My Bodyguard (1980)

[Blergh]

With the passing of Martin Mull as the protagonist's well-meaning but clueless father , this movie came to mind a fairly good teen drama starring the-then nerdy teen star Chris Makepeace  about finding (and keeping) the most unlikely friends (the title character played by the-then  newbie Adam Baldwin) despite as well as dealing with school bullying  (via Matt Dillon) with some comedic subplots revolving around the teen's swanky residential hotel  featuring the teen's grandmother played by Ruth Gordon, John Houseman [!] and a cameo by apre-Cheers George Wendt. It's not without its flaws- most notably voyeurism sans consequences being used as a means of bonding.

However, even factoring that in (and it being set four decades ago), it still somewhat relevant and downright cathartic!

Thoughts?

[Spartan Girl]

I did like this movie. It’s one of the better yet not as renowned 80s coming of age movies. Totally forgot Mull was the dad.

[BlueSkies]

Love this movie!  Joan Cusack had a brief part in as well and Jessica Beals a cameo.

 

 

Spoiler

That's definitely one of my favorite movie scenes of all time when Ricky Linderman finds the strength to fight back against that older muscular bald guy Moody picked out.  That and You Broke My Nose!  

 

Even though I guess it's argued as well it looks dated from an optics stand point yeah it's definitely a good movie for the soul.  Dave Grusin on the soundtrack as well.  

[Laurie4H]

This is one of my favorites.  The fight scene between Linderman and Mike is so real.  
No music or special effects.  Just a real brutal fight.  
And bonus it’s filmed in Chicago.  

[Blergh]

OK, looking back, I think it's safe to say that the protagonist Clifford Peache's voyeur moments with the title character Ricky Linderman looking at a woman getting undressed through a telescope from the hotel's penthouse terrace to her own apartment likely was the PTB's trying to show that these two teens were hetero and NOT gay. No, I don't think that that by any means justified said voyeurism but I think it's  the most likely explanation.

 Now that I've bought up that room elephant. .. were the two teen boys gay? OK, the way the movie was made back in 1980, the movie runners were doing their best [granted in a lame way] to make the case that  the unlikely friendship between the nerdy awkward, short-statured protagonist and the brooding, haunted hulking title character could ONLY have been a platonic friendship (and I believe that it's a mistake to believe that folks with differing personalities and physiques are ONLY capable of non-platonic interest in each other), looking at it through 2024 eyes, I think if the movie were made today with the characters intact, I'd say it was possible that one or both  COULD have had a sexual interest in each other but not necessarily and the friendship would have been happened regardless of whether this was the case!

All the above said, it did show a great deal of growth in both the characters via their mutual bond that started with Clifford trying to find a way to deal with bullies after discovering he was entirely on his own (despite the well-intended efforts of his clueless father and the blustery but ultimately uselessness of the principal).

Also, playing Clifford's sidekick Carson(  who had initially bought the spin and spread some of the most unfounded gossip about how much of a threat Ricky was supposed to have been) was someone named Paul Quandt who, despite giving a good comic turn as someone trying to guide a newbie through the school's pitfalls, has never performed in any movies or TV shows since as per IMDB but has evidently had a contented offscreen life becoming a father and grandfather in the last 44 years!

BTW, the principal was played by  the characters' platonic [possible future girlfriend?] Shelly's performer's own father. Yes, Joan Cusack did a cute comical but slightly poignant take as  the quirky but sympathetic Shelly while her father Dick Cusack (1925-2003) played the principal!

[BlueSkies]

2 hours ago, Blergh said:

OK, looking back, I think it's safe to say that the protagonist Clifford Peache's voyeur moments with the title character Ricky Linderman looking at a woman getting undressed through a telescope from the hotel's penthouse terrace to her own apartment likely was the PTB's trying to show that these two teens were hetero and NOT gay. No, I don't think that that by any means justified said voyeurism but I think it's  the most likely explanation.

 Now that I've bought up that room elephant. .. were the two teen boys gay? OK, the way the movie was made back in 1980, the movie runners were doing their best [granted in a lame way] to make the case that  the unlikely friendship between the nerdy awkward, short-statured protagonist and the brooding, haunted hulking title character could ONLY have been a platonic friendship (and I believe that it's a mistake to believe that folks with differing personalities and physiques are ONLY capable of non-platonic interest in each other), looking at it through 2024 eyes, I think if the movie were made today with the characters intact, I'd say it was possible that one or both  COULD have had a sexual interest in each other but not necessarily and the friendship would have been happened regardless of whether this was the case!

All the above said, it did show a great deal of growth in both the characters via their mutual bond that started with Clifford trying to find a way to deal with bullies after discovering he was entirely on his own (despite the well-intended efforts of his clueless father and the blustery but ultimately uselessness of the principal).

Also, playing Clifford's sidekick Carson(  who had initially bought the spin and spread some of the most unfounded gossip about how much of a threat Ricky was supposed to have been) was someone named Paul Quandt who, despite giving a good comic turn as someone trying to guide a newbie through the school's pitfalls, has never performed in any movies or TV shows since as per IMDB but has evidently had a contented offscreen life becoming a father and grandfather in the last 44 years!

BTW, the principal was played by  the characters' platonic [possible future girlfriend?] Shelly's performer's own father. Yes, Joan Cusack did a cute comical but slightly poignant take as  the quirky but sympathetic Shelly while her father Dick Cusack (1925-2003) played the principal!

I still never looked too much into them riding on the motorcycle.  It just always seemed to me two guys friends with each other and nothing more.  Rocky 3 with Apollo and Rocky had similar scenes at a beach with them hugging each other around the same time.  

