Tuff Turf
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| Tuff Turf | |
|---|---|
![]() Original film poster | |
| Directed by | Fritz Kiersch |
| Screenplay by | Jette Rinck |
| Story by |
|
| Produced by | Donald P. Borchers |
| Starring |
|
| Cinematography | Willy Kurant |
| Edited by | Marc Grossman |
| Music by | Jonathan Elias |
Production companies | New World Pictures Planet Productions |
| Distributed by | New World Pictures |
Release date |
|
Running time | 112 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Box office | $9,369,329 |
Tuff Turf is a 1985 American drama film directed by Fritz Kiersch and starring James Spader and Kim Richards.[1] The film was released in the United States on January 11, 1985.
Producer Donald Borchers later said the film was a personal favorite of his. "That's Donald P. Borchers on a plate," he said. "That's what happens when I get to make a movie and nobody stands in my way."[2]
Plot
[edit]Morgan Hiller (Spader) is an intelligent but bullied teenager from Connecticut. He relocates to Los Angeles, along with his brother and their strict parents, after the family business goes broke. Morgan hits it off with Jimmy Parker (Downey), but struggles to make other friends. Trouble ensues when Morgan pursues bad girl Frankie Croyden (Richards), whose sociopathic and psychotic boyfriend Nick Hauser (Paul Mones) is the leader of the Tuffs, a local gang who already has it in for Morgan after he thwarted their efforts to mug a businessman.
Morgan soon finds pursuing Frankie comes with harsh consequences. Morgan learns some valuable-if-hard lessons, while discovering how far he is prepared to go for Frankie. Ultimately, Morgan must survive a physical showdown with Nick and the Tuffs, to prove himself in Frankie's eyes...and in his own.
Cast
[edit]- James Spader as Morgan Hiller
- Kim Richards as Frankie Croyden
- Paul Mones as Nick Hauser
- Matt Clark as Stuart Hiller (Morgan's dad)
- Claudette Nevins as Mrs. Page Hiller (Morgan's mom)
- Robert Downey Jr. as Jimmy Parker (credited as Robert Downey)
- Olivia Barash as Ronnie
- Catya Sassoon as Feather
- Bill Beyers as Brian Hiller (Morgan's brother)
- Gene Pietragallo as Donnie Parker (Jimmy's brother)
- Panchito Gómez as Mickey
- Michael Wyle as Eddie
- Herb Mitchell as Mr. Russell
- Lou Fant as Mr. Croyden (Frankie's dad)
- Donald Fullilove as Howard
- Jered Barclay as Reynolds
- Evonne Kezios as Muffy
- Cheryl Ann Clark as Patty
- Matt Gavin as Alan
- Chad McCann as Troy
- Vivian Brown as History teacher
- Ceil Cabot as Secretary
- Donna Fuller as Nurse
- Rosa Sabina Rodriguez as Nurse in elevator
- Francis X. McCarthy as Man at bus stop
- Art Evans as Security guard
- Jeffrey Dawson as Security guard #2
Production
[edit]The film was produced by Donald Borchers who had made several films for New World including Children of the Corn and Angel. Borchers was inspired to make the film after seeing an R and B concert where one of the song was "She's So Tough". This led to the title Tuff Turf.[2]
Borchers claims that shortly before filming began head of production Robert Rehme wanted to cease production because of the financial failure of Streets of Fire - which Rehme had greenlit at Universal. However Borchers appealed to the owners of fhe studio and filming proceeded.[3] Borchers also claimed Rehme wanted to change the title to Rules Don't Apply.[2]
The screenwriter was "Jette Rinck", the legally adopted name of Ina May (taken from the James Dean character in Giant). She wrote the screenplay in 3.5 weeks; the film was shot over a four-week period in Reseda.[4]
The female lead was originally offered to Madonna at the suggestion of New World executive Jonathan Axelrod. However Borchers found out that Madonna wanted to make Desperately Seeking Susan so instead he offered the role to Kim Richards who the producer thought "was the sexiest 19 year old on the planet" although "if I had known about the cocaine problems I probably wouldn't have cast her." Richards agreed to appear nude in a scene but after filming her management requested the scene be removed from the final movie.[2]
