Moviestar

Album: Moviestar (1975)
Charted: 24
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song is about someone who thinks he's a real big star, but in reality only did some acting in a TV commercial.
  • Harpo is a Swedish pop singer. This was his only hit - he became a successful horse breeder in his home country Sweden. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Caroline - Zeewolde, Netherlands, for above 2
  • Jan Harpo Svennson started working as an actor in his home country of Sweden in the late 1960s, but music remained a distraction. He recalled to Mojo August 2009: "I began writing music for the plays I was in. All my friends said, 'You should make a record.'"

    In 1972 he signed with Polar (the company that homed ABBA) and began a children's album with Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus. It wasn't completed, so Polar released Harpo from the contract but he stayed in contact with ABBA. In 1973 he signed with EMI Sweden and his first single "Honolulu" was a Swedish hit.

    The same year, he'd visited London and linked up with English producer Mickie Most, who was sure international success was beckoning. Harpo recorded this song with ABBA's Anni-Frid Lyngstad on backing vocals singing the words "Moviestar Moviestar." It became an international hit, topping the charts in Sweden and Germany and peaking at #24 in the UK. However, the Swede explained to Mojo that he became the second Swedish act after ABBA to achieve success against the odds as EMI, "didn't even send the records to other countries. 'Moviestar' was released by DJM in England, where EMI had said, 'No, we don't release anything from Sweden.'"

    After the song's success EMI took notice and wanted him back. However ensuing business wrangles prevented Harpo from fully capitalizing on his hit and despite some sporadic success in other European countries, this was to be his one and only UK chart entry.

Comments: 8

  • Sally Fromanchester from Manchester Uk Please stop saying he is blind He is not! The cane is part of his act Its a prop!
  • Sally from ManchesterOne of my favourite songs ever but guys he is not blind(in one eye only)and his cane is a prop for his act
  • Ssally From Uk from ManchesterGreat song love it but he isnt blind Dont know where you got othat from His cane is just a prop he used for performances
  • Frank from BestHarpo had a terrible accident in August 1980. As well as being a musician, he is also a horse trainer and one of his horses, Starter, suddenly lashed out and kicked Harpo in the face several times. The injuries were so severe that Harpo lost his sense of smell and the sight in one eye. To show there were no hard feelings, Harpo dedicated his next album to his horse, Starter.
  • Pete from Nowra, Australiagee Jo never seen that flim clip.....must be a rare one ...
  • Joe from Adelaide, AustraliaI just saw another version of Movie Star in a disco setting where Harpo walks around (barefoot) with walking stick in hand, definetly tell he is blind in this one.
  • Leo from Hilversum, NetherlandsAnni-Frid, or Frida, the red haired Abba singer, is singing backing vocals on this song.
  • Pete from Nowra, Australiahe was also blind , i only found this out about 2 months ago , when the song was released this fact was never mentioned .. if you happen to see the the film clip .... Harpo is just sitting down on stool looking down whilst the camera goes around him ....it all makes sense now
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Spooner Oldham

Spooner OldhamSongwriter Interviews

His keyboard work helped define the Muscle Shoals sound and make him an integral part of many Neil Young recordings. Spooner is also an accomplished songwriter, whose hits include "I'm Your Puppet" and "Cry Like A Baby."

Gavin Rossdale of Bush

Gavin Rossdale of BushSongwriter Interviews

On the "schizoid element" of his lyrics, and a famous line from "Everything Zen."

Kerry Livgren of Kansas

Kerry Livgren of KansasSongwriter Interviews

In this talk from the '80s, the Kansas frontman talks turning to God and writing "Dust In The Wind."

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse Pop

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse PopSong Writing

Songs that seem to glorify violence against women are often misinterpreted - but not always.

Petula Clark

Petula ClarkSongwriter Interviews

Petula talks about her hits "Downtown" and "Don't Sleep In The Subway," and explains her Michael Jackson connection.

Dr. John

Dr. JohnSongwriter Interviews

The good doctor shares some candid insights on recording with Phil Spector and The Black Keys.