Greatest 17 Biography Movies Releases from 1987

Biographical story of the rise from nowhere of early rock and roll singer Ritchie Valens who died at age 17 in a plane crash with Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper. Look into La Bamba / IMDB / YouTube

South African journalist Donald Woods is forced to flee the country after attempting to investigate the death in custody of his friend, the Black anti-Apartheid activist Steve Biko. See more about Cry Freedom / IMDB / YouTube

Based on the true story of a transatlantic business correspondence about used books, which later developed into a close, long-distance friendship that evolved over the course of two decades. Get info on 84 Charing Cross Road / IMDB / YouTube

Biographer John Lahr is writing a book about playwright Joe Orton. Joe and Kenneth meet at drama school and live together for ten years as lovers and collaborators. Both want to be writers, but only one of them is successful. Get info on Prick Up Your Ears / IMDB / YouTube

The true story about a dog's loyalty to its master, even after his death. Details on Hachi-ko / IMDB / YouTube

An unconventional retelling of the life of William Walker, a 19th century American mercenary leader who became the president of Nicaragua. Learn about Walker / IMDB / YouTube

Middle-aged Gerald Kingsland advertises in a London paper for a female companion to spend a year with him on a desert island. Find out about Castaway / IMDB / YouTube

Karen Carpenter's battle with anorexia nervosa and the cultural influence of the Carpenters in the 1970s. See more about Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story / IMDB / YouTube

This documentary movie covers two concerts at the Fox Theatre in St. Louis, Missouri, to celebrate Chuck Berry's 60th birthday, and also discusses his life and career. Details on Chuck Berry: Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll / IMDB / YouTube

Against orders and with no help of relief Texas patriots led by William Travis, Jim Bowie and Davy Crockett defend the Alamo against overwhelming Mexican forces. Learn about The Alamo: Thirteen Days to Glory / IMDB / YouTube

The true story of Robert Elliot Burns, the prisoner who, after being sentenced to a Georgia chain gang, attempted two daring escapes. Learn about The Man Who Broke 1,000 Chains / IMDB / YouTube

The true story of one of the richest women in America - heiress to the Woolworth fortune. She had vast wealth and seven husbands, but never found lasting love. Info on Poor Little Rich Girl: The Barbara Hutton Story / IMDB / YouTube

Young Israeli husband Eli Cohen is recruited by the Mossad in the early 1960's and sent to Syria. Telling his wife he has a new job that requires extensive business travel, he takes up residence in Syria, where he befriends a high-ranking Syrian government official and provides invaluable information to Israel. On a visit home, his wife pleads with him to leave his jo. Check out The Impossible Spy / IMDB / YouTube

The life of Henry Ford, and how he changed America while keeping his family together. Look into Ford: The Man and the Machine / IMDB / YouTube

Documentary on the life and death of Pier Paolo Pasolini. Check out Wie de waarheid zegt moet dood / IMDB / YouTube

The first major profile of the American Pop Art cult leader after his death in 1987 covers the whole of his life and work through interviews, clips from his films, and conversations with his family and superstar friends. Andy Warhol, the son of poor Czech immigrants, grew up in the industrial slums of Pittsburgh while dreaming of Hollywood stars. He went on to become . Read about Andy Warhol / IMDB / YouTube

A small Canadian town is devasted when a local mine--the town's only source of income--is closed. One man incurs the wrath of the townsmen when he stubbornly refuses the small amount of settlement money offered by the government. Learn about John and the Missus / IMDB / YouTube