 

it's funny you mention the principal though.  Those scenes with him Moody and Cliff are more the ones that really make this feel like an old school film to me.  I kind of recall him telling Cliff something along the lines of things are a little less sheltered here than the private school he was from and to just more or less deal.  

[vicecrufoli]

I loved this movie. It is considered a classic because it touches on timeless themes such as friendship, bullying, self-determination and personal growth. Despite the fact that the movie was made in 1980 it is still relevant and can be found at https://123movies-safe.net/ , because the problems of bullying and social pressure in schools are still important today. And the best part is that we get to watch young Matt Dillon and Adam Baldwin, whose early work in ""My Bodyguard"" was one of the most memorable.

Edited July 8 by vicecrufoli

[BlueSkies]

1 hour ago, vicecrufoli said:

I loved this movie. It is considered a classic because it touches on timeless themes such as friendship, bullying, self-determination and personal growth. Despite the fact that the movie was made in 1980 it is still relevant, because the problems of bullying and social pressure in schools are still important today. And the best part is that we get to watch young Matt Dillon and Adam Baldwin, whose early work in "My Bodyguard" was one of the most memorable.

I really liked the message about Cliff and him being able to form his own opinion about Linderman 

[Blergh]

On 7/4/2024 at 11:50 AM, BlueSkies said:

I really liked the message about Cliff and him being able to form his own opinion about Linderman 

Oh, I agree!  It was great seeing him being willing to risk the odds going against him and taking the chance on this monstrous entity called Linderman being conjured by Moody and his thugs as a means to profiteer from their peers' fear  not being a threat but a possible ally. Of course, it was also interesting how Moody himself initially backed off from one his bullying sessions against Clifford just upon Linderman making his presence know via standing up in the toilet stall!  It also needs to be said that Ricky himself  was taking his chances accepting Clifford's offer of friendship beyond  agreeing to the initial 'bodyguard' illusion.  And, in turn, he helped Clifford feel more secure about exploring for himself Chicago's less ritzy spots.

One interesting subplot was after Clifford had found the prized motorcycle part and they'd ridden around town with the restored vehicle, Ricky appeared at the Ambassador East wearing a sweater, collared shirt, slacks and dress shoes for the ONLY time in the movie when he wasn't in a t-shirt, olive drab jacket, jeans and boots. There, after observing Clifford's dad Larry evidently having  an afterglow convo with a guest checking out, saw Grandma Peache bond with Big Boss Dobbs (John Houseman) and Larry using the elders'  bond to BOOT the backbiting Griffin from the hotel. Then, right after  while dining in the especially swanky Pump Room, Grandma Peache read Ricky's palm and did her best to entertain the boys until Clifford noticed a tell-tale scar on his wrist (and what a TALE it would tell), which got Ricky to recoil from them. After which Grandma Peache  dialed down her showboat persona and empathetically  told  Ricky 'Open up, Ricky! You're among friends! You're among friends!' then proclaimed   him she predicted a long life for him!

On a trivial note when Grandma Peache was holding Ricky's hand, she was seen wearing a jeweled ring on her left ring finger despite the fact that she evidently was a widow. However, it also needs to be noted that Mrs. Dunphy [ wife of the man Grandma was seen flirting with at the bar in her first scene], addressed Grandma as 'Mrs. Peache' . Although she may have given the couple  her full name and Mrs. Dumfie opted to only call her by her surname, it seems Grandma had no compunctions with flirting while wearing a wedding ring . Of course, it could be simply that performer Ruth Gordon had long been married to her 2nd husband the playwright Garson Kanin and didn't remove her wedding ring even when playing a flirty single woman.

 Alas, those would be the last scenes with Dad and Grandma Peache.

There's of course a lot that happened but right now I'm covering the time before Moody sicced his own 'bodyguard' Mike on Ricky. .

Edited July 7 by Blergh

[BlueSkies]

8 hours ago, Blergh said:

Oh, I agree!  It was great seeing him being willing to risk the odds going against him and taking the chance on this monstrous entity called Linderman being conjured by Moody and his thugs as a means to profiteer from their peers' fear  not being a threat but a possible ally. Of course, it was also interesting how Moody himself initially backed off from one his bullying sessions against Clifford just upon Linderman making his presence know via standing up in the toilet stall!  It also needs to be said that Ricky himself  was taking his chances accepting Clifford's offer of friendship beyond  agreeing to the initial 'bodyguard' illusion.  And, in turn, he helped Clifford feel more secure about exploring for himself Chicago's less ritzy spots.

One interesting subplot was after Clifford had found the prized motorcycle part and they'd ridden around town with the restored vehicle, Ricky appeared at the Ambassador East wearing a sweater, collared shirt, slacks and dress shoes for the ONLY time in the movie when he wasn't in a t-shirt, olive drab jacket, jeans and boots. There, after observing Clifford's dad Larry evidently having  an afterglow convo with a guest checking out, saw Grandma Peache bond with Big Boss Dobbs (John Houseman) and Larry using the elders'  bond to BOOT the backbiting Griffin from the hotel. Then, right after  while dining in the especially swanky Pump Room, Grandma Peache read Ricky's palm and did her best to entertain the boys until Clifford noticed a tell-tale scar on his wrist (and what a TALE it would tell), which got Ricky to recoil from them. After which Grandma Peache  dialed down her showboat persona and empathetically  told  Ricky 'Open up, Ricky! You're among friends! You're among friends!' then proclaimed   him she predicted a long life for him!

