Mischief (1985)
1956: The shy Jonathan's luck with girls changes when he wins the rebellious Gene as a friend in his last year of high school. Gene is adored by many girls and manages to teach Jonathan a few lessons. Gene himself would rather just be with one girl: his girlfriend Bunny. But since his father is poor, her parents don't accept him.
What people think about Mischief
Mischief is the kind of sweet, slightly mischievous coming-of-age romance that sneaks up on you with how genuinely likable it is, capturing that 1950s high-school world in warm colors, chrome reflections, and nervous heartbeats. What makes it special isn’t big drama so much as the easy chemistry between its leads and the way friendship becomes a gentle engine for confidence—one kid learning to be brave, the other learning what he really wants. Mel Damski keeps the tone breezy and affectionate, with just enough bite in the class and money tensions to give the nostalgia some texture. It’s not for viewers craving sharp-edged comedy or modern cynicism, but if you’re in the mood for a charming, sincere teen tale with a romantic glow, this one earns its place.
Mischief is aiming for a breezy, 1950s teen-romance romp about a shy kid getting a crash course in confidence from the town rebel, and it mostly coasts on that nostalgic vibe. The problem is it’s built from very familiar ingredients—love triangles, bullies, “lessons” about girls—and it rarely surprises you or digs deep enough to make the characters feel like more than stock types. If you’re hoping for sharp writing, real emotional stakes, or anything that lingers after the credits, this will likely feel shallow and forgettable. But if you’re in the mood for a light, mildly cheeky throwback with an easygoing cast and no big demands on your attention, it can pass the time.
Cast
Doug McKeonJonathan Bellah
Catherine Mary StewartBunny Miller
Kelly PrestonMarilyn McCauley
Chris NashGene Harbrough
D.W. BrownKenny
Jami GertzRosalie
Margaret BlyeClaire Miller
Graham JarvisMr. Miller
Terry O'QuinnClaude Harbrough- DDarren EwingTed
- DDennis L. O'ConnellT.J.
- BBob McGuireMr. Hewitt
- BBryce KassonRobbie
- AAndrew ReamHarry Horner
- JJulie NobleMrs. McCauley
- BBob BanksMr. Hartman
- CCharles DodrillMr. Horstadt
Jordan BakerMrs. Newell
Crew
- Director
- Mel Damski
- Writers
- Noel Black
- Music
- Barry De Vorzon
- Cinematography
- Donald E. Thorin
- Editing
- O. Nicholas Brown
Details
- Released
- February 8, 1985
- Language
- English
- Studio
- 20th Century Fox, SLM Production Group
- IMDb
- tt0089601
