flamboyant radio host launches a live talent contest that pulls every loose storyline into the same vinyl-fueled circus. Record City is a downtown Los Angeles music store run by sleazy Eddie Pierce (Michael Callan) who hires cashiers with the aim of seducing them, the latest prospect being pretty Lorraine (Wendy Schaal) who only has eyes for Tongues singer Kinky Friedman who will be making an appearing during KAKA radio DJ Gordon Kong's (Rick Dees) talent contest which is set to fill the streets outside of the record store with all kinds of Gong Show rejects. Apart from human music computer database The Wiz (Ted Lange) and new guy Pokey (Ed Begley Jr.), the rest of the staff are too busy to be star struck: stock boy Danny (Dennis Bowen) is pining for Lorraine, nerdy buddy Rupert (Stuart Goetz) is trying out gimmicks to lose his virginity to fiery Rita (Maria Grimm), plain Olga (Ruth Buzzi) wants to be a sex object while butch Vivian (Deborah White) fights off the possibly imagined advances of Marty (Tim Thomerson), and owner Manny (Jack Carter) is on the run from both his shrill wife (Susan Tolsky) and a thug (Harold Sakata) sent by his bookie. Meanwhile, the onslaught of talent show hopefuls are a perfect distraction for a robbery by the master-of-disguise The Chameleon (Frank Gorshin) who may already be under the nose of the cop hired for added security (Sorrell Booke). Bizarre and funny employees and customers pass through the popular Record City music store in Los Angeles during a live radio concert in the parking lot, hosted by a wild disc jockey wearing half a monkey costume.
