The Boyfriend School (1990)

Cartoonist Gus has survived cancer treatment and now his romance novelist sister tries to find him a woman and guide him. Will they succeed?

Director:

Malcolm Mowbray

Writers:

Sarah Bird (novel), Sarah Bird (screenplay)

Stars:

Steve Guttenberg, Jami Gertz, Shelley Long

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Shelley Long	...	Lizzie Potts
Steve Guttenberg	...	Gus Kubicek
Jami Gertz	...	Emily Pear
Kyle MacLachlan	...	Trout
Mädchen Amick	...	Mandy
Kevin Scannell	...	Mitchell Potts
Perry Anzilotti	...	Hairdresser
Nada Despotovich	...	Receptionist
Beth Grant	...	Babette
Don Hood	...	Deputy
Bill Applebaum	...	Man in Bar
O'Neal Compton	...	Gas Station Attendant
Ron Orbach	...	Bobbi
Stacy Areheart	...	Teenage Girl
Bert Hogue	...	Airport Security Guard

Storyline

Gus is a fat cartoonist that recently won a battle against cancer, which explains his baldness. But he is also lonely. Therefore, his caring sister tries to set him up with suitable women. But to do so, she must turn him into an irresistible man. When he falls in love with Emily, Gus takes the identity of a mysterious biker from New Zealand.

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Plot Keywords:

cartoonist | cancer | revenge | harley davidson | motorcycle | 

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Taglines:

Gus #1 didn't have a ghost of a chance until he became... Gus #2. With his new looks the girl of his dreams is about to find out that looks are only skin deep when she falls in love with Gus #1 and #2.

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Genres:

Comedy | Romance

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Certificate:

PG-13

Did You Know?

Trivia

"The Boyfriend School" was the film's working title until the marketing department at Hemdale, its studio, learned that the title tested poorly in its surveys. Alternative titles considered included: "Two of Gus", "What She Knew", and "Don't Tell Her It's Me", with the final title finally making the cut. However, the film was retitled "The Boyfriend School" for cable television airings, as well as the DVD release.

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Goofs

Gus's "Maori" pendant bears no resemblance to actual Maori artwork.

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Quotes

Gus Kubicek: Emily.
Emily Pear: Lobo!
Gus Kubicek: I have something to tell you...
Emily Pear: No, I have something to tell you. To ask you. Two questions: Are you gay?
Gus Kubicek: Gay? No, I am not...
Emily Pear: Great! Are you free of disease?
Gus Kubicek: I've got an ingrown toenail, but, Emily I am...
Emily Pear: Don't talk. That's all I wanted to know. God help me, I don't care if you're married. I know that you're leaving, I know we'll only have this one night but I want it Lobo. I want the memories.
Gus Kubicek: Emily... I...
[Emily proceeds to kiss him interrupting his words]

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Connections

Features Narc (1988)

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Soundtracks

Don't Tell Her It's Me
Performed by Michael Ruff
Written by David Batteau (ASCAP) & Andre Fischer (ASCAP)
Published by Stickystamp Music (ASCAP), Xayas Songs (ASCAP), Le Grande Fromage Music (ASCAP)
Produced by Andre Fischer

User Reviews

Funny Face

Absolutely charming, an old school romance that would never see the light of day in the noughties.

Full of genuinely funny moments, particularly from Shelley Long chastising her infant on the dangers of sticking fingers in sockets or eating oil covered bolts in a non-chalont manner. Leads look great and have the timing for comedy. Jamie Gertz never fails to charm.

Funny, romantic, inspiring and beautiful, says this soppy old romantic.

Details

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

21 September 1990 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Boyfriend School

Filming Locations:

Charleston, South Carolina, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$6,700,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$531,714, 23 September 1990

Gross USA:

$1,171,762

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$1,171,762

Company Credits

Production Co:

Hemdale, Sovereign Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

103 min

Sound Mix:

Ultra Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1