 Alas, those would be the last scenes with Dad and Grandma Peache.

There's of course a lot that happened but right now I'm covering the time before Moody sicced his own 'bodyguard' Mike on Ricky. .

In a similar way my first boss sort of showed me where he was from once.  It’s a neighborhood kind of considered rough around the edges.

 

But yeah looking past that I saw it had some real great restaurants/places for food.  
 

I used my inner Cliff Peache there.  

[BlueSkies]

@Blergh  thanks for starting this thread.  It had been years since I watched it but I just watched it again.

 

Some additional thoughts:

The adult dialogue was real good as well at the hotel.  From an optics point of view yeah it looks dated.  But it had some great quotes:

Griffin is on to me like a vulture.

Mom you hit on an Evangelical minister.  No wonder why he looked so sour.  lol

The Dumpy's.  

 

Watching this movie actually in a way makes me to change my career to hotel management to live in a nice place like that!  When I thought though why is Clifford transferring to a public school is it because his dad was worried about his job and mom at the hotel?  The one scene was funny if not unrealistic as well when she got the Director of Operations drunk.  Grandma Peache was cool though.

 

 

The movie hit the nostalgic mark for me as well.  I wasn't extorted for money like Cliff but there was a share of kids in high school I didn't care for and would try to hide from.  The scenes of Cliff hiding in the bathroom and the library after school hit home for me.  

 

And yeah going through life more actually I saw big Mike actually doing Linderman a favor.  Sometimes one has to really be brought down to their most low and raw points to get built back up again.  Linderman than was finally able to let go of his secret.

 

 

All in all a great film and very well could be in my Top 10 movies all time 

[Blergh]

@BlueSkies,

 

You are most welcome!

Before I go any further, I think I'd better give credit where it's due for the portrayal of Ms. [Clarice] Jump by Kathryn Grody (who's been married to Mandy Patinkin since the year this movie was released). While her character was on the periphery of the main Clifford/Moody Conflict, it was refreshing to see a teacher portrayed who understood her students better than they'd have liked but STILL wanted to enlighten their lives and broaden their horizons via teaching her subject matter [in this case English Literature which focused on Romeo and Juliet ] and even though she herself DID  initially seem a bit intimidated by Ricky's re-appearance (and sheer size) in her class, she was perfectly professional and sympathetic to him once he gave the note proving his re-enrollment.  Also, I liked how she was encouraging but not dictatorial to the cheerleaders she was helping to train before Clifford approached her.  Most of all, I liked how she talked to Clifford (instead of blowing him off or talking DOWN to him) about his questioning the rumors he'd heard about Ricky with her leveling with him about the data she herself knew [to the best of her knowledge]. Even though the movie didn't explore this, it did appear that she could have become a friend to Clifford or any other student who sought her help [while staying fair in terms of grading,etc.]. I liked seeing a teacher who truly seemed to have considered teaching as her calling instead of one weary of the challenges or loathing of the students.

 

Yes, while even back then, I thought it was a bit much that a hotel manager could somehow permanently live in the hotel's three-bedroom rooftop penthouse suite, it was fascinating to me to see how Larry had to constantly put out fires  and ensure his guests' comfort even  with the challenges of his mother, Griffin,etc. and I liked how Clifford appeared to be mutual friends with all the staff [save Griffin] and appreciative for the perks they did for him rather than conducting himself as an entitled crown prince! Oh, and I liked seeing how that kitchen had ran like a controlled hurricane behind the doors yet its staff appeared to have no care beyond the diners' comfort in the restaurants themselves!  And, for all her OTT wackiness, Grandma Peache  cared about Clifford [ having had fun going to the stationary store to buy his notebook paper- yes, I remember those stores and she was right about the smell of crisp, new paper] . She also showed she cared for Larry such as when Larry expressed his frustration with himself for getting so overworked that he'd lost track of Clifford having turned 15 instead of still being 14.  Oh, and for all of Larry's criticisms of Grandma's stunts, he also cared for her,too (pretending to like the liver she grilled for breakfast,etc.).

Yes, I agree that Ricky having Mike beat him up in front of everyone and wreck the bike he'd worked so hard to restore put him at an all-time low. Of course, one may wonder how it was that the Lindermans didn't question Ricky's claim about finding his little brother after the gunshot death. I mean, he DID carry a noticeable scar from it a year later so he'd had to had a huge wound on his wrist immediately thereafter. Could it be that since they'd lost their younger child in such a horrific manner, that they didn't want to chance losing their sole surviving child via questioning his account of having only found the boy instead of having had something to do with the gunshot death?

 Still, if Clifford himself hadn't overcome his own fear of heights and climbed down the Ambassador East's fire escape to follow Ricky and not confronted him  over 'the accident', Ricky would NOT have 'opened up' to Clifford about the extent of his own involvement in the tragedy- and likely wouldn't have fished the motorcycle out before REALLY letting Mike have it.  It was interesting to see Ricky tear into Mike and then, when Mike was clearly defeated, momentarily seem ready to do MORE than just beat Mike up before realizing he COULD have actually killed Mike with his bare hands if he didn't stop himself- so he DID!

Also, I liked how Shelly quit pining for Moody and decided to join the 'nerd clique' cheering Carson,  Clifford and Ricky on before and after both fights.  Oh, and her nameless friend played by an uncredited Jennifer Beals seemed as though she'd have been interesting to have known in the group!

Anyway, that's all for now and thanks again!

 

[BlueSkies]

20 hours ago, Blergh said:

@BlueSkies,

 

You are most welcome!

