Fast Forward (1985)

Eight young people from Ohio who are dancers, come to New York, to compete in a major talent competition. But when they get there, they learn that they have to wait some time before they ... See full summary »

Director:

Sidney Poitier

Writers:

Richard Wesley (screenplay), Timothy March (story)

Stars:

John Scott Clough, Don Franklin, Tamara Mark

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
John Scott Clough	...	Matt Sherman
Don Franklin	...	Michael Stafford
Tamara Mark	...	June Wolsky
Tracy Silver	...	Meryl Stanton
Cindy McGee	...	Francine Hackett
Gretchen Palmer	...	Valerie Thompson (as Gretchen F. Palmer)
Monique Cintron	...	Rita Diaz
Debra Varnado	...	Debbie Hughes
Noel Conlon	...	Mr. Stanton
Karen Kopins	...	Susan Granger
Irene Worth	...	Ida Sabol
Sam McMurray	...	Clem Friedkin
Michael DeLorenzo	...	Caesar Lopez
Doris Belack	...	Mrs. Gilroy
David White	...	Mr. Sabol

Storyline

Eight young people from Ohio who are dancers, come to New York, to compete in a major talent competition. But when they get there, they learn that they have to wait some time before they take part in it. So they try to do their best to survive in the Big Apple before competition, and get some lessons about the real World.

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Plot Keywords:

dancer | boyfriend girlfriend relationship | street dancing | african american | optimism | 

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Taglines:

WHEN YOU'VE GOT ONE SHOT AT THE TOP YOU'VE GOT TO MOVE.

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Genres:

Drama | Musical

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 February 1985 (USA)

Also Known As:

A marcha forzada

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Columbia Pictures Corporation, Delphi III Productions, Verdon-Cedric Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

110 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color (Metrocolor)

Did You Know?

Quotes

Debbie Hughes: I'm sorry I broke that man's car window. But that doesn't make me a bad person!

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Connections

References Dreamscape (1984)

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Soundtracks

"Showdown"
Written by Jellybean Benítez (as Jellybean), Stephen Bray and Toni C.
Produced and Mixed by Jellybean Benítez (as John 'Jellybean' Benitez) for Jellybean Productions,
Inc.
Performed by Pulse featuring Adele Bertei
Courtesy of Jellybean Productions, Inc.

User Reviews

A must have for aspiring dancers!

I've been in love with this film since it came out in mid-80s. I was a dance choreographer in high school.

The story was fresh, inspiring and even though people think it's cheesy by today's standards (or back then), the romance and pure ambition of then unknown casts (who were great dancers) were uplifting and makes you root for them till the end of the story.

The soundtrack was a hit and i remember knowing every lyrics by heart, dancing to the upbeat tunes. As you watch and listen, a rush of good nostalgia comes in. Sure, acting may be bad and corny, but it gives you a heady rush. You can't help but think Sidney Poitier just wanted to have fun when he directed this.

Needless to say, I was addicted to this movie then. I had the moldy VHS, the cassette tape, and the moves...well, I copied the choreography in school.

In short, it was a feel good inspirational story for artists and performers, even until now (if you can get hold of a copy, that is, because watching clips on youtube just isn't enough). No one ever did a similar musical film where you don't worry that your kid will catch it on late night cable with sex scenes filled in between.

Plus the songs are so danceable and the simple plot memorable. Never mind the cheesy warmers. Listen to the tunes today, and they will still be as likable as yesterday.

I still have a video of it now in my files. A friend converted his copy to avi when I suddenly craved for it sometime in 2008 and couldn't find it on the net. It's something Sir Sidney will remember with pride and joy in his lifetime. Same fond memories that will sweep the 80s generation who still remember it fondly.

Sometimes, I would take a short peek and my tears would well up because I remember my prime as a performer, even as I now see glaring little flaws in un-synchronized movements and lousy dialogs all too clearly. Never mind, small stuff.

For a musical movie, this is 80s tops.