Class of 1984 (1982)

A new teacher at a troubled inner-city high school soon ends up clashing with the delinquent leader of a punk posse that runs the school.

Director:

Mark L. Lester (as Mark Lester)

Writers:

Tom Holland (story), Mark L. Lester (screenplay) (as Mark Lester)

Stars:

Perry King, Merrie Lynn Ross, Timothy Van Patten

2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Perry King	...	Andrew Norris
Merrie Lynn Ross	...	Diane Norris
Timothy Van Patten	...	Peter Stegman
Roddy McDowall	...	Terry Corrigan
Stefan Arngrim	...	Drugstore
Michael J. Fox	...	Arthur (as Michael Fox)
Keith Knight	...	Barnyard
Lisa Langlois	...	Patsy
Neil Clifford	...	Fallon
Al Waxman	...	Detective Stewiski
Erin Noble	...	Deneen (as Erin Flannery)
David Gardner	...	Principal Morganthau
Steve Pernie	...	Rejack
Robert Reece	...	Leroy
Joseph Kelly	...	Jimmy

Storyline

There's something strange going on at the graffiti-covered Lincoln High, as teachers are carrying loaded guns, and the students have to walk through a metal detector before they enter the classroom. Before long, the school's new music teacher, Andrew Norris, will learn firsthand that it's even worse than it looks, as the drug-plagued institution is the territory of the charismatic Peter Stegman and his brutal gang of crazed followers. Now, under those dire circumstances, it's only a matter of time before the professor and the pupil lock horns, with unforeseen consequences. But, do drastic times call for drastic measures? In the end, is there a cure for violence?

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Plot Keywords:

high school | sadism | violence | husband wife relationship | weapon | 

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Taglines:

Andy Norris: a man equipped to deal with students. But they pushed him to the limit that has gone too far. Now he's about to teach the Class of 1984 the most dangerous lesson they deserve.

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Genres:

Action | Crime | Drama | Thriller

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

Canada USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 August 1982 (USA)

Also Known As:

Class of 1984

Filming Locations:

Canada

Box Office

Budget:

$4,300,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Guerilla High Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

98 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

A real high school orchestra was used for Mr. Norris' band.

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Goofs

When the thug climbs up the flag pole, he is alternately holding/not holding the flag in his hands.

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Quotes

Terry Corrigan: I'll bet I know who you are. You're Mr. Goldstein's replacement. Terry Corrigan, biology.
Andrew Norris: Andy Norris, music. What's the gun for?
Terry Corrigan: Where have you been teaching lately?
Andrew Norris: Lately? Nowhere.
Terry Corrigan: It figures.

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Alternate Versions

In a U.S. TV-cut of the film, there is an extra scene where Mr. Norris is in the cafeteria teaching Arthur the term "fortissimo", with Arthur looking at the word and jokingly says, "fart". When Mr. Norris tells Arthur what the word means, Arthur jumps on the table and yells "fortissimo".

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Connections

References Goodbye, Mr. Chips (1939)

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Soundtracks

You Better Not Step Out of Line
Music by Lalo Schifrin & Jeffrey Baxter
Lyrics by Gary Osborne
Performed by Randall Bramlett
Produced by Steve Tyrell

User Reviews

Class of 1984 is a Cult Classic

Class of 1984 (1982) is an entertaining and thought-provoking combination of the Vigilante and High School Drama flick. The film describes the punks as the next generation of important people. It was done as a reworking of Blackboard Jungle (it is much better than Cruel Intentions and more gutsy). Class of 1984 (1982) is an errie movie because the depiction of unsafe Urban high schools, metal detectors at schools, and security guards would be a reality eight years later in many high school cities. It is a courageous movie that isn't afraid to deal with important issues. Class of 1984 (1982) will be noted for the appearance of Michael J. Fox known in the credits as Michael Fox.