Written by Gertie Sallee
Modified & Updated: 05 Mar 2024
Reviewed by Jessica Corbett
Heaven Help Us is a beloved cult classic movie that has captivated audiences since its release in 1985. Directed by Michael Dinner, this coming-of-age comedy-drama is set in a Catholic boys’ school in Brooklyn during the 1960s. The film follows the lives of a group of mischievous students as they navigate the challenges of adolescence, religion, and the strict rules enforced by the school’s authority figures.
With its memorable characters, witty dialogue, and heartfelt moments, Heaven Help Us has won the hearts of movie enthusiasts around the world. In this article, we will delve into 36 fascinating facts about the making of this iconic film, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the actors, the production, and the impact the movie has had over the years.
Key Takeaways:
- “Heaven Help Us” is a nostalgic movie set in a 1960s Catholic school, exploring friendship, rebellion, and the challenges of adolescence with a balance of comedy and drama.
- The film captures the essence of teenage life, emphasizing the power of friendship and the complexities of coming-of-age, making it a beloved cult classic with a timeless story.
The movie Heaven Help Us was released in 1985.
Heaven Help Us is a coming-of-age comedy-drama film that was released in It was directed by Michael Dinner and produced by Mark Carliner.
The movie is set in the 1960s.
Heaven Help Us is set in the 1960s, providing a nostalgic look at a Catholic school in Brooklyn.
The movie stars Andrew McCarthy.
Andrew McCarthy, known for his roles in 1980s teen films, such as Pretty in Pink and St. Elmo’s Fire, plays the lead role in Heaven Help Us.
The storyline revolves around a group of Catholic school students.
The movie follows a group of Catholic school students as they navigate the challenges of adolescence, their strict teachers, and the influence of their peers.
Kevin Dillon portrays the rebellious student.
Kevin Dillon, who later gained fame for his role as Johnny “Drama” Chase in the TV series Entourage, portrays a rebellious and trouble-making student in Heaven Help Us.
The film explores themes of friendship, love, and faith.
Heaven Help Us delves into the themes of friendship, love, and faith, providing an emotional and heartfelt narrative.
The movie received positive reviews from critics.
Upon its release, Heaven Help Us received positive reviews from critics who praised its authentic portrayal of teenage life and the strong performances by the cast.
The film features a talented ensemble cast.
Aside from Andrew McCarthy and Kevin Dillon, Heaven Help Us also features performances by Donal Logue, Mary Stuart Masterson, and Jay Patterson, among others.
The movie captures the essence of Catholic school life in the 1960s.
Heaven Help Us accurately depicts the strict rules and discipline of Catholic schools in the 1960s, providing an insightful and nostalgic glimpse of that era.
The film was shot on location in Brooklyn, New York.
To capture the authentic atmosphere of the story, Heaven Help Us was filmed on location in Brooklyn, New York, adding to its realistic portrayal of the Catholic school setting.
The soundtrack features popular songs of the era.
The movie incorporates popular songs from the 1960s into its soundtrack, enhancing the nostalgic feel and immersing viewers into the time period.
The film’s original title was “Catholic Boys.”
Before its release, Heaven Help Us was initially titled “Catholic Boys,” which was later changed to reflect the themes and tone of the movie more accurately.
The movie was inspired by the director’s own Catholic school experiences.
Director Michael Dinner drew inspiration from his own experiences attending a Catholic school, infusing the film with a sense of authenticity and personal connection.
The movie was a modest box office success.
Heaven Help Us performed moderately well at the box office, garnering a dedicated fanbase and becoming a cult favorite among moviegoers.
The film was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award.
Heaven Help Us received a nomination for the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature, recognizing its impressive debut in the world of filmmaking.
The movie addresses the challenges of adolescence.
Heaven Help Us explores the universal struggles and challenges teenagers face as they navigate through the transformative period of adolescence.
The film balances comedy and drama.
Heaven Help Us strikes a delicate balance between comedic moments and poignant drama, creating a rich and engaging story that resonates with audiences.
The movie showcases the bond between friends.
The film highlights the strong bond between friends and the support they provide one another as they face the trials of growing up.
