The Virgin Queen of St. Francis High (1987)

User Rating:

2.4/10   

Director:

Francesco Lucente

Writer:

Francesco Lucente (writer)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

Plot:

A high school jock bets his friends that he can score with the school beauty queen, who is also a virgin. |

Plot Keywords:

Bet | Christian Subtext | Chastity | Teenage Girl In Swimwear | Virginity

Cast

Joseph R. Straface	...	Mike
Stacy Christensen	...	Diane
J.T. Wotton	...	Charles
Anna Lisa Iapaolo	...	Judy
Lee Barringer	...	Randy
Bev Wotton	...	Diane's Mother
Terrance Ballinger	...	D.J.
Tara Wilder	...	Waitress
Barry Allen Onody	...	Bartender
John Michaud	...	Allan
Ian Schmaltz	...	Jerry
Ron Grondin	...	Reggie
Mike Francis	...	Extra
Rosanne Mandalone	...	Extra
Lorenza Mandalone	...	Extra

Runtime:

USA:89 min

Country:

Canada

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo | Mono

Certification:

USA:PG

Filming Locations:

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Company:

American Artists

Trivia:

During the shooting of the film's ending, the shot of Randy as he swerves to avoid the oncoming car is actually right before he crashed into a production van.

Movie Connections:

References The Elephant Man (1980)

A pleasant surprise

After reading the reviews regarding "The Virgin Queen of St. Francis High", I was compelled to rent the movie to see if the comments made by other viewers were justified. The reviews were so dire that I needed to see for myself if this movie was really as "inept" as others had claimed it to be. I put the tape in and began watching what was supposed to be the "worst movie ever". I was prepared to add my venomous review to the list, but what I discovered instead, was that I genuinely enjoyed the film.

The movie revolves around a nerdish type of guy named Mike (Joseph Straface), who makes a $2,000.00 bet with Randy (Lee Barringer), the most popular guy around, that he can get Diane (Stacy Christenson), the most popular girl around, not to mention the most unatainable one, to a place called Paradise Bungalows. A sort of lover's lane motel in the woods. The antics begin when Mike tries to woo and win Diane's heart with his impish charms and with the aid of his best friend Charly (J.T. Wotton).

Through his persitence, Diane begins to fall for Mike's charms and against the adivce of her best friend Judy (Anna Lisa Iapaolo), who also happens to be Charly's sister, she ends up going to Paradise Bungalows for the weekend.

Judy discovers the truth about the wager and feels it her duty to inform Diane about the deception. Now Mike must save face with Diane and save her honor as well, by confronting Randy in the climax of the movie.

I found the climax reminiscent of a Sergio Leone western and found it a most entertaining homage, as the hero and villain face off in a classic "Good, Bad and Ugly" encounter. It was a stylish ending to a stylish movie.

All in all, the Virgin Queen of St. Francis high was indeed a pleasant surprise. It was funny, enchanting and endearing. I found myself rooting for Mike as he went from a bumbling nerd to charming hero. After watching the film I had to conclude that the other critics simply missed the point and compared to the myriad of useless romantic comedies out there, I found this to be a gem. It was fresh and different. The music was great and really added to the overall experience as did the great scenery.

I would indeed wholheartedly recommend this film and give it a two thumbs up!