Cult Classic "Class Of 1984" Intended As A Warning To America

When Mark L. Lester brought his screenplay based on a story by Tom Holland to theaters in 1982, he stated in a documentary that "it was intended as a warning to America to stop violence in the school systems." Back then, it was shocking news for a gun to be used on school premises when it did happen. Gun shootings in schools are much more frequent today. "Class Of 1984" just happens to be one of my favorite cult films.

Metal detectors, punk rock, drugs, teachers (some who care, some who don't and some whom have given up) lead to a thrill ride that totally escalates into an amazing climax. Stellar performances by Perry King, Roddy McDowall and Timothy Van Patten make the outrageous seem very possible in this classroom setting. A very young Michael J. Fox (before he used the middle initial) portrays the clean-cut Arthur, who plays in the school's orchestra. Fans of b-list horror movies should recognize Stefan Arngrim (Drugstore in this film) from "Fear No Evil," where he portrayed Andrew Williams, and Erin Flannery (Deneen) from "The Incubus," where she played Jenny Cordell.

Timothy Van Patten played Peter Stegman, who was the leader of the gang (I can't write that without thinking of a Gary Glitter song not used in the film). In actuality, he also appeared to be a very talented pianist. "Do I get the gig, teacher?" Stegman's gang is rounded out by Arngrim (Drugstore), Keith Knight (Barnyard), Lisa Langlois (Patsy) and Neil Clifford (Fallon).

The sweetest character in the movie was Diane Norris, played by Merrie Lynn Ross. That poor lady had to deal with being assaulted, raped and cut with a knife. It was actually that violence that took Andrew Norris (Perry King) to another level of revenge. However, the acting performance award goes to Roddy McDowall as Terry Corrigan for his pistol teaching method in the classroom after his lab animals were slaughtered.

Ontario punk rock band Teenage Head appears in the film during a club scene. Also, how can you not like a movie where the title song, "I Am The Future" is sung by Alice Cooper? If you can still find the film, it is definitely worth a night of popcorn and beer.