The role of Spader's best friend was offered to Crispin Glover but he was making another movie for New World so Robert Downey Jr was cast instead.[2] Downey, Richards and fellow cast member Catya Sassoon all had notable drug problems.[5]
The dance sequence was choreographed by Robert Banas.[2]
Soundtrack
[edit]- "Tuff Turf" - Southside Johnny
- "People Who Died" - the Jim Carroll Band
- "Green Onions" - Jack Mack and the Heart Attack
- "Voices" - The Jim Carroll Band
- "So Tuff" - Jack Mack and the Heart Attack
- "Breakin' the Rules (What Do You Do When Opposites Attract)" - Lene Lovich
- "Love Hates" - Marianne Faithfull
- "It's Too Late" - The Jim Carroll Band
- "She's Looking Good" - Jack Mack and the Heart Attack
- "Twist and Shout" - Dale Gonyea with J.R. & the Z-Men
- "We Walk the Night" - Paul Carney and Michael Chamberlain dubbed singing voices for James Spader
- "Breakin' the Rules" - Jonathan Elias (1985 VHS/Beta Home Video Version only)
Liner notes from 1985 LP:[6]
Mastered At– Precision Lacquer, Hollywood CA
Coordinator– Harold Bronson
Design– Grace Amemiya
Mastered By– Stephen Marcussen
References
[edit]- ^ Maslin, Janet (February 1, 1985). "'TUFF TURF,' IN LOS ANGELES". The New York Times.
- ^ a b c d e f "Bonus Episode: Interview Part 2 with Producer Donald P. Borchers (CRIMES OF PASSION, ANGEL, TUFF TURF)". New World Pictures Podcast. 10 November 2022.
- ^ "Bonus Episode: Interview Part 3 with Producer Donald P. Borchers (VAMP, CRIMES OF PASSION, ANGEL, TUFF TURF)". New World Pictures Podcast. 24 April 2023.
- ^ London, Michael (11 January 1985). "ALL TRI-STAR RUMORS LEAD TO SAGANSKY". Los Angeles Times.
- ^ Quinn, Dave (4 January 2017). "Eden Sassoon Says Her Late Sister's Addiction to Drugs Began with Kim Richards and Robert Downey, Jr". People.
- ^ Discogs - Tuff Turf - The Original Soundtrack 1985 LP
External links
[edit]Tuff Turf
View on GrokipediaSynopsis and cast
Plot
Morgan Hiller, a teenager from an affluent family in Connecticut, relocates with his parents and brother to a modest apartment in Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley at the start of his senior year in high school after his father loses his company and takes a job driving a Yellow Cab.[5][6] On the night before his first day at the new school, Morgan rides his bicycle through the neighborhood and has a run-in with a car driven by members of a local gang, who destroy his bike in the process.[5][1] The following day at school, Morgan encounters Frankie, the girlfriend of Nick, the leader of the gang, and becomes immediately attracted to her despite the obvious risks, as Nick views her as his property and marks Morgan as a threat.[6][7] As Morgan pursues a romance with Frankie, tensions escalate with Nick and his street-tough followers, leading to ongoing confrontations at school and beyond, including Morgan crashing a country club dance where he plays piano and sings to impress her.[5][7] The conflict culminates in Morgan battling the gang to protect Frankie and resolve the rivalry, navigating a series of dangerous encounters that test his resolve in the tough urban environment.[7]Cast
The principal cast of Tuff Turf (1985) features James Spader in the lead role as Morgan Hiller, a rebellious teenager who relocates to a tough Los Angeles neighborhood and clashes with a local gang. Kim Richards portrays Frankie Croyden, the girlfriend of the gang leader who develops a romantic interest in Morgan. Paul Mones plays Nick Hauser, the aggressive leader of the tuff gang. Supporting the leads are Matt Clark as Stuart Hiller, Morgan's father, and Claudette Nevins as Page Hiller, his mother.[8][3] Robert Downey Jr. appears in an early career role as Jimmy Parker, Morgan's laid-back, stoner sidekick and drummer in a rock band, marking one of his first feature film appearances before breakout roles in films like Weird Science. Olivia Barash plays Ronnie, Frankie's supportive friend, while the gang members include Panchito Gómez as Mickey, Michael Wyle as Eddie, and Catya Sassoon as Feather, a somewhat trashy teenager in the group. Additional supporting roles are filled by Bill Beyers as Brian Hiller (Morgan's brother), Gene Pietragallo as Donnie Parker (Jimmy's brother), Herb Mitchell as Mr. Russell, and Art Evans as the security guard.[8][9][10][11][12]Production
