Hometown U.S.A. (1979)
A rowdy, nostalgic comedy about one high school loser's wild night of cruising, hot rods, and chasing dreams in small-town America.
Hometown U.S.A. - Movie Information
- Original Title: Hometown U.S.A.
- Release Year: 1979
- Directed by: Max Baer Jr.
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 33m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 1, 1979 (United States - R)
- Production Countries: United States of America
Hometown U.S.A. - Plot
High school loser Rodney C. Duckworth is known as The Rodent until one unforgettable night when he borrows a cherry-new Chevy convertible and goes cruising for the girl of his dreams. With help of dim greaser Calhoun, hot-rodder T.J. Swackhammer and some very willing women, Rod goes from zero to hero during a wild ride of near-misses, direct-hits and bra-busting fun.
Hometown U.S.A. - Trailer
See the wild ride unfold in the official trailer for Hometown U.S.A.:
It was Heaven in '57.
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Hometown U.S.A. - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Max Baer Jr.
Main Cast
- Gary Springer
- David Wilson
- Brian Kerwin
- Pat Delaney
- Julie Parsons
- Mitzi Hoag
- Ned Wertimer
- Sally Kirkland
- Betsee Finlee
- Cindy Fisher
Writers
- Jesse Vint
Producers
- Roger Camras
- Jesse Vint
Hometown U.S.A. - FAQs
Who plays the lead role in Hometown U.S.A.?
Gary Springer plays Rodney C. Duckworth, the lovable high school underdog at the center of the story. He's joined by David Wilson as Calhoun and Brian Kerwin as T.J. Swackhammer, with Sally Kirkland and Cindy Fisher rounding out a lively ensemble cast.
What is Hometown U.S.A. about?
It follows Rodney C. Duckworth, a self-described high school loser nicknamed "The Rodent," who borrows a gleaming Chevy convertible for one unforgettable night of cruising. With his buddies Calhoun and T.J. Swackhammer in tow, Rod chases girls, hot rods, and a shot at becoming someone.
Who directed Hometown U.S.A.?
Hometown U.S.A. was directed by Max Baer Jr., best known to audiences as Jethro Bodine from The Beverly Hillbillies. This 1979 comedy was one of his ventures behind the camera, blending nostalgic 1950s small-town Americana with raucous, freewheeling humor.
Is Hometown U.S.A. inspired by American Graffiti?
Hometown U.S.A. clearly draws from the same nostalgic well as George Lucas's American Graffiti (1973). Both films celebrate the cruising culture and coming-of-age restlessness of 1950s small-town America, though Hometown U.S.A. leans harder into broad, bawdy comedy rather than bittersweet drama.
What is the age rating for Hometown U.S.A.?
Hometown U.S.A. carries an R rating in the United States. The film features adult humor, suggestive content, and the kind of raucous, freewheeling antics that earned it that classification. It's definitely aimed at mature audiences who enjoy irreverent late-1970s comedy.
When was Hometown U.S.A. released?
Hometown U.S.A. was released on January 1, 1979, in the United States. It arrived during a period when nostalgia-driven comedies set in the 1950s were popular with audiences, riding a wave of cultural interest in that era sparked by films and television of the mid-to-late 1970s.
How long is Hometown U.S.A.?
Hometown U.S.A. runs for 93 minutes, or about 1 hour and 33 minutes. It's a brisk, energetic ride that keeps the laughs coming without overstaying its welcome — perfect for a laid-back evening with a taste for vintage American comedy.
What movies are similar to Hometown U.S.A.?
If you enjoy Hometown U.S.A., you might also get a kick out of Eddie Murphy Raw (1987) or Ricky Gervais: Armageddon (2023) for sharp comedic energy, or The French Minister (2013) for offbeat laughs. Fans of irreverent humor will also find Tom Segura: Ball Hog and Taylor Tomlinson: Quarter-Life Crisis entertaining.
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