Making the Grade (1984)

Director:

Dorian Walker

Writers:

Charles Gale (story)
Gene Quintano (screenplay)

Release Date:

18 May 1984 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Romance | Sport

Tagline:

Palmer Woodrow III earned his diploma the old-fashioned way. He hired Eddie Keaton to graduate for him.

Plot:

Lazy preppie Palmer Woodrow hires street-smart Eddie Keaton to go to school for him while he lives it up in Europe...

Plot Keywords:

Preppie | Gambling | Gambling Debt | High School Graduation | High School

Cast

Judd Nelson	...	Eddie Keaton
Jonna Lee	...	Tracey Hoover
Gordon Jump	...	Mr. Harriman
Walter Olkewicz	...	Coach Wordman
Ronald Lacey	...	Nicky
Dana Olsen	...	Palmer Woodrow
Carey Scott	...	Rand
Scott McGinnis	...	Bif
Andrew Dice Clay	...	Dice (as Andrew Clay)
John Dye	...	Skip
John Stevens	...	Mr. Hoover
Lucile Doan Ewing	...	Mrs. Hoover (as Lucille Ewing)
Patrice Watson	...	Muffy
Robert Meltzer	...	Mr. Townsend
Moses Peace	...	Regis

Also Known As:

The Last American Preppy (USA) (alternative title)

Runtime:

105 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Australia:M | USA:R

Filming Locations:

Memphis, Tennessee, USA

Company:

Cannon Group, The

Trivia:

The first actor approached for the role of Eddie Keaton was Jim Carrey, who was seen by the film's casting director Julie Seltzer and the head of music for Cannon Films (now music agent) Richard Kraft at a comedy club in Los Angeles. Carrey turned down the part and Judd Nelson was cast soon after.

Goofs:

Audio/visual unsynchronized: When Eddie is throwing rocks at his girlfriend's window, all of his dialogue is dubbed in as his lips don't move once, all while facing the camera.

Quotes:

Mr. Townsend: As your father's personal assistant...
Palmer Woodrow: You're an ass-kissing joke!

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Girl in Lovers' Lane (#6.9)" (1993)

Soundtrack:

Body Talk

Excellent comedy!

Very funny movie, very entertaining characters. Palmer was the top dog, every scene he was in, every line he had, was HILARIOUS!!! Some great early work by the Diceman. His imitation of John Travolta was great! The Coach was very funny too; best scenes were when he stumbles into the X-rated movie, and when he comes home with the hookers. Gordon Jump (Big Guy from WKRP) was his usual bumbling, funny self. During the final credits, they say Palmer and Eddie will be back in "Tourista"; unfortunately for us they never made it. Big mistake, Tourista would have been great!