On this day June 6, 1980, the comedy film Up the Academy premiered in theaters. Directed by Robert Downey Sr., the movie was intended to be a teen comedy in the spirit of Animal House, set in a military school filled with rebellious cadets and over the top antics.
The cast included Wendell Brown, Tommy Citera, Ron Leibman, Harry Teinowitz, Hutch Parker, Tom Poston, King Coleman, Barbara Bach, and featured the film debut of Ralph Macchio. Although his role was small, Macchio would go on to achieve major fame just a few years later in The Outsiders and The Karate Kid.
Originally associated with Mad magazine, the film was disowned by the publication after its release due to its critical reception and poor performance. Despite its lack of success, the movie has remained a footnote in 80s cinema as an early appearance by Macchio and as a curiosity from director Robert Downey Sr.
80s insight: Up the Academy reflected the early 80s push to capitalize on the popularity of raunchy teen comedies. Though it failed to find its audience, it captured the kind of wild experimentation and irreverence that defined much of the decade’s youth oriented entertainment.
The cast included Wendell Brown, Tommy Citera, Ron Leibman, Harry Teinowitz, Hutch Parker, Tom Poston, King Coleman, Barbara Bach, and featured the film debut of Ralph Macchio. Although his role was small, Macchio would go on to achieve major fame just a few years later in The Outsiders and The Karate Kid.
Originally associated with Mad magazine, the film was disowned by the publication after its release due to its critical reception and poor performance. Despite its lack of success, the movie has remained a footnote in 80s cinema as an early appearance by Macchio and as a curiosity from director Robert Downey Sr.
80s insight: Up the Academy reflected the early 80s push to capitalize on the popularity of raunchy teen comedies. Though it failed to find its audience, it captured the kind of wild experimentation and irreverence that defined much of the decade’s youth oriented entertainment.