Development
The development of Tuff Turf began in 1984 when producer Donald P. Borchers conceived the idea for the film approximately one year prior to the start of principal photography.[13] Borchers, working under Frankie Films, partnered with New World Pictures, which served as both the production company and distributor, to bring the project to fruition on a modest budget estimated at $2.5–$3 million, emphasizing a low-budget independent aesthetic suitable for a youth-oriented drama.[13][14] The screenplay was penned by Jette Rinck, who completed the original script in just three and a half weeks, drawing from themes of 1980s urban teen struggles and cultural clashes in a coming-of-age narrative infused with action elements.[13] The story originated from concepts by Greg Collins O'Neill and Murray Michaels, focusing on a new high school student's confrontation with local toughs.[15] Pre-production planning aimed to capture authentic teen dynamics.[13] Fritz Kiersch was selected as director shortly after his success with the youth-centric horror film Children of the Corn (1984), leveraging his experience in handling adolescent characters and dramatic tension for this shift to a teen drama genre.[13] New World Pictures scheduled pre-production for summer 1984, aiming to produce a fast-paced feature that blended social commentary on high school rivalries with energetic, music-driven sequences reflective of the era's rock and new wave influences.[13]Filming
Principal photography for Tuff Turf took place over approximately four weeks from 9 July to 6 August 1984 in various locations throughout Los Angeles, California.[13] The production, budgeted at $2.5–$3 million by New World Pictures, aimed to capture the gritty urban authenticity of 1980s Los Angeles to reflect the film's "tuff turf" theme.[13][16] Key filming sites included residential and commercial spots in the city to evoke the working-class neighborhoods central to the story. The Hiller family home was shot at 12951 Panama Street in Los Angeles.[17] Sandy's Char Burger, a recurring diner location, was filmed at 6223 Lankershim Boulevard.[17] The gang confrontation scene occurred at 7151 Reseda Boulevard in Reseda.[18] The shooting incident involving Morgan's father was captured at the corner of North Figueroa Street and Avenue 57 in Highland Park.[19] Additional urban sequences utilized Los Angeles streets and alleys to portray the raw, street-level conflicts.[18] The modest budget imposed constraints on the production, leading to reliance on practical effects and location shooting for the film's action sequences, including fights and vehicular pursuits.[13] Director Fritz Kiersch emphasized capturing authentic teen energy through on-location work in real neighborhoods, though he later noted creative disagreements with producers that affected the final cut.[20] Car stunts, such as high-speed chases and collisions, were performed in gritty areas like Reseda and Highland Park to heighten realism without extensive post-production enhancements.[18][19] Notable on-set elements included the dance sequence, filmed at a location in Manhattan Beach, California, using a setup mimicking a real high school event with local extras.[13] This approach helped infuse the scene with spontaneous youthful vitality.Soundtrack
Featured music