Before I go any further, I think I'd better give credit where it's due for the portrayal of Ms. [Clarice] Jump by Kathryn Grody (who's been married to Mandy Patinkin since the year this movie was released). While her character was on the periphery of the main Clifford/Moody Conflict, it was refreshing to see a teacher portrayed who understood her students better than they'd have liked but STILL wanted to enlighten their lives and broaden their horizons via teaching her subject matter [in this case English Literature which focused on Romeo and Juliet ] and even though she herself DID  initially seem a bit intimidated by Ricky's re-appearance (and sheer size) in her class, she was perfectly professional and sympathetic to him once he gave the note proving his re-enrollment.  Also, I liked how she was encouraging but not dictatorial to the cheerleaders she was helping to train before Clifford approached her.  Most of all, I liked how she talked to Clifford (instead of blowing him off or talking DOWN to him) about his questioning the rumors he'd heard about Ricky with her leveling with him about the data she herself knew [to the best of her knowledge]. Even though the movie didn't explore this, it did appear that she could have become a friend to Clifford or any other student who sought her help [while staying fair in terms of grading,etc.]. I liked seeing a teacher who truly seemed to have considered teaching as her calling instead of one weary of the challenges or loathing of the students.

 

Yes, while even back then, I thought it was a bit much that a hotel manager could somehow permanently live in the hotel's three-bedroom rooftop penthouse suite, it was fascinating to me to see how Larry had to constantly put out fires  and ensure his guests' comfort even  with the challenges of his mother, Griffin,etc. and I liked how Clifford appeared to be mutual friends with all the staff [save Griffin] and appreciative for the perks they did for him rather than conducting himself as an entitled crown prince! Oh, and I liked seeing how that kitchen had ran like a controlled hurricane behind the doors yet its staff appeared to have no care beyond the diners' comfort in the restaurants themselves!  And, for all her OTT wackiness, Grandma Peache  cared about Clifford [ having had fun going to the stationary store to buy his notebook paper- yes, I remember those stores and she was right about the smell of crisp, new paper] . She also showed she cared for Larry such as when Larry expressed his frustration with himself for getting so overworked that he'd lost track of Clifford having turned 15 instead of still being 14.  Oh, and for all of Larry's criticisms of Grandma's stunts, he also cared for her,too (pretending to like the liver she grilled for breakfast,etc.).

Yes, I agree that Ricky having Mike beat him up in front of everyone and wreck the bike he'd worked so hard to restore put him at an all-time low. Of course, one may wonder how it was that the Lindermans didn't question Ricky's claim about finding his little brother after the gunshot death. I mean, he DID carry a noticeable scar from it a year later so he'd had to had a huge wound on his wrist immediately thereafter. Could it be that since they'd lost their younger child in such a horrific manner, that they didn't want to chance losing their sole surviving child via questioning his account of having only found the boy instead of having had something to do with the gunshot death?

 Still, if Clifford himself hadn't overcome his own fear of heights and climbed down the Ambassador East's fire escape to follow Ricky and not confronted him  over 'the accident', Ricky would NOT have 'opened up' to Clifford about the extent of his own involvement in the tragedy- and likely wouldn't have fished the motorcycle out before REALLY letting Mike have it.  It was interesting to see Ricky tear into Mike and then, when Mike was clearly defeated, momentarily seem ready to do MORE than just beat Mike up before realizing he COULD have actually killed Mike with his bare hands if he didn't stop himself- so he DID!

Also, I liked how Shelly quit pining for Moody and decided to join the 'nerd clique' cheering Carson,  Clifford and Ricky on before and after both fights.  Oh, and her nameless friend played by an uncredited Jennifer Beals seemed as though she'd have been interesting to have known in the group!

Anyway, that's all for now and thanks again!

 

 Since we both seem to really like this movie just some nit points:

Yeah the scene where Clifford chased after Ricky on the roof down the fire-escape seemed a bit more intense at my age now.  When I was younger watching that scene I thought that just added more to the whole gritty suspense of it.  But now it's like yeah wow Cliff risked his life chasing after Ricky.  I mean the level headed guy in me in real life might just be like, Look this dude has his own issues/demons it's not worth risking my life to chase him down.  While it was crazy it still worked.  

I liked the teacher overall as well.  I remember when I first watched it though I thought she was rather mean to Cliff telling him to find a seat.  With him already being nervous in a new environment.  But yeah she warmed up after that.  The scene where he asks her about Ricky part of me did think is that really his business to know about Ricky's personal life.  But I guess since he had that sort of stigma if you will around him the conversation seemed appropriate.  

 

Yeah loved the Shelly character.  She was a nice person.

 

I'm still envious of Cliff's lifestyle in the movie.  As Ricky said anytime you want to trade so to speak.  I know Cliff said it was mostly adults that came in and out of the hotel but I never had lots of friends my age growing up as well.  

 

It seemed Ricky knew what he was doing when it came to actual fighting.  I guess from growing up in a tough neighborhood he learned early?  

 

Maybe my one un answered question for you would be why do you think Cliff left that private academy?  

 

 

 

 

 

[Blergh]

OK, I'll do my best to answer that unanswered question:

 

My guess is that despite Larry and his family getting all other hotel perks via him being its manager, they didn't have a huge amount of liquid assets (which was one reason Larry kept asking Grandma where they'd go to live if he lost his job and they kicked the Peaches out).

