Cast
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Tom Pittman
as Marvin 'Marv' Grant
Virginia Aldridge
as Betty Alexander
Howard Veit
as Vince Rumbo
Malcolm Atterbury
as Mr. Grant
Stanley Adams
as Harry March
Louis Quinn
as Samuel Tallman
Peter Leeds
as Mr. Carter
John Barrick
as Larry Walker
Jimmy Murphy
as Burt Rogers
Byron Foulger
as Mr. Mathews
Bobby Hall
as Johnson
Crew
Director
- Joel Rapp
Producer
- Stanley Bickman
- Roger Corman
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, High School Big Shot examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Joel Rapp brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1959, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of High School Big Shot took approximately 23 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 70 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 110 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
- The film contains approximately 2037 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1959, when this film was released:
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While High School Big Shot shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Marvelous and the Black Hole, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, High School Big Shot subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like High School Jingi and Orphan of the Past explore similar territory, High School Big Shot stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 16, 1959
- Runtime: 1h 10m
Where to Watch
