Cast
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Trini Alvarado
as Franny Philips
Jeremy Levy
as Jamie Harris
Kathryn Walker
as Madeline Philips
John Lithgow
as Paul Philips
Terry Kiser
as Ralph Harris
David Selby
as Steve Sloan
Roberta Maxwell
as Barbara Peterfreund
Paul Dooley
as Simon Peterfreund
Irene Worth
as Madeline's Mother
Diane Stilwell
as Stewardess
Dianne Kirksey
as Ralph's Secretary
Olympia Dukakis
as Lawyer
Jill Eikenberry
as Juilliard Student
Kathryn Grody
as Gym Teacher
Beatrice Winde
as Corine
Crew
Director
- Robert M. Young
Writer
- Judith Ross
Producer
- George W. George
- Michael Hausman
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Rich Kids 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 Robert M. Young 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 1979, 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 Rich Kids took approximately 27 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $2.5 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 101 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 124 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 2243 individual shots.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1979, when this film was released:
- Disco music dominated popular culture.
- The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Rich Kids shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Fear City, which focuses more on action than character development, Rich Kids subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Love Proof and EVERGREEN$ explore similar territory, Rich Kids stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: August 17, 1979
- Runtime: 1h 41m
- Budget: $2,500,000
- Revenue: $1,856,122
