Midnight Memories

I recently watched the DVD of Rock 'n' Roll High School. I saw it quite a few times as a midnight movie many years ago.

The film is a take on the classic rock exploitation plot where adults try to stop the music but the kids convince them it's okay. Except with punk, the kids don't care if the adults like it--they'd just as soon blow up the school and be done with it. (It's incredible to think Roger Corman originally wanted this to be called Disco High.) I remember once seeing this film with rowdy punks in the audience. They starting throwing things at the screen and tearing up the chairs. One of the few times I've been scared for my safety in a theatre.

I loved this movie for several reasons. First, there's the wacky sense of humor, mostly due to director Allan Arkush and writer Joe Dante (he hadn't done Gremlins yet). Then there's the unbearable cuteness of P.J. Soles as Riff Randell (and Dey Young isn't too bad, either). She's been working regularly since, but she never became the star she should have.

Above all is The Ramones. They weren't the first choice, or even the second choice, as the rock band the kids go crazy over. We're lucky they were chosen, because it gives us a chance to see this greatest of all punk bands in their heyday. As a bonus, we get to see them act, or at least give it their best shot. My favorite moment in the film is Joey trying, and failing, to say "Mr. McGree."

Here's an interesting tidbit I'd never noticed before (for obvious reasons). The two main lovers are named Tom and Kate.

There's also a mini-documentary about the making of the film. One thing struck me as odd--not a single word was said about male lead Vince Van Patten. Did they hate him? Did he threaten them? Did he copyright his name?