The featured music in Tuff Turf draws heavily from 1980s new wave, rock, and punk genres, emphasizing themes of teen rebellion through energetic tracks that amplify the film's high-tension confrontations and youthful defiance.[21] The soundtrack integrates these songs to heighten dramatic moments, blending raw punk energy with synth-driven new wave to mirror the protagonists' outsider status in a suburban landscape.[22] A pivotal opening sequence features "Love Hates" by Marianne Faithfull, playing as protagonist Morgan Hiller (James Spader) bikes through nocturnal Los Angeles, establishing the film's moody, romantic undercurrents amid urban isolation. Later romantic interludes, including a charged kiss at Club 60's between Morgan and Frankie (Kim Richards), underscore intimate tensions with Faithfull's haunting vocals, written by Jonathan Elias.[23] In contrast, the punk-infused "People Who Died" by the Jim Carroll Band blasts during gang-related montages and confrontations, capturing the chaotic violence of Nick's crew with its gritty lyrics about loss and street life.[21] Instrumental highlights include a cover of "Green Onions" by Jack Mack and the Heart Attack, which drives an adrenaline-fueled car chase sequence, its bluesy organ riffs syncing with the high-speed pursuit to evoke 1960s soul rebellion reimagined for 1980s excess.[23] The film's dance sequences spotlight new wave flair in "Breakin' the Rules (What Do You Do When Opposites Attract)" by Lene Lovich, choreographed by Robert Banas for a prom-like warehouse party where characters navigate attraction and conflict through frenetic moves.[24] In-film performances add authenticity, particularly the Jim Carroll Band's live-like set at the warehouse concert, where they deliver "People Who Died" and "Voices" onstage, blending punk rawness with the scene's rowdy crowd energy to highlight the film's rebellious subculture.[25] The prom dance emerges as a musical pinnacle, with Lovich's track fueling a stylized sequence that contrasts the film's darker tones through upbeat, oppositional lyrics. These elements tie into the broader soundtrack album, which compiles many of these tracks for replay beyond the film.[26]Soundtrack album
The soundtrack album for Tuff Turf, titled Tuff Turf: The Original Soundtrack, was released in 1985 by Rhino Records on vinyl LP format. The compilation features a mix of rock, new wave, and cover songs aligned with the film's punk-infused atmosphere, with production credits shared among several contributors, including Jonathan Elias and Doug Hall for key tracks.[27] Several songs were custom-written for the film, such as the title track "Tuff Turf" performed by Southside Johnny (written by Elias and Hall) and "Breakin' The Rules" by Lene Lovich (written by Elias). Other custom contributions include "Love Hates" by Marianne Faithfull (written by Elias). The album primarily consists of licensed and existing tracks rather than the film's electronic original score composed by Elias, which is not included.[4][26] The track listing is as follows:| No. | Artist | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | Southside Johnny | Tuff Turf | Doug Hall, Jonathan Elias | Donald P. Borchers, Jonathan Elias | 3:16 |
| A2 | The Jim Carroll Band | People Who Died | Jim Carroll | Earl McGrath | 4:59 |
| A3 | Jack Mack and the Heart Attack | Green Onions | Booker T. Jones, Steve Cropper, Al Jackson Jr., Lewis Steinberg | (Not credited) | 3:35 |
| A4 | The Jim Carroll Band | Voices | Jim Carroll | Earl McGrath | 2:54 |
| A5 | Jack Mack and the Heart Attack | So Tuff | (Not credited) | (Not credited) | 2:53 |
| B1 | Lene Lovich | Breakin' The Rules | Jonathan Elias | (Not credited) | 3:00 |
| B2 | Marianne Faithfull | Love Hates | Jonathan Elias | (Not credited) | 4:22 |
| B3 | The Jim Carroll Band | It's Too Late | Jim Carroll, Wayne Woods | Earl McGrath | 3:38 |
| B4 | Jack Mack and the Heart Attack | She's Looking Good | Rodger Collins | (Not credited) | 3:40 |
| B5 | Dale Gonyea with J.R. & The Z-Men | Twist and Shout | Phil Medley, Bert Berns | (Not credited) | 2:40 |
