Heaven Help Us (Catholic Boys) (1985)

40% of critics liked it
(5 reviews)
67% of users liked it
(2,933 ratings)

Charles Purpura scribed this semi-autobiographical tale about his experiences in a Brooklyn Catholic school of 1965. The film focuses on several Catholic school boys who get into ever increasing amounts of trouble with the presiding priests of the Catholic school, St. Basil's. Andrew McCarthy plays… More Charles Purpura scribed this semi-autobiographical tale about his experiences in a Brooklyn Catholic school of 1965. The film focuses on several Catholic school boys who get into ever increasing amounts of trouble with the presiding priests of the Catholic school, St. Basil's. Andrew McCarthy plays Michael Dunn, a newly arrived student who latches onto the class egghead Caesar (Malcolm Danare), who is constantly picked on by the class bully Rooney (Kevin Dillon). Rooney intimidates Michael and Caesar to become his erstwhile chums and, along with a few other quiet students, they receive corporal punishment for minor infractions, disrupting communion and confession and, ultimately, their antics inspire changes in the strict school hierarchy. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 42 min.
Directed By: Michael Dinner
Genres: Drama, Comedy

In Theaters: Feb 8, 1985 Wide
On DVD: Aug 30, 2005
Studio: HBO Video

Critic Reviews

Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com
Fitfully amusing, mostly juvenile.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
A partly funny and occasionally toucing coming-of-age flick

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Anthony L

A fantastic film, one of my all time favourites growing up! It?s hilarious, brilliantly acted and is dreadfully overlooked.
Leo L

An all-time favorite that I don't mind watching excessively. It leaves me laughing hard each and everytime. FAVORITE SCENE: Kevin Dillon's character along with four others making out in a car on a tow bridge. As things heats up, the bridge starts to open and leaving the… More
An all-time favorite that I don't mind watching excessively. It leaves me laughing hard each and everytime. FAVORITE SCENE: Kevin Dillon's character along with four others making out in a car on a tow bridge. As things heats up, the bridge starts to open and leaving the four to escape and watch the car fall apart.

Cast

            Donald Sutherland as Brother Thadeus

            John Heard as Brother Timothy

            Andrew McCarthy as Michael Dunn

            Mary Stuart Masterson as Danni

            Kevin Dillon as Rooney

            Malcom Danare as Caesar

            Jennifer Dundas as Boo

            Kate Reid as Grandma

            Wallace Shawn as Father Abruzzi

            Jay Patterson as Brother Constance

            Philip Bosco as Brother Paul

            Patrick Dempsey as Corbet

            Stephen Geoffreys as Williams

            Dana Barron as Janine

            John Bentley as 1st Man

            Imogene Bliss as Cook

            Donald Breitman as Brother Gregory

            Al Cerullo as Pilot

            Calvert DeForest as Bridge Operator

            Henry Fehren as Priest Celebrant

            Richard Hamilton as Grandpa

            Vic Polizos as Police Officer

            Douglas Seale as Brother Dominic

            Yeardley Smith as Cathleen

            Sherry Steiner as Social Worker

            Jimmie Ray Weeks as Danni's Father

            Mel Winkler as Willie

            Ed Zang as Confessor

            Christopher Durang as Priest

            George Anders as Brother Augustus

            Nolan Carley as Bartender

            William Eustace as Brother William

            Janice Fuller as Passenger

            Pamela Galvin as Sister Thomasina

            Jody Jensen as Girl

            Mary Koch as Cafeteria Lady

            Paul Marchand as Perrin

            Kachina Myers as Girl
See full cast