Fast Times at Ridgemont High

A blond teenager in a red striped hoodie and white turtleneck sits in the foreground of a classroom, looking ahead with a serious expression. Three other students sit behind, watching attentively from their desks.

In Amy Heckerling’s (Clueless) brashly funny yet sensitive comedy, a group of Southern-California high school students ignore their studies in favor of indulging in their teenage distractions: sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll.

The film follows the fortunes of Ridgemont High senior Brad Hamilton (Reinhold) and his freshman sister Stacy (Jason Leigh) during a year when hormones are flaring. Stacy is interested in dating but inexperienced and seeks counsel from her uninhibited friend Linda (Phoebe Cates) on how to get a boy to notice her. She finds herself trapped in love triangle with nice guy Mark (Brian Backer) and his more confident buddy Mike (Robert Romanus). Meanwhile, Stacy's classmate Jeff Spicoli (Sean Penn), who lives for surfing and being stoned, faces off against Mr. Hand (Ray Walston), a strict teacher who has no time for the slacker's antics.

Featuring debut film roles for Forest Whitaker, Eric Stoltz, and Anthony Edwards, Fast Times at Ridgemont High is a classic study of adolescent passion and a hilarious portrait of 1980s American teen life.

Part of our "Too Cool for School" series. Courtesy: Universal Pictures/Swank Motion Pictures

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