High School Confidential
by Jack Arnold
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Diane Jergens, Jan Sterling, John Drew Barrymore, Mamie Van Doren, Russ TamblynDirector: Jack Arnold
Brand: Lions Gate
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Original Language); Spanish (Published)
Format: Black & White, DVD-Video, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 85 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2004-06-15
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Republic Pictures
Movie Reviews of High School Confidential
Movie Review: a film with so much camp that it's not to be laughed at
Summary: 4 Stars
High School Confidential starts off fast and it keeps up the pace all the way through the picture! The action and the plot develop rather quickly and there's plenty to leave you stuck to the screen. There's action; races; fight scenes; romance scenes that would make a counselor have a field day and there's a fairly good albeit very, very campy look at how drugs were a big concern even back in the day. The cinematography is actually rather well done even though there's one scene where you can easily see the cameraman's shadow behind Mamie Van Doren; and the choreography for the action scenes couldn't be better. On the other hand, the acting could have been more convincing and the plot could have been reworked somewhat to make it a bit more believable; it's too campy to be totally realistic.
When the movie opens we are treated to a great performance by Jerry Lee Lewis who just happens to be performing on the back of a truck with his crew in front of Santa Bellow High. The kids dance to the music and when the number is done you got one terrific appetizer! We then quickly meet a young tough talking punk named Tony Baker (Russ Tamblyn) who wants to stir up trouble--and who also wants to find out where the drugs come from so he can get some himself. He immediately clashes with J.I. Coleridge (John Drew Barrymore), the president of The Wheeler-Dealers, a gang of thugs who hang out and do small time drug dealing. In addition, J.I.'s girlfriend Joan (Diane Jergens) has run out of money for mari***** and J. I. won't give her any without money. This drives Joan crazy because she's hooked on the drug.
It isn't long before the tension between J. I. and Tony gets so high that The Wheelers And Dealers stage a wild car race with The Rangers football team (the "clean" kids). I won't say how that turns out; but there's an embarrassing moment for J.I. when he finally has to admit to Tony that he doesn't have enough her*** to sell to Tony. J. I. then "refers" Tony to "Mr. A." (Jackie Coogan), who is in fact the big boss behind the local drug trafficking. Tony meets Mr. A. and they discuss a "business transaction."
But things can go wrong from here. Tony's "Aunt" Gwen (Mamie Van Doren) wants him for "attention" while her husband is out of town; and Mr. A. could get wise to Tony's "angle." Which team does win that car race; and what happens just afterward? Will Joan be able to kick her habit? What will Joan do when she finds out about a tape recorded conversation that involves Tony and Mr. A.? Watch the movie and find out!
The DVD has no extras; I would have liked at least some commentary by Mamie Van Doren who could have told us a lot about how they made the film.
Overall, High School Confidential isn't the very best "teen exploitation" movie in that it's just TOO campy; the real problems caused by drug abuse and addiction are somewhat obscured by all the camp. However, it features Jackie Coogan and Charles Chaplin, Jr., in small but pivotal roles; and Ray Anthony plays Bix, one of Mr. A.'s top men. I recommend this film for fans of the actors in this movie, people who like "exploitation" films and people who enjoy campy motion pictures.
Summary of High School Confidential
Studio: Lions Gate Home Ent. Release Date: 06/15/2004 Rating: NrIs it a serious look at drug addiction and the "narcotics problem," or is it pure exploitation? Well, High School Confidential opens up with Jerry Lee Lewis rolling into town on a flatbed truck, pummeling an upright piano as he bellows one of his hits, so that should tell you something right off. Eminently slappable punk Russ Tamblyn enrolls at the local high school and immediately starts to hit on the teacher (Jan Sterling). Soon he proves that he's even cooler than jive-talking king daddy-o John Drew Barrymore (Drew's dad), and is getting acquainted with the local dope peddler (Jackie Coogan). Never mind that Barrymore should be able to pick him up over his head and throw him; Tamblyn has a switchblade at the ready should trouble break out. At home, he's constantly fending off the amorous advances of his "aunt," Mamie Van Doren. Of course, Russ's character is a narc, sent undercover to infiltrate the school dope ring. High School Confidential's cast includes Lyle Talbot, Michael Landon and famous offspring William Wellman Jr., and Charlie Chaplin Jr. Fifties teen movies (and drug-hysteria movies) just don't come any better than this; simultaneously absurd, exciting, and hilarious. --Jerry Renshaw
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