Alright, fellow tapeheads, let's rewind to a time when teen movies weren't always about ironic detachment or elaborate prom-posals orchestrated via flash mob. Sometimes, they were just about… well, trying to get lucky. Slide that worn copy of Mischief (1985) into the VCR, adjust the tracking just so, and settle in for a trip back not just to the 80s, but through the 80s lens to the seemingly simpler, yet equally hormone-charged, world of 1956.
### Sweaty Palms and Stolen Glances
Mischief drops us right into the heart of Nelsonville, Ohio, circa '56. Our guide is Jonathan (Doug McKeon), the dictionary definition of earnest, awkward, and hopelessly inexperienced. He carries a monumental torch for the luminous Marilyn (Catherine Mary Stewart), the kind of girl-next-door who seems galaxies away. Jonathan’s life takes a sharp turn with the arrival of Gene (Chris Nash, though maybe less remembered), the cooler, more confident new kid in town who takes Jonathan under his wing. Gene's got the car, the swagger, and seemingly all the answers Jonathan lacks, especially when it comes to the opposite sex – primarily embodied by the alluring, off-limits Bunny (Kelly Preston in a role that certainly made an impression).
What unfolds isn't a complex plot, but a relatable series of vignettes capturing the fumbling, often hilarious, and sometimes painful experiences of teenage desire and friendship. Directed by Mel Damski, who mostly worked in television but clearly understood the rhythms of small-town life, the film doesn't aim for the satirical bite of Heathers or the iconic status of a John Hughes classic. Instead, Mischief offers something gentler, more observational, steeped in a nostalgia that felt palpable even back in '85.
### Cruisin' Nelsonville, 1956 (via 1985)
One of the real joys of watching Mischief today is its commitment to capturing the feel of its setting, filtered through that unmistakable 80s production style. Forget glossy CGI backdrops; this is tangible filmmaking. The period details, especially the cars – oh, the glorious, chrome-laden cars! – feel authentic. The cruising scenes, the drive-in, the local hangouts – they possess a grounded quality. It wasn't about hyper-stylized action, but the simple, almost ritualistic act of driving around, looking for something, anything, to happen.
Remember how those night scenes looked on VHS? A little grainy, the colours maybe bleeding slightly on a CRT screen? That aesthetic somehow enhances Mischief's charm. It feels less like a polished Hollywood product and more like a half-remembered dream of youth. The film's soundtrack, packed with genuine 50s rock 'n' roll hits, further solidifies the atmosphere, doing a lot of heavy lifting in transporting us back. It’s a far cry from the synth-pop dominating the charts in ’85, adding another layer to its nostalgic appeal.
### The Cast That Clicked
While not household names in the way some Brat Pack members became, the cast here really works. Doug McKeon, who audiences might remember from On Golden Pond (1981), perfectly embodies Jonathan’s vulnerability and yearning. You feel his awkwardness in your bones. Catherine Mary Stewart, coming off genre hits like Night of the Comet (1984) and The Last Starfighter (1984), is effortlessly charming as Marilyn, capturing that blend of innocence and nascent maturity.
And then there’s Kelly Preston. In one of her earlier, breakout roles, she absolutely sizzles as Bunny. It’s a performance brimming with confidence and playful sensuality that instantly explains Gene's (and likely half the male audience's) fascination. She steals every scene she’s in, hinting at the star power she would later develop. The chemistry between the leads, particularly the buddy dynamic between McKeon and Nash, feels genuine and anchors the film's emotional core.
### Retro Notes from the Reel
Pulling this tape off the shelf always reminds me how these seemingly straightforward films often had interesting journeys. Mischief was actually penned by Noel Black, a name cinephiles might recognize as the director of the much darker, cult-favorite psychological thriller Pretty Poison (1968) – quite a shift in tone! It makes you wonder about the range of stories bouncing around Hollywood back then.
Filmed on location in Nelsonville and other parts of Ohio, the setting wasn't just a backdrop; it was practically a character, lending the movie an authenticity that studio backlots often lack. Despite its relatively sweet nature compared to raunch-fests like Porky's (1981), Mischief still snagged an R rating, likely for its frank (for the time) depiction of teenage sexuality and some language. It wasn't a box office smash, pulling in around $8.6 million on a roughly $4.5 million budget, but it found its dedicated audience on home video – becoming a reliable weekend rental for kids looking for something relatable, a little daring, and comfortably nostalgic. I definitely remember seeing that distinctive cover art staring back at me from the shelves of the local Video Palace more than once.
### Why We Still Rewatch This Tape
Mischief isn't trying to change the world. It's a warm, funny, and surprisingly sweet look at teenage rites of passage. It captures that universal feeling of wanting more, of navigating confusing emotions, and the importance of having a friend who maybe, just maybe, knows a little bit more than you do. It avoids easy cynicism, treating its characters' desires and heartbreaks with respect, even amidst the comedic fumblings.
Watching it now, there’s an undeniable charm in its straightforwardness, its lack of modern gloss. It’s a snapshot of 1950s idealization made through an 80s lens, creating a unique double layer of nostalgia. Does it feel dated in places? Absolutely. But its core themes of friendship, first love, and figuring things out remain timeless.
VHS Heaven Rating: 7/10
Justification: Mischief earns a solid 7 for its genuine heart, strong performances (especially from McKeon, Stewart, and the scene-stealing Preston), authentic sense of time and place (boosted by the Ohio locations and killer soundtrack), and its enduring relatability. It perfectly captures the awkward sweetness of teenage longing. It loses a few points for a somewhat thin plot and for not quite reaching the iconic status of its Brat Pack contemporaries, but its charm is undeniable.
Final Rewind: For a dose of gentle, funny, 50s-set-via-the-80s nostalgia, Mischief is like finding a comfy old sweatshirt in the back of the closet – familiar, warm, and it just feels right. A charming time capsule well worth dusting off.