Written by Valentia Byron
Modified & Updated: 04 Mar 2024
Reviewed by Sherman Smith
Rock ‘n’ Roll High School is a cult classic movie that has captured the hearts of music and film enthusiasts for decades. Released in 1979, this musical comedy tells the story of a rebellious high school student named Riff Randell and her dream of bringing her favorite band, the Ramones, to their school. The film is filled with energetic performances, catchy music, and a rebellious spirit that resonates with audiences of all ages. In this article, we will delve into 35 fascinating facts about Rock ‘n’ Roll High School, from behind-the-scenes anecdotes to the impact it had on pop culture. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just discovering this gem of a movie, get ready to rock out as we uncover the secrets behind Rock ‘n’ Roll High School!
Key Takeaways:
- Rock ‘n’ Roll High School is a rebellious musical comedy from 1979 featuring the legendary punk rock band, Ramones. It celebrates the power of music and the spirit of youth rebellion.
- The film captures the essence of teenage rebellion, non-conformity, and the pursuit of dreams. It’s a timeless classic that continues to inspire and entertain audiences with its iconic soundtrack.
The movie was released in 1979
The iconic film, Rock ‘n’ Roll High School, graced the big screens in the year 1979.
It is a musical comedy
Rock ‘n’ Roll High School is a fun-filled musical comedy that captures the essence of rebellious teenage spirit.
The film was directed by Allan Arkush
Allan Arkush, known for his work in cult films, took the director’s chair for this energetic masterpiece.
The screenplay was written by Richard Whitley and Russ Dvonch
The screenplay of Rock ‘n’ Roll High School was penned by Richard Whitley and Russ Dvonch. Their writing brought the characters and story to life.
The story revolves around a high school and rock music
The movie narrates the adventures of a group of high school students who use rock music as their escapism from the rigors of school life.
Ramones, the legendary punk rock band, stars in the film
The movie features the iconic punk rock band, Ramones, who play themselves and contribute to the high energy and excitement of the film.
PJ Soles plays the lead role of Riff Randall
PJ Soles delivers a standout performance as Riff Randall, the rebellious high school student who idolizes the Ramones.
The film explores themes of rebellion and non-conformity
Rock ‘n’ Roll High School delves deep into themes of rebellion, non-conformity, and the need for self-expression, resonating with audiences of various generations.
The soundtrack is a mix of punk rock and classic rock
The movie’s soundtrack is a perfect blend of energetic punk rock songs by the Ramones and classic rock hits, creating an unforgettable musical experience.
It became a cult classic
Over the years, Rock ‘n’ Roll High School has gained a massive cult following due to its unique blend of music, comedy, and rebellious spirit.
The film was initially titled “Disco High”
Believe it or not, the movie was originally titled “Disco High” due to the disco craze at the time, but it was later changed to Rock ‘n’ Roll High School to align with the punk theme.
It was released by New World Pictures
New World Pictures, a notable American independent film distribution company, released Rock ‘n’ Roll High School.
The film was a box office success
Rock ‘n’ Roll High School performed well at the box office, attracting a large audience who resonated with its rebellious spirit and memorable soundtrack.
The memorable line “Hey ho, let’s go!” was popularized in the film
The iconic chant “Hey ho, let’s go!” from the Ramones song “Blitzkrieg Bop” became widely associated with the film, cementing its status as a punk rock anthem.
Roger Corman served as the film’s producer
Renowned producer Roger Corman, known for his work in cult classics, played a vital role in bringing Rock ‘n’ Roll High School to the big screen.
Rock ‘n’ Roll High School inspired a sequel
The success of the film led to a sequel titled “Rock ‘n’ Roll High School Forever,” which was released in 1991.
The film features a cameo appearance by Dick Miller
Legendary actor Dick Miller makes a memorable cameo appearance as the grouchy school principal, adding a comedic touch to the movie.
The film pays homage to classic rock ‘n’ roll
Rock ‘n’ Roll High School not only celebrates punk rock but also pays tribute to classic rock ‘n’ roll legends like Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis.
The character of Riff Randall was inspired by real-life rocker Riff Randell
The character of Riff Randall was partially inspired by Riff Randell, a real-life rocker and member of the band The Girls, who had a passion for the Ramones.
The movie features a rebellious portrayal of high school life
Rock ‘n’ Roll High School takes a satirical yet relatable approach to high school life, capturing the frustration and desire for freedom felt by many students.
It was a low-budget production
Despite its low budget, Rock ‘n’ Roll High School managed to deliver a high-energy and visually captivating film that resonated with audiences.
The film has a dedicated fan base
Rock ‘n’ Roll High School has a dedicated fan base that continues to celebrate its rebellious spirit and embrace its memorable characters.