Perhaps, Clifford's late mother (who he just tersely explained away as having died in a car accident a few years before the movie's timeline while Ricky actually expressed more sorrow over death), had had monies of her own that had gone to pay for his private schooling but the monies had run out after X number of years  and Larry didn't have the deep pockets to keep paying for it [possibly deciding int would be better to save for Clifford's future college education instead of blowing it all on a private secondary school]. Then, too, private schools haven't  all been above raising students' tuitions into the stratosphere. .

 

That's an intriguing question but I'm glad Clifford and the others at least had Ms. Jump in their corner in that  rather cavernous public high school (that seemed to offer a wide variety of musical and dance options for its students).  I was amazed that Clifford actually seemed to have learned the layout of the hallways and tunnels on the first day  fast enough to outrun Moody and his gang who had been there far longer.

[BlueSkies]

20 hours ago, Blergh said:

OK, I'll do my best to answer that unanswered question:

 

My guess is that despite Larry and his family getting all other hotel perks via him being its manager, they didn't have a huge amount of liquid assets (which was one reason Larry kept asking Grandma where they'd go to live if he lost his job and they kicked the Peaches out).

Perhaps, Clifford's late mother (who he just tersely explained away as having died in a car accident a few years before the movie's timeline while Ricky actually expressed more sorrow over death), had had monies of her own that had gone to pay for his private schooling but the monies had run out after X number of years  and Larry didn't have the deep pockets to keep paying for it [possibly deciding int would be better to save for Clifford's future college education instead of blowing it all on a private secondary school]. Then, too, private schools haven't  all been above raising students' tuitions into the stratosphere. .

 

That's an intriguing question but I'm glad Clifford and the others at least had Ms. Jump in their corner in that  rather cavernous public high school (that seemed to offer a wide variety of musical and dance options for its students).  I was amazed that Clifford actually seemed to have learned the layout of the hallways and tunnels on the first day  fast enough to outrun Moody and his gang who had been there far longer.

Yeah my guess was Cliff's Dad didn't feel he had a very stable job at the hotel and thus wasn't going to shell out the $$$ for a "private academy" as Moody called it.  And as you said Cliff never really acted like a privileged/ spoiled kid.  Even when Moody's goons confronted him initially in the bathroom about being rich Cliff strongly denied it.  

 

But cool to hear your thoughts.

 

A fan of Three O'Clock High (1987) by any chance?  This one and My Bodyguard are probably in my top 10 favorite movies of all time.  If you aren't familiar with 3 o clock high its deals with bullying as well with a main fight at the end....  but had some more comedic undertones to the movie I thought.  

 

 

 

[BlueSkies]

This was always my fave musical score in the movie.  It's a good a great soundtrack as well

 

 

[Blergh]

11 hours ago, BlueSkies said:

Yeah my guess was Cliff's Dad didn't feel he had a very stable job at the hotel and thus wasn't going to shell out the $$$ for a "private academy" as Moody called it.  And as you said Cliff never really acted like a privileged/ spoiled kid.  Even when Moody's goons confronted him initially in the bathroom about being rich Cliff strongly denied it.  

 

But cool to hear your thoughts.

 

A fan of Three O'Clock High (1987) by any chance?  This one and My Bodyguard are probably in my top 10 favorite movies of all time.  If you aren't familiar with 3 o clock high its deals with bullying as well with a main fight at the end....  but had some more comedic undertones to the movie I thought.  

 

 

 

No, I've never seen Three O'Clock High (1987) but it sounds interesting.

Yes, Clifford never acted like a privileged/spoiled kid (and, in fact, was very much against his father trying to get the principal to stop the bullies- as it turns out for good reason). However, I think it's safe to say that while the Peaches weren't awash in cash, they were far more comfortable than the rest of his schoolmates. One almost might say that they were in 'genteel poverty' - in which folks hav little spending monies but access to good housing, fine dining,etc. [as opposed to grinding poverty].

[Blergh]

8 hours ago, BlueSkies said:

This was always my fave musical score in the movie.  It's a good a great soundtrack as well

 

 

Dave Grusin (born 1934) [who has worked as recently as this year scoring the theme for the cartoon version of Good Times] did a great job with a contemporary light jazz score with classical music interludes. While the clothes, cars,pre-'Net teen life,etc. may date it, the score itself is somewhat timeless which made it inviting to potential adult as well as teen viewers (and let's be thankful his and other cool heads prevailed instead of attempting a disco score which would have instantly put it on the ash heap since disco went from white hot to getting imploded in 1980).

[BlueSkies]

12 hours ago, Blergh said:

Dave Grusin (born 1934) [who has worked as recently as this year scoring the theme for the cartoon version of Good Times] did a great job with a contemporary light jazz score with classical music interludes. While the clothes, cars,pre-'Net teen life,etc. may date it, the score itself is somewhat timeless which made it inviting to potential adult as well as teen viewers (and let's be thankful his and other cool heads prevailed instead of attempting a disco score which would have instantly put it on the ash heap since disco went from white hot to getting imploded in 1980).

My favorite Rolling Stones song.  It doesn't age either.

 

It was around the time this movie came out and had the bromance thing in the music video.  Which btw I loved

 

 

[paramitch]

I'm so tickled there's a topic for this (thanks @Blergh)! I love this movie so much -- loved it as a kid, still think it's a little gem today decades later.

I was basically Clifford at the time I saw this movie -- 11 years old, so a little younger -- getting beaten up on a daily basis, shoved down stairs and into lockers, so I loved this movie instantly when I saw it, and how real and thoughtful all the characters were -- especially the kids, from smart, bullied Clifford, to silent, traumatized Ricky Linderman, and more. I agree that Shelly (the very very young Joan Cusack!) is touching as a teenaged girl who adores handsome Moody and would do anything for him... until he turns his scorn and cruelty on her and she realizes how ugly he actually is inside. Paul Quandt also pretty much steals every single scene he's in as Clifford's first friend at the school.

