The Chicken Chronicles

Unfairly dismissed by some, The Chicken Chronicles is a funny high school sex comedy. It is very light-hearted. It's fun to see. I thought this was cute and not bad at all. Filled with charm, innocence, drama and romance. I thought it was a nice mix. From an artistic standpoint, there were some plot elements and character developments I didn't think were totally needed. They do however drive the story, which seemed to be their purpose, so I can accept them. But the real centerpiece of the film is its acting; three performances in particular stick out. If you can find this obscure little movie on DVD, pick it up for sure and give it a watch.

While reading other comments on this film, let me clear up some inaccurate info, This was not Steve Guttenberg's film debut, that would have been an (uncredited, but clearly there) role as a delivery FBI assistant in the film "Rollercoaster" which premiered about four months before "Chicken Chronicles".

Regarding this as Phil Silver's last role, False again, this film was out in 1977, in 1980 Phil played a wheel-chair bound, film studio owner in the film "Happy Hooker Goes Hollywood" which also starred Adam West, and Richard Deacon.

I saw this film at the theater in the fall of 1977, and found the home video in 1987. The film's funny, and has a good soundtrack including several Classics IV, and Canned Heat songs. (By the way there is a soundtrack to it, which I found on a trip to Chicago in the early 80's).

I feel a PG rating is pretty liberal (especially for 1977), even though there's not many four-letter words, the sex themes, and drug use, should warrant it an R (for that time), this is probably why the industry invented the PG-13, probably not R, but definitely not PG either.

Millionaires and palm trees line swanky Beverly Hills, California in May, 1969. When not protest-writing about the Vietnam War, curly-haired high school senior Steve Guttenberg (as David "Dave" Kessler) has one thing on his mind. He desperately needs to have (you guessed it) sex, but Mr. Guttenberg is unable to find a place to copulate. Yes, he has his own car and lives in the Los Angeles area. Guttenberg is also good-looking, muscular and athletic. He has access to all the intoxicants he could need, and lives in a specious mansion with parents who keep out of sight. And, Guttenberg attracts attention from blonde Lisa Reeves (as Margaret) and brunette Meridith Baer (as Tracy), who certainly must be among the two most arousing young women in school...

That Guttenberg can't find a partner and place for sexual activity is not entirely believable, but he is appealing in his first starring role. The story never seems as funny as writer Paul Diamond's original intentions, but there are some laughs. Funniest is nerdy but cute Gino Baffa (as Charlie), Guttenberg's more sexually active little brother. Director Francis Simon does well with his engaging cast at a graduation party. Veteran comedian Phil Silvers is always nice to see – herein, he's the manager of am unsanitary "Kentucky Fried Chicken"-styled eatery. Guttenberg claims he works there for gas money. Back in 1969, rich kids still worked at fast-food restaurants. The songs, led by "Every Day with You Girl" by Dennis Yost and the Classics IV, sound fresh.

****** The Chicken Chronicles (10/20/77) Francis Simon ~ Steve Guttenberg, Branscombe Richmond, Gino Baffa, Phil Silvers

The best things about this movie are: the SONGS (on the original release), the GIRLS (Maddy, Margaret and Tracy) and the CARS!! The plot of this movie is sort of mediocre, but there are some decent scenes of Beverly Hills; with all of the (now) classic automobiles in this film there REALLY should have been more "cruising" scenes. The way the film was shot really did (and to me, still does) make you feel as though you're in May of 1969. Too bad it's so difficult to obtain licensing rights for certain songs--the soundtrack could have used some good Soul tunes like "Time Is Tight" by Booker T. and the MGs, "California Soul" from Marlena Shaw, or "Nothing But A Heartache" from the Flirtations. One final criticism: A movie set in California featuring three beautiful women (with High School as a backdrop) set in the Spring of '69 has NO BEACH SCENES??

my wife and i pull this movie out every time we need a good laugh, the cast is especially strong, phil silvers is actually the weak link, gutenberg, his girl friends and branscom richmond are superb as are other supporting cast members. its not really a teen flick for teens alone but also appreciated by people who want to reminisce about days gone by. set in the ultra upscale los angeles suburbs, it gives a fun look at what the "rich kids" do with their free time.