The Ramones perform several of their hit songs
In the film, the Ramones perform some of their most iconic songs, including “Blitzkrieg Bop,” “Teenage Lobotomy,” and “Sheena Is a Punk Rocker.”
Rock ‘n’ Roll High School showcases the power of music
The movie demonstrates the transformative power of music, highlighting the impact it has on individuality, community, and self-expression.
The film captures the spirit of the punk rock movement
Rock ‘n’ Roll High School embodies the rebellious and energetic spirit of the punk rock movement, providing an authentic portrayal of the era.
It has become an influential film
Rock ‘n’ Roll High School has influenced subsequent films and musicians, inspiring them to embrace the punk rock attitude and celebrate individuality.
The movie features energetic and memorable concert scenes
Rock ‘n’ Roll High School showcases exhilarating concert scenes, capturing the raw passion and energy of the Ramones’ live performances.
The film’s message resonates with audiences to this day
Rock ‘n’ Roll High School’s underlying message of embracing one’s true self and challenging societal norms continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.
The film encourages the pursuit of dreams
Rock ‘n’ Roll High School inspires viewers to follow their passions and dreams, even if they go against the expectations of others.
The movie features a memorable climax
The climax of Rock ‘n’ Roll High School, which involves a rock ‘n’ roll rebellion, is a memorable and thrilling moment in the film.
The film incorporates elements of satire
Rock ‘n’ Roll High School cleverly uses satire to critique societal norms and education systems, making it more than just a typical teenage comedy.
The movie captures the nostalgia of the 1970s
Rock ‘n’ Roll High School transports viewers back to the 1970s, evoking a sense of nostalgia for the era’s fashion, music, and cultural atmosphere.
It showcases the power of youth rebellion
Rock ‘n’ Roll High School reminds audiences of the power that youth rebellion possesses in challenging authority and sparking social change.
The film features a memorable blend of comedy and music
Rock ‘n’ Roll High School seamlessly blends comedy and music, resulting in a film that keeps viewers entertained from start to finish.
Rock ‘n’ Roll High School is a timeless classic
Decades after its release, Rock ‘n’ Roll High School remains a timeless classic that continues to inspire and entertain audiences with its rebellious spirit and iconic soundtrack.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Rock ‘n’ Roll High School is an iconic movie that has become a cult classic over the years. With its rebellious spirit, catchy soundtrack, and energetic performances, it has left a lasting impact on the world of cinema. This article has provided 35 fascinating facts about the movie, shedding light on its production, cast, and behind-the-scenes details. Whether you’re a fan of punk rock music, coming-of-age stories, or simply appreciate a fun and entertaining film, Rock ‘n’ Roll High School is definitely worth a watch. So, grab your leather jackets, turn up the volume, and get ready to rock out with this unforgettable movie experience!
FAQs
Q: When was Rock ‘n’ Roll High School released?
A: Rock ‘n’ Roll High School was released on August 24, 1979.
Q: Who directed Rock ‘n’ Roll High School?
A: The movie was directed by Allan Arkush.
Q: Who starred in Rock ‘n’ Roll High School?
A: The lead roles were played by P.J. Soles as Riff Randell and Vince Van Patten as Tom Roberts.
Q: Is Rock ‘n’ Roll High School a musical?
A: While the film prominently features music and performances by punk rock band The Ramones, it is not considered a traditional musical.
Q: Are The Ramones themselves in the movie?
A: Yes, The Ramones play a fictionalized version of themselves in the movie.
Q: Did Rock ‘n’ Roll High School achieve commercial success?
A: While it did not perform exceptionally well at the box office, the movie gained a strong cult following over time.
Q: Is Rock ‘n’ Roll High School suitable for all ages?
A: The movie is generally considered suitable for teenagers and older audiences due to some mature content and language.
Q: Does Rock ‘n’ Roll High School have a sequel?
A: No, Rock ‘n’ Roll High School does not have an official sequel, but it did inspire a spin-off film called “Rock ‘n’ Roll High School Forever” in 1991.
Q: Can I watch Rock ‘n’ Roll High School online?
A: Yes, Rock ‘n’ Roll High School is available for streaming on various platforms like Amazon Prime Video and iTunes.
Q: What is the running time of Rock ‘n’ Roll High School?
A: The movie has a running time of approximately 1 hour and 33 minutes.
If you enjoyed learning about Rock 'n' Roll High School, why not explore more fascinating films and music? Dive into the delightful world of musical comedy with The Smiling Lieutenant, a charming classic. For a quirky and offbeat cult classic, check out the hilarious movie UHF. Lastly, if you're a fan of rock music, don't miss our article on Rocklahoma, a thrilling music festival that celebrates the genre.
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