"My Bodyguard" really paints how bullying can make kids feel like they are inhabiting a hellish parallel world -- adults THINK they see everything, and think they have all the solutions, but they really miss so much. The scenes of Clifford running for his life while the school functions around him (sports, cheerleading, and orchestra practices, etc.) are great examples of this.

I love the characters, from Clifford, Ricky, and the other kids, to Clifford's kind, empathetic teacher (played by the always wonderful Kathryn Grody), to Clifford's father and grandmother, both genuinely nice people. Martin Mull frequently played sort of sardonic asses around this period, so it was nice to see him play a sweet, genuinely caring family man here despite an all-consuming job.

I especially love the evolution of Clifford and Ricky's friendship, from the wariness of early friendship, to the conversations about their lives as they search for the motorcycle part (Clifford: "What does your father do?" Ricky: "Watch TV, mostly."). And the culmination of their friendship in the joyful motorcycle ride through the city will always be one of my favorite scenes from any movie.

This remains one of my favorite movies lifelong -- beautifully directed by Tony Bill, terrifically acted, especially by Makepeace and Baldwin, and with a gorgeous score by the great Dave Grusin.

On 7/4/2024 at 3:59 AM, Blergh said:

...looking at it through 2024 eyes, I think if the movie were made today with the characters intact, I'd say it was possible that one or both  COULD have had a sexual interest in each other but not necessarily and the friendship would have been happened regardless of whether this was the case!

All the above said, it did show a great deal of growth in both the characters via their mutual bond that started with Clifford trying to find a way to deal with bullies after discovering he was entirely on his own (despite the well-intended efforts of his clueless father and the blustery but ultimately uselessness of the principal).

I'm an inveterate shipper, but never really got even the slightest sense that there was a gay romantic subtext, so I'd vote no on that aspect. I don't love the voyeuristic "ogling girls with a telescope" angle, but on the other hand, Clifford actually knows the name of the woman he's looking at -- which is both creepy but also kind of sweet? He doesn't just see her as an object, at least.

On 7/4/2024 at 6:48 AM, BlueSkies said:

it's funny you mention the principal though.  Those scenes with him Moody and Cliff are more the ones that really make this feel like an old school film to me.  I kind of recall him telling Cliff something along the lines of things are a little less sheltered here than the private school he was from and to just more or less deal.  

Man oh man, one of the things this movie gets right is how scary plain old school could be. I was scared of going to the bathroom when bullying was worst and (like Cliff's friend) tried not to go at school at all.

And Clifford's father calling the school principal seems like a good "grownup" solution, but of course in reality he just makes everything that much worse for Clifford. Yet even there, as with almost everyone in the movie, the principal comes off as a tough-but-kind real person -- he punishes Moody, then warns Clifford against reporting every little thing, adding kindly,  as noted, "Things are tougher here than at your last school, but they're also -- less narrow."

It's funny how we can see that scene differently -- it made me like the principal more. He did truly listen to Clifford, but he was also a believably busy, harried, well-meaning admin just thinking Moody was being rude, not realizing how dark the bullying was going. His words to Clifford were at least kind and thoughtful (and did have a kernel of truth).

On 7/4/2024 at 8:04 AM, vicecrufoli said:

I loved this movie. It is considered a classic because it touches on timeless themes such as friendship, bullying, self-determination and personal growth. Despite the fact that the movie was made in 1980 it is still relevant and can be found at https://123movies-safe.net/ , because the problems of bullying and social pressure in schools are still important today. And the best part is that we get to watch young Matt Dillon and Adam Baldwin, whose early work in ""My Bodyguard"" was one of the most memorable.

I agree so much! And Dillon and especially Baldwin were both terrific. I also thought Makepeace was just wonderful as well.

On 7/4/2024 at 9:50 AM, BlueSkies said:

I really liked the message about Cliff and him being able to form his own opinion about Linderman 

Clifford's teacher is so thoughtful and kind with him when he asks her about Linderman. She listens very carefully and doesn't interrupt him, then just quietly says she can tell him something true that she does know, if he wants to hear it (and he does). I love Grody as the teacher so much here. You can see the empathy she has for Linderman, and the quiet hope that maybe Clifford will be able to break through to him.

On 7/4/2024 at 8:16 PM, Blergh said:

One interesting subplot was after Clifford had found the prized motorcycle part and they'd ridden around town with the restored vehicle, Ricky appeared at the Ambassador East wearing a sweater, collared shirt, slacks and dress shoes for the ONLY time in the movie when he wasn't in a t-shirt, olive drab jacket, jeans and boots.

I am always oddly touched by Ricky showing up for dinner dressed up in the sweater -- it makes him look somehow much more like a kid, and the effort he went through is so touching. Linderman always looks so close to adulthood otherwise thanks to the jacket and other getup -- it's like we're seeing him without his armor for the first time.

On 7/4/2024 at 8:16 PM, Blergh said:

There, after observing Clifford's dad Larry evidently having  an afterglow convo with a guest checking out, saw Grandma Peache bond with Big Boss Dobbs (John Houseman) and Larry using the elders'  bond to BOOT the backbiting Griffin from the hotel. Then, right after  while dining in the especially swanky Pump Room, Grandma Peache read Ricky's palm and did her best to entertain the boys until Clifford noticed a tell-tale scar on his wrist (and what a TALE it would tell), which got Ricky to recoil from them. After which Grandma Peache  dialed down her showboat persona and empathetically  told  Ricky 'Open up, Ricky! You're among friends! You're among friends!' then proclaimed   him she predicted a long life for him!

