The Sopranos: A Hit Is A Hit
1999 - Season One: Episode 10
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Background:
	This is a superbly written episode that deals with stereotypes, racism, and
ethics. More importantly related to this course, a subplot of "A Hit Is A Hit"
examines mob involvement in the music industry. In the 1950s-60s it was a common
practice for record promoters to bankroll an act in exchange for a writing credit.
A harsh reality dramatized here is that early R&B performers surrendered their 
royalties in exchange for promotion and airplay.
	Important questions posed in this episode include: What makes a hit record?
Is it musical talent? An executive's wise ear? Or can any song become a hit with
proper financial backing? How involved is/was the mob in the music business?

Executive Producer: David Chase
 - TV writer and producer of "Rockford Files" where he won an Emmy. (1970s)
 - Chase originally wrote "The Sopranos" pilot for Fox Network but it was turned
	down.
 - He was raised in New Jersey (where The Sopranos takes place) and his unrealized
	dream is to be a drummer in a rock band.

Screenplay: Joe Bosso, Frank Renzulli
 - Renzulli is an actor/writer who has penned several "Sopranos" episodes. He has
	also written for "The Wonder Years," and "The Practice."
 - Bosso also wrote episodes of "The Chris Issak Show."

Characters - Actors:
     Herman "Hesh" Rabkin - Jerry Adler
	- Hesh is the lone Jewish member of the Soprano crew.
	- As owner of F-note Records, Hesh holds a co-writing credit for the song,
		"Such A Fool." Little Jimmy Willis actually wrote the song but Hesh
		claimed a co-credit for bankrolling the act.

     Massive Genius - Bokeem Woodbine
	- Massive "G" is a hiphop mogul who wants Hesh to relinquish and repay
		"Such A Fool" royalties to Little Jimmy Willis' estate.

     Tony Soprano - James Gandolfini
	- Head of the Soprano gang. His father was a silent partner in F-note Records.

     Christopher Moltisanti - Michael Imperioli
	- A junior member of the Soprano crew.
	- He bankrolls his girlfriend's foray in the music business.

     Adriana La Cerva - Drea De Matteo
	- Christopher's girlfriend.
	- She wants to become a music agent/promoter.

Contact info: Steve Scherer