Tom Petty: Heartbreakers Beach Party
2024, NR, 90 min.
Directed by Cameron Crowe.

In 2024, the long-thought lost 16mm reels of Tom Petty in Cameron Crowe’s first film, Heartbreakers Beach Party, were finally found. The classic ‘80s documentary captures Tom Petty and the band in 1982-1983 as they finish, promote, and tour around the Long After Dark album (their final with legendary producer Jimmy Iovine). After its initial airing on MTV in 1983, the film was deemed too experimental and abruptly pulled from the air. In the more than 40 years since, it has become folklore to fans, musicians, and within the entertainment industry. The theatrical release features 19 minutes of fully remastered, never-before-seen, archival bonus footage and new commentary from director Cameron Crowe.

This article appears in October 4 • 2024.

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