Fast Times at Ridgemont High

Fast Times at Ridgemont High is a 1982 American coming-of-age comedy film directed by Amy Heckerling in her feature directorial debut. Its screenplay was written by Cameron Crowe, based on his 1981 book Fast Times at Ridgemont High: A True Story, and it starred Sean Penn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Judge Reinhold, Phoebe Cates, Brian Backer, Robert Romanus, and Ray Walston. Crowe went undercover as a student at Clairemont High School in San Diego and wrote about his experiences.

The film chronicles a school year in the lives of underclassmen Stacy Hamilton and Mark Ratner, and their older friends Linda Barrett and Mike Damone, both of whom believe themselves wiser in the ways of romance than their younger counterparts. The ensemble cast of characters form two subplots with Jeff Spicoli, a perpetually stoned surfer facing off against history teacher Mr. Hand; and Stacy's older brother Brad, a popular senior who works in entry-level jobs to pay for his car and ponders ending his two-year relationship with his girlfriend Lisa.

In addition to Penn, Reinhold, Cates, and Leigh, the film marks early appearances by several actors who later became stars, including Nicolas Cage, Eric Stoltz, Forest Whitaker, and Anthony Edwards (the first two in their feature-film debuts).

In 2005, the film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".

In the San Fernando Valley, popular Ridgemont High student Brad Hamilton has got a job at All-American Burger, his Buick is almost paid off, and he plans to break up with his girlfriend Lisa to fully enjoy his senior year. Brad's sister Stacy is a 15-year-old freshman, working at Perry's Pizza at Ridgemont Mall alongside her friend Linda Barrett, a senior. Stacy envies Linda's supposed sexual experience, so Linda — who claims to be engaged to college-student Doug — gives her pointers. Smooth-talker Mike Damone fancies himself a worldly ladies' man, earns money taking sports bets and scalping concert tickets. Mark "Rat" Ratner, Damone's best friend, is an usher at the movie theater across from Perry's Pizza. Stoner Jeff Spicoli is a slacker who lives only for surfing and getting high. On the first day of class, he clashes with history teacher Mr. Hand by arriving late for class. Mr. Hand attempts to get Spicoli to take his studies more seriously.

At Perry's Pizza, 26-year-old stereo salesman Ron Johnson asks Stacy for a date. She lies about her age, so Stacy winds up losing her virginity to him in the baseball field dugout on their date. Ron sends her flowers the next day, but soon disappears.

When Rat meets Stacy in biology class taught by Mr. Vargas, he is smitten, and takes her on a date to a German restaurant. Stacy invites Rat in after the date, but he nervously makes up an excuse and leaves before they get beyond kissing. She takes his shyness as lack of interest. Linda suggests that she forget him.

Brad is fired after clashing with a businessman customer. Seeking Lisa's support during a pep rally, she instead breaks up with him just as he had planned to do to her. He gets a new job at Captain Hook Fish & Chips.