By Debbie Gardner
debbieg@thereminder.com
It’s been three decades since audiences first watched “princess” Claire, “athlete” Andrew, “brain” Brian, “criminal “John” and “basket case” Allison endure a day-long Saturday detention under the thumb of Shermer High’s oppressive principal Mr. Vernon in the film, “The Breakfast Club.” But director John Hughes’ tale of the dislike, discord, discovery and eventual bonding that takes place among five kids with nothing in common seems to ring as true with today’s high schoolers as it did with their parents and grandparents back in 1985.
In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the film’s original release in February of 1985, digitally remastered prints of “The Breakfast Club” have screened in cinemas and other venues nationwide, enjoying record audiences of both boomers who still relate to the film’s naked moments of teenage angst and their kids who have heard the legend, and want to see it for themselves.
If you’re a “Breakfast Club” fan and want to see the film again on the big screen – or have never seen it and want to find out what it’s all about – you’re in luck. On Oct. 18, “The Breakfast Club” is making a stop at Springfield’s Symphony Hall for a single showing at 3 p.m.
And, none other than “princess” Clare Standish herself, Molly Ringwald, will host this special “Breakfast Club” screening.
“I think the genre and Molly herself is really appealing to a broad group of people,” said Tina D’Agostino, president of CityStage and Symphony Hall. “I’ve seen references to ‘The Breakfast Club’ in movies with my own kids. People I’ve talked to are bringing their kids to see it.”
Ringwald, who gained teen superstardom through this and Hughes other films “Pretty In Pink” and “Sixteen Candles,” told Today Show host Jane Pauley in 1985 that she drew inspiration for her iconic “Breakfast Club” character from her own high school experiences. The interview is on YouTube.
“There is a girl like Claire Standish in every school. There’s no school without a girl like Claire Standish,” the then 16-year old Ringwald told Pauley. “She can be described as the girl you grew up hating – prom queen, beauty queen, filthy rich, and she looks real superficial.”
Now an award-winning star of both film and T.V., a jazz vocalist and a writer, the 47-year old Ringwald – who currently is showing off a blonde bob in lieu of her trademark auburn tresses – will moderate an informal question-and-answer session with the Symphony Hall audience after the screening.
Poster for “The Breakfast Club.”
Prime Submitted Photo
PRIME Asks Molly…
PRIME was able to pose a few questions of its own to Ringwald before her Symphony Hall appearance. Here’s what “princess Claire” had to say about the enduring appeal of “The Breakfast Club” – and some of her current projects.
PRIME: I understand you saw “The Breakfast Club” with your teenage daughter Matilda. What was it like watching the film with her, as a parent?
Molly: “It was fascinating. Even though she's only 11 – and the movie came out 30 years ago – it still really resonated with her. I was happy we got to experience it together. NPR did a podcast about it if you want to hear it in depth.”
In the podcast, Ringwald revealed her daughter related to “brain” Brian – and what it is like to be pressured by your parents to do well in school. Ringwald – now a parent herself – said she ”felt sorry” for the parents in the film. (The interview with Ira Glass, part of an episode of “This American Life” titled “Is That What I Look Like?” took place on May 25, 2014.)
PRIME: Did the experience give you any insight into why this film still seems to resonate so strongly with audiences of all ages?
Molly: “I think the theme of adolescent alienation – as well as finding out that everyone else also feels that way – is universal. And of course the script is great. It’s really a piece of theater.”
PRIME: How do you feel about the film today, as you watch yourself portray that kind of teen angst? What advice would your 47-year-old self give to that character?
Molly: “I'm very proud of the film. Advice? Hang onto those boots!”
In previous interviews, Ringwald explained Huges took her shopping, allowing her to choose Claire’s costume. However after weeks of filming in the same outfit, she admitted to being ready to “burn them.”
PRIME: As you’ve toured the country with the 30th anniversary screening of “The Breakfast Club,” what have been the most-asked audience questions about the film?
Molly: "Did you really put on lipstick that way?" (No, sorry – movie magic!) and "Do you guys all hang out together still?"
Ringwald was referring to the scene where Claire tucks her lipstick in her bra and bends forward, coming up with perfect pouty lips.
PRIME: Can you give readers a taste of the memories about the film and director John Hughes you share with audiences at screenings?
Molly: “It all depends on the questions asked. Sometimes it's about the filming process, sometimes about early versions of the script (and things that got cut or added in), sometimes about casting.”
PRIME: I loved your recent advice column in the UK’s “The Guardian,” and am sorry to see it ending. What did you take away from the experience?
Molly: “That no matter who we are or where we come from, our problems and heartbreak are all very similar. There's great variety in the individual details, of course, but essentially we all worry about love, friendship, parenting, our reputations.”
PRIME: You recently released an album of jazz standards and have been touring. What has that experience been like?
Molly: “Wonderful. I've always been a singer – my father's a jazz pianist and I used to perform with his band when I was very young. It's been exciting to go back to performing as a singer now, as an adult, with my own band.”
PRIME: I understand you have something new in the works. Can you share something about your next project?
Molly: “You'll have to see!”
Ringwald was in California filming for a T. V. series during this interview, and appears in the upcoming film, “Jen and the Holograms” in theaters Oct. 23.
For ticket information regarding the Oct. 18 Symphony Hall “Breakfast Club”screening with Molly Ringwald, call 413-788-7033 or email tickets@citystage.symphonyhall.com
