On this day, January 20, 1984, The Buddy System, a romantic dramedy directed by Glenn A. Jordan, premiered in theaters. The film starred Richard Dreyfuss, Susan Sarandon, Nancy Allen, and a young Wil Wheaton in a heartfelt story about relationships, parenting, and second chances.
The plot follows Joe (Dreyfuss), an inventor, and Emily (Sarandon), a single mother, as they navigate the challenges of their unconventional friendship, which gradually grows into something deeper. Despite its strong cast, including the iconic Jean Stapleton, The Buddy System struggled at the box office, earning just $1.8 million. However, it remains a hidden gem for fans of 80s feel-good cinema.
Fun Fact: Wil Wheaton, who played Sarandon’s on-screen son, would go on to achieve fame as Wesley Crusher in Star Trek: The Next Generation just a few years later.
Trivia Question: Which film earned Richard Dreyfuss the Academy Award for Best Actor prior to his role in The Buddy System?