Telling Lies in America

Updated June 26, 2020 | Infoplease Staff

Kevin Bacon shines as the slick, amoral, disk jockey Billy Magic, in this coming-of-age film set in 1960s Cleveland. Karchy Jonas (Renfro), a Hungarian-born teenager, is far from being cool, but like Billy, Karchy has no problems with telling a lie or two to get ahead. Impressed with Karchy's ability to lie, Billy hires Karchy as his assistant and becomes his mentor. When Karchy gets involved in a payola scheme with Billy, he is faced with the consequences of lying and his wish to become an American citizen. The wonderful R&B music and attention to subtle details add to the overall nostalgic effect of the film.