SYNOPSIS
In 1960’s Washington vibrant soul music and exploding social consciousness were combining to unique and powerful effect, providing the perfect backdrop for the colourful and charismatic Ralph “Petey” Greene (Cheadle) to fully express himself, sometimes to outrageous effect. With the support of his irrepressible and tempestuous girlfriend Vernell, the ex-con talks his way into an on-air radio gig. Whilst his biting humor and social commentary initially get him into trouble, the station’s program director, Dewey Hughes (Ejiofor) soon acknowledges Petey’s unique ability to talk to his people, and the pair forge an engaging friendship. Petey soon becomes an iconic radio personality, surpassing even the established popularity of his fellow disc jockeys and as his voice, humor and spirit surge across the airwaves, listeners tune in to hear not only incredible music but also a man speaking directly to them about race and power during this exciting yet turbulent period in American history. Through the years, Petey’s “the truth just is” style – on and off-air – would redefine both Petey and Dewey, and empower each to become the man he would most like to be, in this funny and poignant picture.