That Thing You Do

That Thing You Do is a comedy film about a fictional rock and roll band from Pennsylvania in 1964. The Wonders (who run into pronunciation challenges with their original spelling of "One-ders") become local favorites after playing the original song "That Thing You Do" at a talent show. Soon, their growing popularity sends them through a whirlwind of nationwide success when they sign to Play-Tone records and go on tour with their new manager Mr. White (played by Tom Hanks). The Wonders' fame gives them a firsthand look at how the music business works for an aspiring band, and the pressures that come from having a hit song.

The film, written and directed by Hanks, includes a soundtrack of original music made to sound like compositions from the '60s. The actors were trained on their respective instruments to be able to play the music, though they do not perform on the soundtrack.

Fast Facts

1. Written by and Directed by: Tom Hanks
2. Starring: Tom Everett Scott, Liv Tyler, Tom Hanks, Steve Zahn, Johnathon Schaech, Charlize Theron
3. Release date: October 4, 1996
4. Run Time: 108 minutes
5. Distributed by: Fox
6. Was Tom Hanks' first movie as writer and director.
7. MPAA rating: PG

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