10 must-see movies for Dr. Ruth

Everyone's favorite "Sexually Speaking" therapist turns 80 years old today. And Dr. Ruth Westheimer is still going strong, nearly 30 years after her landmark radio program began in September 1980.

What's she up to these days? Last week, she attended the graduation ceremonies at Yale University and had her photo take with Paul McCartney. (Hey, Doc, Paul doesn't need sex advice, he needs marital advice.)

She's also lending her name and face to a website (drruth.com) that offers sexual help online -- much of it battery-operated (including her highly recommended Eroscillator, but there's no way I'm giving you a direct link on my family-friendly blog.)

Dr. Ruth wasn't available on radio in my hometown when I needed to learn the birds and bees. So I had to rely on Hollywood instead. Here's my birthday present to you, Doc.

TOP 10 COMING OF AGE FLICKS OF THE 80s:

10. ZAPPED (1982): Scott Baio, Willie Aames. 

9. FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH (1982): Sean Jenn, Judge Reinhold.

8. MISCHIEF (1985): Doug McKeon, Kelly Preston.

7. LITTLE DARLINGS (1980): Tatum O'Neal, Kristy McNichol.

6. PORKY'S (1982): Dan Monahan, Kim Cattrall.

5. RISKY BUSINESS (1983): Tom Cruise, Rebecca De Mornay

4. LOSIN' IT (1983): Tom Cruise, Shelley Long.

3. PRIVATE LESSONS (1981): Sylvia Kristel, Howard Hesseman

2. MY TUTOR (1983): Caren Kaye, Matt Lattanzi

1. LAST AMERICAN VIRGIN (1982): Lawrence Monoson, Gary Diane Franklin

Comments

[Michelle]

Can we sneak in "A Little Romance?" (1979)
Laurence Olivier, a stunning young Diane Lane, Thelonious Bernard.

[DR]

My favorite quote: "it's only about a half teaspoon". I know she said that at least once a show throughout the duration.

[Brett]

In a truly creepy, yet somehow hilariously funny bit, Dr. Ruth does guest gigs on the PBS children's show "Between the Lions." She plays a therapist (duh) who helps words become more active, happier words....

I am not making this up.

[Marissa]

BAHAHAHA! Good one anonymous poster or person who had no idea their information wasn't saved.

Marissa, I have the perfect book for you, its an old Sears catalog I keep and it sums up "the birds & the bees" quite well. It starts off with Mens clothing, jeans, polos, suits, ties, shoes, then underwear. Next is, Womens clothing... beautiful dresses, designer evening wear and sexy lingerie... followed by maternity wear. Next section, infant furniture.

[Big Tex]

I might add "Class" to the list to add a little brat pack flavor. Thanks for adding "Little Darlings," Spearsy! I was saddened to hear about Tatum's troubles of late.

"Fast Times" should rate a little higher since it has two coming-of-age scenes - both involving Jennifer Jason Leigh (three if you count the trip to clinic as a coming-of-age event).

[Marissa]

Thanks Mike! You're always the go to man when a gal is in need.

[Denvermatt]

Ahh. Private Lessons.

My brother came across a video tape of the movie recently. It seems when our local fox affiliate came online, it was simply a UHF station Channel 31 (memba this Jeff?) . One of their hooks was unedited movies. As a 13 year old dude, this was mana from heaven. Now the movie is disturbing but then, It was great. I’m surprised the tape still worked.

[jane]

Well, yes. That was one of the words -- amongst others that began with other letters...

Always one lively hour, that Dr. Ruth show.

[Mike in Austin]

Marissa: if you want to learn about the birds and the bees my email address is: geturdone@mesohornymeluvyoulongtime.com

We watched Last American Virgin last night....poor Gary but that damn Carmella......good soundtrack.

Dr. Ruth has no credibility with me.....I need to see her instructional videos to buy into her gab!

[Bassnote]

Jane, I assume you drank every time she said the word "p*nis".

[Douglas Arthur]

Wow, DR. Ruth...that brings back memories....for some reason I keep hearing her admonishing several callers who wanted to know more about "barnyard love"...crazy stuff. Plus she got parodied in Frank Miller's landmark Batman re-launch in the 80's The Dark Knight Returns (The inspiration and basis for some of the more recent films). But I almost met her. My first job while I was in high school, was as a dishwasher and kitchen help at a local country club here in the Albany area, and she was a guest speaker at a function there for over 300 people. Being a slimy, stinky mess from the kitchen, I was, of course, not allowed to mingle with the dignitaries, but we could hear her in the kitchen as she spoke. My older brother was a busboy and he got to meet her, and said she was very nice and full of energy. Not a super exciting story, but its mine. :)

[Walter Cox]

"Casual Sex" was more "coming of maturity" than "coming of age."

[Bassnote]

How about "Casual Sex"?

[Clark]

Cripes, I thought Dr. Ruth was 80 in the 80's. I know, it's not the years, it's the mileage...

[jane]

Here's an Dr. Ruth/Cyndi Lauper interview circa 1980-something -- it's a riot.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=oYrjMRJ-Zgk

[jane]

Ah, Dr. Ruth. Her titillating syndicated TV show in the '80s was appointment television for my college roommates and me. We would have 'viewing' parties and even made up a drinking game, a la "Hi Bob," the details of which I'll leave to your imagination... suffice it to say, we were good and hammered by the time the show was over.

[Marissa]

I saw Matt Lattanzi (the former Mr. Newton-John) on "Rock the Cradle" on MTV. When the daughter he and ONJ had visited him it was revealed that he lives in a tent or tree house. He's uhm, yeah. woo. oy!
Little Lattanzi (the ONJ daughter) strangely resembles a Bratz Doll. And that ain't a good thing, kids. Kinda creepy.

[Marissa]

Yes, Miguel, we get your meaning.

I'm still waiting to learn about the birds and the bees.

[Miguel]

I would put Private School with Phoebe Cates also.But that`s a boning list!
Is boning a word? Did i used it correctly? You understand what i mean,right??