Nickelodeon (1976)

Set against the flourishing backdrop of the film industry in 1911, "Nickelodeon" follows the unlikely journey of Leo Harrigan, a Chicago lawyer with a less than stellar career, and Tom "Buck" Greenway, a Florida-based snake oil salesman. Both men, despite their lack of commitment to their respective professions, are accidentally thrust into the world of moving picture making – an era of one, two, three, and four reelers shown at nickelodeons. Harrigan, unprepared but determined, finds himself evolving from a scenarist to a multifaceted director and editor. Greenway, although initially ignorant about his job and grappling with personal fears, becomes an action actor. They enter the business under the wing of independent producer H.H. Cobb, who's locked in a fierce battle with the Patents Company, a conglomerate of big movie companies determined to stifle smaller outfits like Cobb's Kinegraph by denying them access to cameras under supposed patents. Their paths converge at a clandestine set tucked away in Cugamonga, California, chosen by Cobb to elude the prying eyes of the Patents Company. However, the professional challenges they face are only a part of their tumultuous journey. Both men find themselves hopelessly enamored with Kathleen Cooke, a nearsighted and clumsy Chautauqua girl on a national tour, who stumbles onto their set in Cugamonga. Over a span of four years, we witness their lives unfold, punctuated by their ongoing struggle against the Patents Company and their shared affection for Kathleen. As they navigate their blossoming careers, they must also grapple with their own artistic growth, the ever-changing landscape of the film industry, and the delicate balance of their personal and professional lives. Through it all, "Nickelodeon" offers a captivating look at the early days of cinema, a period brimming with innovation, competition, and heartfelt human stories.

Nickelodeon is a comedy movie featuring Ryan O'Neal.

It is possible to buy Nickelodeon on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.