The scene of Dad's girlfriend checking out is adorable, and it's not only really cutely written and acted, it's also another example of what this movie does so well -- the adults as well as the kids all feel like real, beautifully observed people. Nobody is just mouthing lines. For example -- if this was a John Hughes teen movie, the adults would feel more like caricatures (and I'm not putting down Hughes -- I love Ferris and Breakfast Club, etc.). But this movie has a sensitive eye for everyone in it, and everyone feels real to me. 

Clifford's life at the hotel is whimsical and charming, but it also feels real, and it's fun to see him crush on a pretty hotel guest, hang out with the chauffeur, chat with the kitchen staff, etc.

Grandma's scene with Ricky always moves me because she understands the scars on Ricky's wrists and Cliff doesn't. When she quietly pulls his hand back toward her, still holding on, and tells him "You're among friends, you're among friends," I always get choked up. I do love that she predicts a long lifeline for him -- the entire scene is just so sweet.

Some people have criticized Ruth Gordon's grandma as a distraction but I adore her -- I think she's essential, and that her sense of vibrance, humor, life, and fun are what keep Clifford going in a tough transitional time early on. I love that she brings him a "Back to School" gift of paper and pencils (after pretending to attack him with them). I also love the conversation between Clifford and Ricky about her:

Ricky: Do you think she's afraid of dying, maybe?
Clifford (thinking for a moment): No. I think she's afraid of... not being alive.

Such a beautiful, nuanced little bit of dialogue!

I also love that later on at school, Cliff, Ricky, Shelly and the other kids are analyzing their palms and little Quandt's character is declared to be "a sex maniac!"

On 7/7/2024 at 5:45 PM, BlueSkies said:

Watching this movie actually in a way makes me to change my career to hotel management to live in a nice place like that! When I thought though why is Clifford transferring to a public school is it because his dad was worried about his job and mom at the hotel?  The one scene was funny if not unrealistic as well when she got the Director of Operations drunk. Grandma Peache was cool though.

The movie hit the nostalgic mark for me as well.  I wasn't extorted for money like Cliff but there was a share of kids in high school I didn't care for and would try to hide from.  The scenes of Cliff hiding in the bathroom and the library after school hit home for me.  

All in all a great film and very well could be in my Top 10 movies all time 

My mom worked for a bunch of motels (and the occasional Ramada Inn) so my sister and I lived briefly at a whole bunch of them one after the other for a year or two, and it was really interesting -- not as fun as Clifford's life in a much nicer hotel, but still kind of cool now and then.

I just figured Clifford transferred to public school for logistical reasons -- or even that his father may have worked for the school in a similar management capacity over the food/lodging aspect so it ended when he moved to the new hotel job?

On 7/7/2024 at 7:27 PM, Blergh said:

Before I go any further, I think I'd better give credit where it's due for the portrayal of Ms. [Clarice] Jump by Kathryn Grody (who's been married to Mandy Patinkin since the year this movie was released). While her character was on the periphery of the main Clifford/Moody Conflict, it was refreshing to see a teacher portrayed who understood her students better than they'd have liked but STILL wanted to enlighten their lives and broaden their horizons via teaching her subject matter [in this case English Literature which focused on Romeo and Juliet ] and even though she herself DID  initially seem a bit intimidated by Ricky's re-appearance (and sheer size) in her class, she was perfectly professional and sympathetic to him once he gave the note proving his re-enrollment. 

Most of all, I liked how she talked to Clifford (instead of blowing him off or talking DOWN to him) about his questioning the rumors he'd heard about Ricky with her leveling with him about the data she herself knew [to the best of her knowledge]. Even though the movie didn't explore this, it did appear that she could have become a friend to Clifford or any other student who sought her help [while staying fair in terms of grading,etc.]. I liked seeing a teacher who truly seemed to have considered teaching as her calling instead of one weary of the challenges or loathing of the students.

I loved Mrs. Jump, her warmth and palpable caring whether seating the kids or teaching them Shakespeare, and have always loved Kathryn Grody ever since. I never saw her as being even slightly intimidated by Ricky at all -- she is conversely matter-of-fact and gentle when he shows up, while it's the kids who are freaked out and scared. Then later when she tells Clifford what happened, you can really feel the empathy she feels for Ricky. I definitely agree with you that she would be one of those teachers that many of the kids would always remember and feel gratitude and affection for.

On 7/7/2024 at 7:27 PM, Blergh said:

Yes, while even back then, I thought it was a bit much that a hotel manager could somehow permanently live in the hotel's three-bedroom rooftop penthouse suite, it was fascinating to me to see how Larry had to constantly put out fires  and ensure his guests' comfort even  with the challenges of his mother, Griffin,etc. and I liked how Clifford appeared to be mutual friends with all the staff [save Griffin] and appreciative for the perks they did for him rather than conducting himself as an entitled crown prince! Oh, and I liked seeing how that kitchen had ran like a controlled hurricane behind the doors yet its staff appeared to have no care beyond the diners' comfort in the restaurants themselves!

And, for all her OTT wackiness, Grandma Peache  cared about Clifford [ having had fun going to the stationary store to buy his notebook paper- yes, I remember those stores and she was right about the smell of crisp, new paper] . She also showed she cared for Larry such as when Larry expressed his frustration with himself for getting so overworked that he'd lost track of Clifford having turned 15 instead of still being 14.  Oh, and for all of Larry's criticisms of Grandma's stunts, he also cared for her,too (pretending to like the liver she grilled for breakfast,etc.).

