Theme Song: There are a few original songs in the movie:
“The Same Situation” Lyrics by Jonathan Hannah & Shannon Maclouglin, Music by Ian Shaw
“High Roller” Lyrics by Ian Shaw & Chuck Vincent, Music by Ian Shaw
“All is Forgiven” Lyrics by Ian Shaw & Chuck Vincent, Music by Ian Shaw
These are all nice. Will there ever be a great revival of these lost songs instead of endless and terrible reissues of shitty synth soundtracks?
Interesting Dated References: The quintessential ‘80s sex comedy.
Best Line: “I’m white and waspy, ain’t got no rhythm.”
Social Context: Teenage boys and their endless appetite to see boobs in comedic situations.
Summary: On the Friday before a big Monday morning economics exam, Ivy League prep-nerd Thurston receives news he must pass or he’ll be kicked out of school, causing him to lose out on his inheritance. For whatever reason, his two buddies must pass the test, as well.
It doesn’t make a lot of sense, but applying too much logic to a film like Preppies is going to ruin the entire experience. Not only was 1984 peak sex-comedy era, but Preppies is the first film from the partnership Chuck Vincent Productions and Playboy had throughout the ‘80s. You’re not here for logic, plot, or semiotics. You’re here for boobs.
Yes, there are boobs in this movie. Several, in fact. In an attempt to default the inheritance to himself, Blackwell, Thurston’s cousin, hires a bunch of stripper girls to harass and distract the trio of friends all weekend so they will fail the test.
But eventually the girls side with the trio and help them cram for and pass the exam. Of course this happens after a lot of sex jokes, boobs, hijinks, gaffes, and boobs.
Preppies is the real deal, folks. It’s full of sincere acting and humorous jokes (unlike Hot Chili), it’s not a watered-down coming-of-age movie masquerading as a sex comedy (ala Hot Moves), and it definitely doesn’t shy away from the nudity (like Fraternity Vacation). When faced with a rental decision on the over-crowded sex comedy shelf, the young hessian that grabbed Preppies was getting the most bang for his buck.
Worth Mentioning:
– Directed by Chuck Vincent, veteran adult film performer and director. Vincent’s R-rated movies deserve a lot more attention than they have received: C.O.D., Hot T-Shirts, Hollywood Hot Tubs, Sex Appeal, Wimps, Student Affairs, and who could forget Deranged.
– Jerry Butler plays overzealous actor Dick Foster, who has some good scenes toward the end of the movie. Jerry was on a really good episode of The Rialto Report podcast (NOTE: NSFW).
– Linda Wiesmeier (Wheels of Fire) also has a lot of screen time as the ditzy prep, Trini.
– There’s a sick boogie van with a carpeted interior named “The Beast” throughout the movie.
Poster and Box Art: Minimal and making good use of negative space, the poster for preppies is effective. Consider the overcrowding on the shelf and tendency of sex-comedy artwork to be maximalist, this is well done.
Availability: Not available on streaming or Blu-ray as of mid-2020.