Hard to Hold (1984)

Details the efforts of a pop-rock star (James Roberts / Rick Springfield) to win the love of a woman he meets in a car accident. None of the usual gambits work on this woman, who has never ... See full summary »

Director:

Larry Peerce

Writers:

Thomas Hedley Jr. (story) (as Tom Hedley), Richard Rothstein (story)

Stars:

Rick Springfield, Janet Eilber, Patti Hansen

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Rick Springfield	...	James Roberts
Janet Eilber	...	Diana Lawson
Patti Hansen	...	Nicky Nides
Albert Salmi	...	Johnny Lawson
Gregory Itzin	...	Owen
Peter Van Norden	...	Casserole
Bill Mumy	...	The James Roberts Band - Keyboard
Tony Fox Sales	...	The James Roberts Band - Guitar
Mike Baird	...	The James Roberts Band - Drums
Robert Popwell	...	The James Roberts Band - Bass (as Robert 'Pops' Popwell)
Tracy Brooks Swope	...	Toby
Heather Haase	...	Cal Mussetter (as Heather Devore-Haase)
Carole Tru Foster	...	Mrs. Mussetter
Garry Goodrow	...	Maitre d'
Frank Ronzio	...	Flower Vendor

Storyline

Details the efforts of a pop-rock star (James Roberts / Rick Springfield) to win the love of a woman he meets in a car accident. None of the usual gambits work on this woman, who has never heard of him. Complications arise involving the ex-girlfriend Nicky, who is still in his band. Lots of Springfield tunes help the plot along.

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Plot Keywords:

switchblade comb | automobile accident | airport terminal | love triangle | falling in love | 

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Taglines:

Love is hard to find, when the whole world is watching.

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Genres:

Drama | Music

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

6 April 1984 (USA)

Also Known As:

Forever One

Filming Locations:

Fairmont Hotel - 950 Mason Street, Nob Hill, San Francisco, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

93 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Final produced screen-story and screen-play of writer Thomas Hedley Jr. who had previously the year before penned Paramount's hit dance-music movie Flashdance (1983).

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Goofs

When Jamie sends flowers to Diana (at around 12 mins), they are pink and red, but when his road guy comes back with the refused flowers, they are yellow.

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Quotes

Diana Lawson: Will you stop harassing me? I know who you are, you're a rock person of some sort.
James Roberts: Do you like my music?
Diana Lawson: No, I don't like your music.
James Roberts: Why?
Diana Lawson: It's bubblegum!
James Roberts: Yeah? Well 21 million Americans seem to think different!
Diana Lawson: Well, bully for them!
James Roberts: *Bully* for them? What kind of word is "bully"? What kind of music do you like?
Diana Lawson: Tony Bennett.
James Roberts: Jesus...
[...]

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Connections

Referenced in Hell (1984)

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Soundtracks

The Great Lost Art Of Conversation
Performed by Rick Springfield

User Reviews

The most guilty of pleasures, I had a big crush on Springfield when this movie was released and I still watch it and enjoy the music, too

Jamie Roberts (Rick Springfield) is a pop music superstar. He gives concerts, gyrates across the stage, and the crowd, mostly women, swoons. But, this gets old after awhile and he has been feeling somewhat restless. Borrowing a car after a show, Jamie gets into a minor traffic accident with a pretty schoolteacher, Diana (Janet Eilber) and he likes what he sees. However, she doesn't care if he is the richest man out there, she likes Tony Bennett and sane lifestyles. Nevertheless, when Jamie shows up below her apartment building in San Francisco and has a Tony-lookalike serenade her, she can't help but invite the good-looking singer into her apartment for an evening. Yet, she doesn't see any future between the two of them and tries to resist the start of any relationship. But, Jamie is relentless and they begin to go out as a couple. Can a teacher of troubled children who scorns "top 40" music really be a good match for a rock star? All right, I know, this film is the definitive guilty pleasure, for its strengths are mainly the looks and voice of one Rick Springfield. He has a smile that melts hearts and his goofy yet sincere portrayal of a rock star goes a long way to making the film attractive to a mostly female audience. Eilber is pretty and competent as the love interest and the supporting cast is quite nice as well. As for the setting in San Francisco, it is gorgeous, the costumes are nice, and the production values are strong. Yes, the plot is somewhat silly and unbelievable but the direction keeps the story going. The soundtrack, too, will either be very appealing or dismissive, depending on whether you are a fan of Springfield's. In short, if you adore little Ricky but you have never seen this film, get it soon. Toes will curl and chests will sigh over the Aussie singer's rare movie appearance.