Mischief (1985)

Mischief Poster

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.

Introduction and Plot
"Mischief" is a timeless coming-of-age motion picture embeded in 1956, Nelsonville, Ohio. Directed by Mel Damski, it was launched in the year 1985, encapsulating an ageless theme of teen discovery and psychological growth. The storyline revolves primarily around 2 central characters - Jonathan Bellah (Doug McKeon), a geeky and shy 15-year-old, and a defiant brand-new boy in school named Gene Harbrough (Chris Nash).

Establishing Friendship and Love Interest
Jonathan is instantly amazed by Gene's Steve McQueen-like charm and badass attitude. Hoping to get noticed by his veteran crush, Marilyn McCauley (Kelly Preston), Jonathan seeks to develop a relationship with Gene with the hope that a few of his charm might rub off on him. The preliminary part of the motion picture concentrates on the remarkable yet gradually establishing relationship between the 2 kids and their shared desire to deal with down bullying and conformity.

Marilyn and Jonathan
Along with this bromance plot, the romantic thread includes Jonathan's heart throbbing for the town beauty, Marilyn. In spite of being clumsy, timid, and doing not have confidence, he harbors a deep love for Marilyn, an unnervingly stunning and popular girl in school. However, bring in Marilyn's attention is an uphill battle for Jonathan till Gene comes into the image with his rebellious nature and teaches Jonathan how to impress her.

Chemistry and Heartbreak
As the movie progresses, Jonathan and Marilyn share a reassuring bond and eventually lose their virginity to each other. However, their relationship is brief as she breaks off their relationship, which she thinks is just based upon sexual destination. Jonathan is left sad and challenged with the possibility of navigating this emotional turmoil.

Gene's Transformation and Conclusion
Meanwhile, the motion picture likewise subtly exposes the transformation of Gene. Initially represented as a rebel without a cause, Gene ends up being more appreciable of his self-respect, primarily due to his interactions with Jonathan. He discovers himself moving away from his rowdy ways, showing a more caring side towards his friend and eventually establishing himself as a more intricate and caring character than at first presented.

"Mischief" expertly depicts the struggles of teenage years-- unrequited love, sexual discovery, the pursuit of popularity, and most notably, the power of true friendship. Regardless of the apparently basic plot, it is layered with heavy emotional undercurrents that have resonated with viewers and continues to be kept in mind as an impactful portrayal of late adolescence years after its release.

Top Cast

  • Doug McKeon (small)
    Doug McKeon
    Jonathan Bellah
  • Catherine Mary Stewart (small)
    Catherine Mary Stewart
    Bunny Miller
  • Kelly Preston (small)
    Kelly Preston
    Marilyn McCauley
  • Chris Nash (small)
    Chris Nash
    Gene Harbrough
  • D.W. Brown (small)
    D.W. Brown
    Kenny
  • Jami Gertz (small)
    Jami Gertz
    Rosalie
  • Margaret Blye (small)
    Margaret Blye
    Claire Miller
  • Graham Jarvis (small)
    Graham Jarvis
    Mr. Miller
  • Terry O'Quinn (small)
    Terry O'Quinn
    Claude Harbrough
  • Darren Ewing
    Ted
  • Dennis L. O'Connell
    T.J.