Private School (1983)

40% of users liked it
(4,366 ratings)

Three of the hallmarks of education in America -- nudity, teenage sex, and big, destructive gags -- are on plentiful display in this teen comedy. Christine (Phoebe Cates), a student at an exclusive all-girls private school, is in love with Jim (Matthew Modine), who attends an academy for boys… More Three of the hallmarks of education in America -- nudity, teenage sex, and big, destructive gags -- are on plentiful display in this teen comedy. Christine (Phoebe Cates), a student at an exclusive all-girls private school, is in love with Jim (Matthew Modine), who attends an academy for boys nearby. Christine's archrival Jordan (Betsy Russell) also has her eye on Jim, and she is willing to do whatever she can to steal him away. Jim's über-slob buddy Bubba (Michael Zorek) is going with Betsy (Kathleen Wilhoite), Christine's cynical friend, though he would probably be unfaithful if any other woman were willing to get near him. Bubba and his pals sneak into the girls' school dressed in drag in hopes of reaching the Promised Land (better known as the women's shower room), while Christine and Jim run away together for the weekend, though their escapade isn't as romantic as they had hoped. Among the adults observing the chaos are Ray Walston, Fran Ryan, Martin Mull, and Sylvia Kristel; one of the sexy students on display is future scream queen Brinke Stevens. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 29 min.
Directed By: Noel Black
Written By: Suzanne O'Malley, Dan Greenburg
Genres: Comedy, Romance

In Theaters: Jul 29, 1983 Wide
On DVD: Mar 6, 2007
Studio: Universal Pictures

Critic Reviews

Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com
Private School is one of the most reviled movies in a monumentally despised genre. Hardcore porn has a better reputation than does Private School.

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

AJ V

An average predictable teen sex comedy taking place around an all girl private school. The only thing I liked about this movie was Phoebe Cates, and the few funny moments. Overall, it's just okay.
Jason O

Not a good movie, although it has memorable parts. The best shower nude scene of all time though gives this one some major brownie points. I would've married the shortest girl in the shower that had shoulder length brown hair and a nice ghetto booty, but of course she's… More
Not a good movie, although it has memorable parts. The best shower nude scene of all time though gives this one some major brownie points. I would've married the shortest girl in the shower that had shoulder length brown hair and a nice ghetto booty, but of course she's uncredited.
Byron B

80s teen sex comedy. Nothing here you haven't seen in all the others. Made for horny young guys with lots of opportunities to voyeuristically view the female form. Betsy Russell provides much of the voyeuristic excitement. Cates and Modine are a fake young couple, but not the… More
80s teen sex comedy. Nothing here you haven't seen in all the others. Made for horny young guys with lots of opportunities to voyeuristically view the female form. Betsy Russell provides much of the voyeuristic excitement. Cates and Modine are a fake young couple, but not the most contrived of the couples. And the talented Walston is unfortunately unfunny and base in the film.
Erin C

Entertaining enough. Tons of nudity. So-so acting. A few funny moments.
Lee K

omg! I saw this a thousand years ago, I think i liked it, lol
Donna D

Just one of them crazy 80's Teen flicks with the typical cheesy acting. It has it's funny moments.

Read all 6 featured audience ratings

Cast

            Phoebe Cates as Christine

            Betsy Russell as Jordan

            Matthew Modine as Jim

            Michael Zorek as Bubba

            Fran Ryan as Miss Dutchbok

            Kathleen Wilhoite as Betsy

            Ray Walston as Chauncey

            Sylvia Kristel as Ms. Copuletta

            Jonathan Prince as Roy

            Kari Lizer as Rita

            Richard Stahl as Mr. Flugel

            Julie Payne as Coach Whelan

            Frank Aletter as Mr. Leigh-Jensen

            Frances Bay as Birdie Fallmouth

            Robert Allan Ackerman as Maitre d'

            Burke Byrnes as Ramsay

            Karen Chase as Bambi Leigh-Jensen

            Zale Kessler as Desk Clerk

            Steve Levitt as Bellboy

            Vernon Scott as Dorm Boy

            Brinke Stevens as School Girl (uncredited)

            Nadine Van der Velde as School Girl

            Douglas Warhit as Dorm Boy

            Lynda  Wiesmeier as School Girl

            Martin Mull as Drug Store Clerk (uncredited)

            Bill Wray as Bandleader
See full cast