"Tom Moffatt: The Show Must Go On"
Airs at 7 p.m. today on KGMB and 9 p.m. Wednesday on KHNL
"Tom Moffatt: The Show Must Go On" is a revealing documentary on legendary isle deejay and concert promoter Tom Moffatt, aka "Uncle Tom." Like many of his own shows, it’s hugely entertaining, loaded with celebrities then and now, and sparkles with unbridled chitchat from his peers.
For nearly 60 years, Moffatt — who turned 83 in December — has had a large profile and deep reach in the entertainment realm. If you grew up here, you grew up with Moffatt, from his start as a deejay in the mid-1950s, when he was a platter-spinner on KGU and KIKI, through the launch of the original KPOI, when he became kingpin of the Poi Boys.
The documentary, written by Robert Pennybacker and helmed by the resourceful Phil Arnone, unveils some personal elements of the showman whose first love was and still is radio, and who once announced for three stations at the same time (including the Armed Forces station at Tripler Army Medical Center) "but never said the wrong call letters," Moffatt says.
You also learn why he turned down presenting The Beatles in their prime. More on this later.
Mostly, Moffatt was the conduit for rock and pop culture that brought national names to the local scene.
En route he befriended Colonel Tom Parker and his iconic client, Elvis Presley, and shaped radio content to support a flow of shows.
Think "Show of Stars" at the old Civic Auditorium, with Bobby Rydell, Frankie Avalon, Connie Francis, Buddy Holly, Fabian, Tommy Sands and the Five Satins; think Michael Jackson and Chicago at Aloha Stadium; think the Young Rascals, Elton John, the Rolling Stones, Glen Campbell and the Beach Boys, plus Frank Sinatra with Liza Minnelli and Sammy Davis Jr. at the Honolulu International Center, now the Blaisdell; think Jimmy Buffett and Cecilio and Kapono at the Waikiki Shell.
"He’s Hawaii’s Dick Clark," says Joe Moore about Moffatt’s entrenchment in the entertainment world. He even produced a copycat version of Clark’s "American Bandstand," with local kids dancing — ask Emme Tomimbang, who was among them.
The long-overdue homage to the man, who often makes deals with superstars with a simple handshake, is equally a revelation and a celebration of his easy manner, gentle style and unflagging loyalty and friendliness.
A University of Hawaii student briefly, he dropped out to focus on a career in broadcasting. But this was during the Korean War, and young men were being drafted. Because there was a need for a radio guy at Tripler, he "served" there — which was the spark Moffatt needed to light his career.
"The Show Must Go On" explains how he got the "Uncle Tom’s Cabin" monicker for his classic radio show; assembles ex-colleagues such as Don Robbs, Mel "The Money Man" Lawrence and Tom Rounds; reveals why the show parade ended at the Civic and relaunched at Blaisdell Arena; and simply and fondly salutes him as a trustworthy showman in an industry commonly swimming with sharks.
"He’s so very friendly," coos local girl-turned-star Yvonne Elliman, who recorded the hits "I Don’t Know How to Love Him" from "Jesus Christ Superstar" and the disco era "If I Can’t Have You."
As to why Moffatt didn’t bring The Beatles to Hawaii, the documentary, narrated by Michael W. Perry, explains there would have been no room for even a slight profit, according to Lawrence, and ticket prices would have been exorbitant.
The show is a trove of visual treats because Moffatt saved everything — from show posters and tickets to still photos and video clips. Naturally, there’s also a bounty of Presley recollections, from Moffatt’s exclusive airport interviews to his memorable concerts.
As abonus, there are rare peeks into Moffatt’s personal life with wife Sweetie andson Troy.
