Synopsis/Details
When a young video producer (JOHNNY) applies for a job at a small television station, the General Manager explains the importance of getting away from the station’s contentious image brought on by one controversial show, “THE HOT SEAT”. The series was described to Johnny as a simple talk show with an unusual, outspoken host -- WALLY GEORGE.
As Johnny talks to friends and family, he begins hearing stories and learning more details of “The Hot Seat” and its popularity. His wife’s family talks about the show’s religious principles like an incident of a man tearing pages from a bible. Neighbors remember some wild sexual entertainment like strippers putting on a show for the live audience. And other friends talk about professional wrestlers that had it out with Wally right on stage.
The new job starts with the production of station promos for the old shows and infomercials before Johnny sees the first-hand production of “The Hot Seat” reruns. He is initially amazed by the attention the low budget series brought to the station but then begins to appreciate the series’ untold accomplishments.
Johnny approaches Wally and learns about his past. From a stuttering problem as a child, being teased by his mother, father, and schoolmates; to an amazing accomplishment at just the age of 14. With a major stutter, Wally was able to sell his own commercials and get on radio as a disc jockey -- on one of L.A.’s biggest stations. Wally continued as a successful deejay and continued building that career in radio and television, in spite of the stuttering problem.
Viewing additional clips of “The Hot Seat”, Johnny learns more about the impact Wally’s controversial talk show had on all of today’s media. With more conversations of people around the station, we hear stories of the long lines and the six-month wait for studio audience reservations. We see how Wally shocked national audiences with his bold political speeches and physical confrontations that had never been seen before.
As Johnny studies lawsuits and FCC conflicts, he realizes Wally was an unrecognized force in changing major laws. His television appearances and the constant controversy they created, were used to repeal the unfair “Fairness Doctrine” allowing radio and TV stations to begin airing editorials, controversial talk shows, court shows, and political debate. And that has become a major part of today’s media.
Johnny finally presents ideas to a station owner to use Wally’s image, the success he brought to the station, and the entire entertainment medium, for new station promotion. The owner then explains details of Wally’s controversy and the damage brought to the station. Johnny also learns about Wally’s personal life -- no wife, no family, and no money.
The movie ends with Johnny and his family visiting Wally in the hospital.
