Alright, fellow tapeheads, let’s rewind to a time when summer school wasn't just about catching up on credits, but sometimes, just sometimes, involved learning the language of love... or at least, a heavily accented version of it. Settle back into that comfy couch groove, maybe picture the VCR whirring softly, because tonight on VHS Heaven, we're cracking open the slightly worn clamshell case for 1983’s My Tutor.
This wasn't exactly hiding behind the counter, but it definitely had that feel – the kind of movie you might have rented with a hopeful smirk, hoping your parents wouldn't ask too many questions about the plot. Released squarely in the golden age of R-rated teen comedies kicked off by Porky's (1981), My Tutor offers a gentler, sunnier take on teenage hormonal angst, trading gross-out gags for something closer to a sun-drenched California fantasy.
### Midnight French Lessons
The setup is pure 80s wish-fulfillment: wealthy high school grad Bobby Chrystal (Matt Lattanzi) flunks his French final, jeopardizing a planned European trip and, more importantly, his access to a hefty inheritance controlled by his stern father (the reliably excellent Kevin McCarthy). The solution? Hire a tutor for the summer. Enter Terry Green (Caren Kaye), a worldly, impossibly gorgeous older woman tasked with getting Bobby’s French – and perhaps his confidence – up to scratch before the makeup exam.
You can probably guess the syllabus from here. Initial awkwardness gives way to flirting, lessons blur the line between verb conjugations and suggestive glances, and soon, the teacher-student dynamic takes a decidedly extracurricular turn. It’s predictable, sure, but there’s a certain charm to its straightforwardness, a kind of innocent sincerity underneath the expected titillation. Director George Bowers, who also gave us the spooky drive-in favourite The Hearse (1980) just a few years prior, directs with a light touch, letting the California sunshine and the chemistry between the leads do most of the heavy lifting.
### Meet the Tutor, Meet the Teen
Let’s be honest, the film hinges almost entirely on Caren Kaye. She brings an unexpected warmth and intelligence to Terry, making her more than just the object of teenage desire. Kaye gives Terry a believable sense of independence and a gentle empathy, navigating the potentially tricky premise with grace. You understand why Bobby falls for her, beyond the obvious. It’s a performance that elevates the material considerably. Remember her from other 80s staples like Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment (1985)? She had a knack for standing out.
Matt Lattanzi, who many might remember was married to Olivia Newton-John at the time this came out, plays Bobby with the right mix of naivete and burgeoning confidence. He’s likable enough as the slightly clueless rich kid discovering there’s more to life (and women) than his spoiled bubble. His journey feels familiar, but Lattanzi makes him relatable. And Kevin McCarthy adds a touch of class as the demanding father, grounding the fluffier aspects of the plot.
### Beyond the Blackboard
Filmed largely around Los Angeles, My Tutor captures that quintessential early 80s California vibe – sun-bleached beaches, opulent homes (Bobby’s dad’s mansion is quite the pad!), and a laid-back atmosphere that feels miles away from the frantic energy of today. There are no CGI enhancements here; the appeal lies in the real locations and the tangible feel of the era. It wasn't a massive blockbuster, produced by Crown International Pictures – a studio known more for its B-movie and exploitation output – but it found its audience, particularly on home video where films like this thrived. It tapped directly into that popular, slightly forbidden fantasy territory that fueled countless rentals.
While not packed with complex stunts, the film does rely on the 'practical effect' of its lead actress's charisma and the simple, effective storytelling. The humour is gentle, often stemming from Bobby's awkwardness or the reactions of his goofy best friend (played by Clark Brandon). It's less about outrageous set pieces and more about creating a mood – one of lazy summer days and blossoming first love (albeit a slightly complicated one).
### That Worn Tape Feeling
Watching My Tutor today feels like rediscovering a pleasant, if slightly flimsy, memory. The plot is thin, and some of the gender dynamics feel distinctly of their time, viewed through a modern lens. But there's an undeniable sweetness to it, a lack of cynicism that’s quite refreshing. It’s the kind of film perfectly suited for that late-night VHS viewing experience – unchallenging, comfortably familiar, and possessing a certain nostalgic glow amplified by the slight fuzziness of the tracking. It wasn't trying to change the world; it was aiming for a specific kind of escapism, and on that level, it largely succeeded. Did anyone else feel like taking up French after renting this one?
It doesn't have the sharp edges of Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982) or the anarchic energy of Revenge of the Nerds (1984), but My Tutor holds its own small corner in the vast landscape of 80s teen flicks. It’s more of a gentle daydream than a raucous party.
VHS Heaven Rating: 6/10
Justification: The rating reflects the film's undeniable nostalgic charm, Caren Kaye's winning performance, and its status as a recognisable, if second-tier, entry in the 80s teen comedy boom. It delivers exactly what it promises on the box art. However, it's held back by a predictable plot, somewhat dated elements, and a lack of real comedic bite compared to the genre's best. It's comfort food cinema, enjoyable but not essential.
Final Thought: My Tutor is a pleasant summer breeze from the VHS past – a charmingly dated fantasy that reminds us sometimes the most memorable lessons happened long after the school bell rang. Still worth a watch if you need a dose of uncomplicated 80s sunshine.