The movie tackles religious themes.
Heaven Help Us delves into the complex relationship between faith and the challenges of everyday life, offering a nuanced portrayal of religious themes.
The film portrays the influence of authority figures.
Heaven Help Us explores the impact that authority figures, such as teachers and priests, have on shaping the lives of the young students.
The movie captures the spirit of rebellion.
The film showcases the rebellious nature of teenagers in the 1960s and their desire to challenge the rules and constraints placed upon them.
The film’s screenplay was written by Charles Purpura.
Charles Purpura penned the screenplay for Heaven Help Us, capturing the essence of the story and its characters with authenticity and depth.
The movie incorporates elements of romance.
Heaven Help Us features elements of romance as the characters navigate their feelings and relationships in the midst of the chaos of adolescence.
The film is known for its memorable quotes.
Heaven Help Us includes several memorable quotes that have become iconic among fans of the movie, showcasing the witty and heartfelt dialogue.
The movie received praise for its realistic portrayal of teenage friendships.
One of the standout aspects of Heaven Help Us is its authentic depiction of teenage friendships and the complexities that come with them.
The film highlights the importance of empathy and understanding.
Heaven Help Us emphasizes the significance of empathy and understanding as the characters navigate their individual struggles and support one another.
The movie has gained a dedicated fan following.
Over the years, Heaven Help Us has garnered a loyal fan base who appreciate its heartfelt storytelling, relatable characters, and nostalgic atmosphere.
The film’s runtime is approximately 1 hour and 44 minutes.
Heaven Help Us has a runtime of approximately 1 hour and 44 minutes, providing an immersive and entertaining viewing experience.
The movie was released in both the United States and Canada.
Heaven Help Us had a simultaneous release in the United States and Canada, reaching audiences on both sides of the border.
The film tackles issues of conformity and rebellion.
Heaven Help Us explores the tension between conformity and rebellion, as the characters grapple with societal expectations while trying to express their individuality.
The movie’s cinematography captures the essence of the 1960s.
The film’s cinematography enhances the nostalgic atmosphere, effectively capturing the spirit and aesthetics of the 1960s.
The movie emphasizes the power of friendship.
Heaven Help Us underscores the transformative power of friendship as the characters rely on each other for support, laughter, and guidance.
The film’s soundtrack received critical acclaim.
Heaven Help Us’ soundtrack earned praise for its selection of period-appropriate songs, adding depth and emotion to the storytelling.
The movie addresses the complexities of coming-of-age.
The film depicts the challenges and complexities of the coming-of-age journey, exploring universal themes that resonate with audiences of all ages.
The movie captures the essence of teenage angst.
Heaven Help Us effectively portrays the angst and turmoil experienced by teenagers as they grapple with their identities and search for purpose.
The film has remained a beloved cult classic.
Throughout the years, Heaven Help Us has retained its status as a beloved cult classic, continuously captivating new audiences with its timeless story and memorable characters.
FAQs
Q: When was the movie “Heaven Help Us” released?
A: “Heaven Help Us” was released on February 8, 1985.
Q: Who directed the movie?
A: The movie was directed by Michael Dinner.
Q: What is the genre of “Heaven Help Us”?
A: It is a coming-of-age comedy-drama film.
Q: Who are the main actors in the movie?
A: The main cast includes Andrew McCarthy, Mary Stuart Masterson, Kevin Dillon, and Donald Sutherland.
Q: Where is the story set?
A: The story is set in a Catholic school called St. Basil’s in the 1960s.
Q: Is “Heaven Help Us” based on a true story?
A: No, the movie is not based on a true story.
Q: What awards did the movie receive?
A: “Heaven Help Us” received positive reviews and was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical.
Q: How long is the movie?
A: The runtime of “Heaven Help Us” is approximately 1 hour and 44 minutes.
Q: Is the movie suitable for all ages?
A: The movie is rated R for language and some sexual content, so it may not be suitable for young children.
Q: Does “Heaven Help Us” have a happy ending?
A: Without giving away too much, the movie provides a satisfying conclusion to the story.
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