"The Soul Hustler" (1973) is an American Films, Ltd. release that starred Fabian Forte as a singing evangelist who seemed completely corrupt when he was discovered for his raw talent of "soft sell" by a ruthless evangelist played by Tony Russell who shows him the ropes to evangelizing and securing enough donations and raise enough confidence in the public to have chart topping record albums and sold-out engagements. However, he had a pair of great danes that cared about him, and those that befriended him like Larry Bishop and Nai Bonet, he tried to use to his advantage. He got caught up in the drugs and sex, but it is Miss Bonet who helps him to see the importance of keeping sacred his own faith he inspires in the many who follow him. Performances are very good, even Casey Kasem as an "anything for a buck" promoter. Fabian, who always seems to defy his own work as when he, as an accomplished actor, does something interesting, he seems to wind up surrendering to an indifferent attitude. Harley Hatcher composed most of the songs and did the movie's score and, once again, as with another movie by the director, Burt Topper (1970's "The Hard Ride" starring Robert Fuller) did an extraordinary job. Hatcher also scored "A Bullet for Pretty Boy" also with Fabian. The premise of the story of "The Soul Hustler" had been done basically in 1958 with 20th Century-Fox's "Sing, Boy, Sing" with Tommy Sands. But like "The Hard Ride" was as a biker picture, it is a different breed altogether. Topper also wrote and produced "The Soul Hustler." It leaves you wondering. And it makes you wonder what else they could do.

Since Casey Kasem died a few weeks ago, I've been going on the internet searching for his various movies in which he played parts, as opposed to just being himself. Here, he's Birnie, a public relations man for Fabian and his manager, Evin Calder (Tony Russel), a preacher who discovers him when Fabian tries to bilk some money from him during one of his sermons. Oh, and did I tell you Fabian plays Matthew, a sex and drug addict? Anyway, Casey is very much a '70s character with the bushy mustache and curly hair and that familiar voice was a great asset here. The film itself is quite good in exploring the complicated feelings of Fabian's character especially when he falls for a woman played by Nai Bonet. So on that note, Soul Hustler is worth seeking out. I saw this on YouTube.

Fabian gives a good perfomance as a drifter/junkie who with the help of a evangelist preacher/promoter rises to stardorm as a singer of gospel style music.thousands of young kids believe in him, but he has demons of his own to destroy. movie does have some slow spots but over all it will make you think about your beliefs in people. They are not always what they seem. the ending is a surprise. you may have to search for this movie but it you find it pick it up.