“On behalf of the students from Vince Lombardi High who are here tonight, I'd just like to say one thing: Screw you, Principal Togar, we made it to the concert anyway!”
Rock 'n' Roll Rules the School: A Corman Classic Gets Wild

Rock 'n' Roll High School (1979) emerged from Roger Corman's desire to tap into the teen movie craze following the success of Grease. Originally conceived as "Disco High," the project evolved when director Allan Arkush convinced Corman to feature punk rock instead, ultimately landing The Ramones as the film's musical stars. With a modest budget of $200,000, Arkush (with uncredited help from Joe Dante) crafted a frenetic comedy that would become a beloved cult classic. Join us—Pete Wright and Andy Nelson—as we continue the Roger Corman series with a conversation about Rock 'n' Roll High School.

A Perfect Storm of Punk and Comedy

Pete and Andy dive into their shared enthusiasm for this high-energy film, with both hosts expressing particular delight in its escalating absurdity. They discuss how the movie consistently takes every scene one step further than expected, from exploding mice to Eaglebauer's elaborate underground operation run from a TARDIS-like bathroom stall complete with his own secretary.

Performance and Characters

The hosts praise P.J. Soles' performance as Riff Randall, noting how effectively she carries the film despite being 29 playing a teenager. They discuss Mary Woronov's memorable turn as Principal Togar, and Clint Howard's scene-stealing role as Eaglebauer, the school's underground fixer.

Key Discussion Points:

• The film's surprisingly chaste nature for a Corman production
• The Ramones' presence and performance throughout the film
• The movie's unique position in the teen film genre
• The satirical elements of high school authority
• The film's remarkable influence on later teen comedies

Legacy and Impact

Pete and Andy reflect on how Rock 'n' Roll High School fits into both the teen movie genre and the Corman catalogue, noting its distinctive blend of music, comedy, and rebellion. They discuss its theatrical release strategy and eventual success as a midnight movie favorite.

We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel—when the movie ends, our conversation begins!

Film Sundries

• Watch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at Letterboxd
• Theatrical trailer