Telling Lies in America

Plot

Karchy Jonas (Brad Renfro) is a 17-year-old high-school student (who emigrated from Hungary 7 years earlier) trying to find his way in the world. He meets radio personality Billy Magic (Kevin Bacon) who takes him under his wing. However, authorities are after Billy for accepting payola from record companies to give their songs air time. Billy picks Karchy as when he figures out Billy cheated to win his radio contest, he figures Karchy would be perfect to associate with Magic's scam. Karchy does so, not realizing that this may jeopardize him and his father's U.S. citizenship. He pursues a co-worker at a local grocery store where he works, only to find out she was engaged all along. Karchy idolizes Billy only to find out how corrupted, bitter and cynical he truly is.

It is a semi-autobiographical tale from Joe Eszterhas.

Cast

Trivia

According to the website Splitsider, actor John Candy was considered for the role of Billy Magic.

Reception

Telling Lies in America received mixed to positive reviews from critics, as it holds a 63% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

DVD

In 2012, it was announced that the film would be released as part of a Blu-ray Disc double feature with Traveller from Shout! Factory on May 25.