Light of Day (1987)

A pair of siblings must choose whether to pursue their dream of touring with their rock band or support their family and stay in Cleveland, Ohio.

Director:

Paul Schrader

Writer:

Paul Schrader

Stars:

Michael J. Fox, Gena Rowlands, Joan Jett

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Michael J. Fox	...	Joe Rasnick
Gena Rowlands	...	Jeanette Rasnick
Joan Jett	...	Patti Rasnick
Michael McKean	...	Bu Montgomery
Thomas G. Waites	...	Smittie
Cherry Jones	...	Cindy Montgomery
Michael Dolan	...	Gene Bodine
Paul J. Harkins	...	Billy Tettore
Billy L. Sullivan	...	Benji Rasnick (as Billy Sullivan)
Jason Miller	...	Benjamin Rasnick
Tom Irwin	...	Reverend Ansley
Jerry Gideon	...	Sean
Cherise Vonae Haugen	...	Crystal
Michael Rooker	...	Oogie
Yvette Heyden	...	Laurie

Storyline

The siblings Patti and Joe Rasnick live in an industrial suburb in Cleveland, Ohio, and play in a local rock band, The Barbusters. While Patti is focused on their rock band, Joe is also devoted to the family and the upbringing of Patti's young son, Benji. Their pious mother reproaches them for their way of life, especially when they quit their jobs and go on tour, taking Benji with them. In the steamy, smoke-filled clubs in and around Cleveland, they find their happiness living the dream with The Barbusters. Patti and Joe live their lives for one hour in the spotlight on stage, and when the lights go down, their world lights up. With hard times in the family and hard knocks on the job, it's hard rock music at night that keeps them alive.

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Plot Keywords:

rock band | family relationships | brother sister relationship | rock 'n' roll | musician | 

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Taglines:

When your family is closing you in, music may be the only way out.

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Genres:

Drama | Music

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Certificate:

PG-13

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

6 February 1987 (USA)

Also Known As:

Just Around the Corner to the Light of Day

Filming Locations:

Crestwood, Illinois, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$3,536,309, 8 February 1987

Gross USA:

$10,489,617

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$10,489,617

Company Credits

Production Co:

TAFT Entertainment Pictures, Keith Barish Productions, Home Box Office (HBO)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

107 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color (Astrocolor)

Did You Know?

Trivia

Michael McKean plays a guitar player in this film 3 years after doing so in Spinal Tap. On a graffiti filled wall in a dressing room, the song title "Smell the Glove" is seen on the wall. This is one of Spinal Tap's songs.

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Quotes

Patti Rasnick: [during a fight with her brother Joe] You know, you got a real tune, little brother. You really oughta start your own band. Call it The Attitudes.

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Connections

Features Another World (1964)

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Soundtracks

Elegy (Instrumental)
(uncredited)
Performed by Rick Cox, Chas Smith, Jon Clarke and Michael Boddicker

User Reviews

One of my favorite Michael Fox movies.

I never enjoyed the cutesy characters they always have Fox portray. Here he does a great job as a "regular", decent guy who is loyal to his family and just wants to know what his dream is. I think that Joan Jett did a fantastic job -- not too many musicians can cross over so well into movies. Fox and Jett are believable as brother and sister and Gena Rowlands is always incredible.

I think this movie was panned because people expect Mr. Fox to be silly and boyish (two things that he wasn't in this movie.) Good for you, Michael.