Learn it, know it, live it

The Fast Times at Ridgemont High episode is online. Download it here. It's 40 minutes long -- even after trimming about 10 minutes out of it -- but it's information packed.

For those appreciating even more tidbits than we had time for:
-- The movie is based on a book by Cameron Crowe, who returned to his school, Clairemont High School in San Diego, for a year to research it. He reportedly did not return for his 10- or 20-year reunions because several of his classmates weren't happy about their depiction.
-- The book is now out of print, but used copies sell for $50 and up on websites.
-- The real-life person behind the character of Mark "Rat" Ratner is actually Andy Rathbone, who is credited with starting the "... For Dummies" series of books, which he writes with his wife.
-- In the book, it's Rat (and Rathbone in real life) who ordered to pizza to class -- not Jeff Spicoli.
-- Nic Cage, then known as Nicolas Coppola, was only 17 years old at the time of filming this movie (he only has a bit part) but lied about his age to the casting agents so that he could work the nighttime hours required.
-- Speaking of nighttime hours, the film was largely filmed at night. (The last scene filmed was actually the scene of Stacey losing her virginity at the Point.) The Sherman Oaks Galleria, which served as Ridgemont Mall, opened from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. to accommodate the filming. Even the fast-food places in the mall stayed open to serve snacks to the crew and cast.
-- Cameron Crowe makes a cameo in Mr. Hand's class. He's sitting in the back row and is one of many of Hand's students to receive an F on the test about the Platt Amendment.
-- One of many scenes cut in order to avoid a X rating was one showing Stacey actually getting her abortion.
-- About Mr. Vargas's wife at the dance scene: She's just an extra. The director told "Vargas" to pick out his wife, and he picked the hottest extra at the dance. Voila. Instant wife.

Hope you enjoy the podcast. Feel free to leave more trivia that we missed.

Comments

[Cory Brown]

I was a student at Clairemont High 1990 - 1994 and back then the school was rich with "Fast Times" memorabilia. I recently visited CHS again a couple years ago and the movie memorabilia had grown. Nearly every room had a "Fast Times" poster in it, and not to mention.. many students are doing thier own versions of the movie with the actual student body. That school sure holds a special place in its heart for the film with students and staff. Amazingly, even the current students know the movie word for word, nearly 30 years later.

[Eddie]

Let me clarify, she was allegedly murdered by Phil Spector. Phil, however, claims she committed suicide. Either way it is factual that she is dead.

[Eddie]

Yes, sadly the woman who played Mr. Vargas' wife ( Lana Clarkson) during the prom scene was killed by Phil Spector in 2003.

[Anonymous]

Wasn't "Mrs Vargas" allegedly murdered by Phil Spector?

[Steve Spears]

Yeah, I knew it was Bridget Fonda, but I basically had brain freeze during that portion of the podcast. Strange couple, I imagine.Heart is definitely a worthy podcast topic, and you'll hear us do them soon.

[80sfan]

Let Sean know the actress married to Danny Elfman is none other than Bridget Fonda.This podcast reminded me that I would love to see (hear) you guys talk about Heart. Not strickly stuck in the 80s, the 80s are differently a chapter in their book and a sign of change in their music.

[Steve Spears]

Yeah, I should have included that quote. My bad. Guess I'll just be bogus too, yea?

[Chase Squires]

Hear that sound? That's my skull ..