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

Did You Know?

Trivia

Michael McKean plays a guitar player in this film three years after doing so in This Is Spinal Tap (1984). 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

Smittie: [Joe pays Smittie for some tools Patti stole from his brother-in-law] I like you, you're all right. You've got real family loyalty. Too bad your sister ain't worth it!

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Connections

Featured in At the Movies: Black Widow/From the Hip/Light of Day/Dead of Winter (1987)

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Soundtracks

Do Wah Diddy Diddy
Written by Ellie Greenwich and Jeff Barry
Published by Trio Music Co., Inc. - BMI
All rights for U.S.A. and Canada administered by Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. - BMI
Performed by Michael J. Fox, Michael McKean and Paul J. Harkins

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.

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)