I don't know if it's believable that they have a rooftop suite, but I love it -- it feels so real and lived-in and believable in the film. I also loved the little scenes like Clifford chatting with the other employees or having dinner with the limo driver in the kitchen, etc.

I adore Grandma beyond the telling, but LIVER FOR BREAKFAST, Grandma? Aghghghg. Noooo thank you.

On 7/8/2024 at 4:07 PM, BlueSkies said:

Yeah the scene where Clifford chased after Ricky on the roof down the fire-escape seemed a bit more intense at my age now.  When I was younger watching that scene I thought that just added more to the whole gritty suspense of it.  But now it's like yeah wow Cliff risked his life chasing after Ricky.  I mean the level headed guy in me in real life might just be like, Look this dude has his own issues/demons it's not worth risking my life to chase him down.  While it was crazy it still worked.  

I'm still envious of Cliff's lifestyle in the movie.  As Ricky said anytime you want to trade so to speak.  I know Cliff said it was mostly adults that came in and out of the hotel but I never had lots of friends my age growing up as well.  

It seemed Ricky knew what he was doing when it came to actual fighting.  I guess from growing up in a tough neighborhood he learned early?  

I agree on the fire escape -- that scared me a little even as a kid! 

One of the things I think the script for this movie does really well is that to me, Clifford absolutely acts and speaks like a kid who has spent most of his life around adults. The most childlike friend he seems to have before Ricky is Grandma. 

I definitely think Ricky had to learn how to fight given where he grew up -- either from his (implied awful) Dad or from around the neighborhood.

On 7/8/2024 at 7:44 PM, Blergh said:

My guess is that despite Larry and his family getting all other hotel perks via him being its manager, they didn't have a huge amount of liquid assets (which was one reason Larry kept asking Grandma where they'd go to live if he lost his job and they kicked the Peaches out).

As I mentioned, my Mom worked for a bunch of motels for a few years (and a few hotels -- Holiday Inn, Ramada Inn, nothing very high-end), and living on premises was ALWAYS part of it, so we literally lived in a bunch of different motel rooms for that period. It was honestly really fun in a weird way, although we were super poor. So I find it believable that Clifford and his Dad and Grandma live among the rich, but they aren't actually rich. They just have free lodging and food at the hotel as part of Larry's job, etc.

On 7/7/2024 at 7:27 PM, Blergh said:

Yes, I agree that Ricky having Mike beat him up in front of everyone and wreck the bike he'd worked so hard to restore put him at an all-time low. Of course, one may wonder how it was that the Lindermans didn't question Ricky's claim about finding his little brother after the gunshot death. I mean, he DID carry a noticeable scar from it a year later so he'd had to had a huge wound on his wrist immediately thereafter. Could it be that since they'd lost their younger child in such a horrific manner, that they didn't want to chance losing their sole surviving child via questioning his account of having only found the boy instead of having had something to do with the gunshot death?

Mike showing up right when the kids are so happy together, then beating Ricky and trashing his bike always upsets me so much. Especially because it's "cheating" -- it's a grown-ass man beating up a kid, and it's so unfair and creepy! Just one more way Moody shows what a coward he is.

While I think the ending plot point that Clifford has to fight Moody might not be ideal today, I do actually think it works within the movie itself, and I think it's well handled. Nobody gets badly hurt, and Moody deserves that broken nose (and Mike most definitely deserves to get punched out by Ricky)! And it's not about physical strength or simply beating up the bully in the end, but about simply believing in yourself enough to at least try to stand up for yourself. And that's a tough thing to communicate, so kudos to this sweet, wonderful classic film.

Last but not least: Why would the Lindermans (or anyone) question Ricky about his brother's death? It would have looked pretty obvious what had happened. If Ricky said he found his brother that way, I don't think many would have questioned him too closely. He was obviously devastated by the loss.

And I'm confused when you talk about Linderman's scar -- I thought it was very obvious that his scar was from his attempting suicide later on after his little brother's death -- that Ricky couldn't live with the guilt. That's why Grandma is so gentle with him. She understands the scar on his wrist and what it means even if Cliff doesn't.

On 7/9/2024 at 6:34 PM, BlueSkies said:

This was always my fave musical score in the movie.  It's a good a great soundtrack as well

 

This is one of my all-time favorite scores by Dave Grusin -- I just think it's gorgeous, sweet and delicate and whimsical, right up there with On Golden Pond and Tootsie.

Thanks for the discussion!

[BlueSkies]

@paramitch  Thanks for writing all your thoughts on this movie.  Yeah I still recall watching the last half of it in 2000 on the old AMC Movie network as a teenager.  Fell in love with it then and the film still holds up even if certain things from a visual perspective make it look dated.

 

Answering your final question I would think that's normal people would have asked Ricky what he knew or didn't know about his brother.  Not in an accusatory way but more like did he happen to show any swings of behavior kind of thing.  I would assume there would be a police report that would have had to be done.  

[BlueSkies]

@paramitch @Blergh

 

Was in a nostalgic mood...

 

 

[BlueSkies]

This film Old Enough 1984 reminds me a little of My Bodyguard.  It's shot on location in the city but is more girl orientated.  It has that early 80s feel to it and is another coming of age movie.  

 

It reminds me a little of My Bodyguard in that deals with two friends from very opposite sides of the tracks.....  one from a wealthy family and one from a very working class one and what they learn from each other.

 

I'd start a thread on it if anyone's interested or has seen it