Swim Team

In the late 1970's I attended "The Film Actor's Academy" in Orinda, CA. The owner of the company and his wife managed to get actress Shirley Jones to endorse the company. They actually gave me a "screen test" to see if I was WORTHY of attending. The classes were surprisingly interesting and helpful. At the end of the course there was a mock Academy Awards-type ceremony. I won for best Actor in my category. The kicker of my experience was when I got to audition for "Swim Team" which was directed by, none other than, the owner himself. My audition was held at a swimming pool (I don't remember the location.) There were tons of other kids there from a local high school swim team auditioning. One of them was even nice enough to give me a crash course (verbally) in diving. After my audition all I was able to recall was standing on the diving block and eventually getting out of the water. The swim across the pool was, at the time, a complete blur. Somehow I managed to make the swim team for the film. The entire day was spent frolicking around the pool in my brown Speedos. When I finally saw the film (years later a friend was able to find a copy at his local video store and surprised me with it) I was just a blip in one scene. The rest of the movie was just more of the same. Young people frolicking and doing ridiculous things. The film was very typical of other films of that time.

Why not call SWIM TEAM an exploitation comedy for the entire family! It's just a little on the raunchy side, and it doesn't offend to watch a bunch of wacked-out teenagers going wild in bikinis. "Flounder" from ANIMAL HOUSE alarmingly helped this flat, shallow film that doesn't stay afloat. This one deteriorates and gasps for breath every minute that passes by. You would be better off watching WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS than looking at the boring, repetitive swim meet footage used over halfway through the movie. Could have been a lot better for a movie aimed at the PORKY'S crowd on a premature level. Trust me, you won't survive underwater very long!

A fun movie about California age group swimmers,starring Flounder and Marmalard of ANIMAL HOUSE fame.Buster Crabbe makes a memorable cameo as "Rock Sands",the father of a young swimmer.A rival coach named Ouchmouski(Mr.Ouch) is hilarious as a foil.All in all,a good way to waste a little time.

I too was a student at Film Actors Academy, one of 3 schools at that time, at the time "Swim Team" was filmed. I remember the Owner and producer of the Film ask several of us from my beginners class to be extras as opposing team members. Having to go to a few locations to film the competition scenes, as well as participate as crowds cheering. Also a Baracuda on the opposing Team. Silly as it was it was a stepping stop for some...

Flounder, the late Steven Furst, was a character off screen as well as on screen, Jenny Newman was new in the screen and Cynthia Bain, "Pumpkinhead" fame was a member at the same location I went for classes.

I also attended Film Actors Academy and was in this film as one of the Barracudas swim team. We had so much fun filming. Great experience & got to miss school.