Crônicas Colegiais

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??

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 Chicken Chronicles" is a very slight teenage sex comedy, centering around Steve Guttenberg's futile attempts to get laid. Although there are a few chuckles, mostly involving take out chicken and Phil Silvers, this is basically a misfire. The jokes are lame, there is no nudity, and really very little story. Most definitely, the "American Pie" crowd should avoid this. It is however suitable for mixed company that can tolerate the endless joint smoking, and sexual references. The film also serves to promote the Vietnam era liberal viewpoint. At best a time capsule of innocent high school pranks, at worst a totally pointless movie. - MERK

In 1969, a high school senior from a wealthy, absentee family in Hollywood--a rebel on the school paper and a goof-off at his job in a chicken restaurant--is frustrated at his lack of progress with the girls (a survey that proclaims "87% of all 12th grade boys admit to being sexually active" clearly doesn't apply to our frustrated hero). Screenwriter Paul Diamond, adapting his novel, facetiously drops hints about the Viet Cong, President Nixon, Ingmar Bergman and "Rosemary's Baby" in an attempt (I guess) to situate his story in a particular era, yet director Francis Simon fails to accentuate the film with any nostalgic flair--the majority of it looks like 1977, and sounds like it as well. In the lead, Steve Guttenberg (who gets an 'introducing' credit) is a handsome, muscular, ingratiating fellow with a boyish voice and a slightly-stupefied look. He's full of youthful energy and breezes through the movie effortlessly, yet he doesn't leave any footprints behind him. As a vehicle for newcomers and veterans, these "Chronicles" are certainly lacking. Ed Lauter does his granite-jawed act as the school's vice principal, while top-billed (!) Phil Silvers overacts as Guttenberg's boss, shouting as if he were performing in front of a live audience. *1/2 from ****

Somewhat languishing in obscurity, "The Chicken Chronicles" is fairly an amusing under the radar 70s high school sex comedy drama set during the end of the 60s era. But again the context is much boarder, thoughtful and true to its decade than one might suspect, very similar to Cameron Crowe's coming-to-age comedy "Fast Times at Ridgemont High". Throughout the feature is a running theme of sexual liberation, drugs, alcohol, absent / distant parents (where technology is used to communicate instead of face-to-face) and the affects the Vietnam War is having on the younger generation.

Californian teenager David Kessler is about to graduate high school with the senior prom rather near, but faces some problems before doing so. He's desperately trying to find the time to finally make out with his picture-perfect cheerleader girlfriend Margaret. To do so he needs help from his dweeb brother, for finding a place where they won't be disturbed. Out-of-blue there's Tracy, someone who he has known since early childhood and she really does fancy him. Also the school principal really has it in for him, although David does bring it upon himself with the numerous pranks and his boss at the chicken take away shop won't get off his back.

While it might seem aimlessly random in its structure (moving back and forth between its shenanigans), Paul Diamond's screenplay goes onto balance the authentic drama and witty comedy rather well. Even though it has an obsession on sex, never does it succumb to any crass or low brow acts or dialogues… although Silvers' character can be rather creepy. Director Francis Simon's bright and breezy direction (where the boom mike would suddenly appear at times) keeps it lively and fun in what is an enjoyably mellow throwback in spirit. The flavoursome soundtrack cruises right in. The performances go a long way to keeping it so. A fresh-face Steven Guttenberg (only his second feature, but debut lead role) is very likable as David… bringing heart and laughs to his character. However for me it was the great Phil Silvers as David's eccentric womaniser boss Max Ober, Ed Lauter as the snide principal Mr. Nastase, Branscombe Richmond as David's cool and collected, dope smoking buddy Mark and the ravishing Lisa Reeves as David's uptight girlfriend that had the memorable moments. Also there's a wonderful, homely performance by Meridith Baer as the down-to-earth, girl next door Tracy.

It might not stand out from the crowd, but it passes for an enjoyable teen comedy drama.