Private School (1983)
The raunchy 1983 teen comedy that made Phoebe Cates a summer icon — full of rivalry, romance, and outrageous boarding-school hijinks.
Private School - Movie Information
- Original Title: Private School
- Release Year: 1983
- Directed by: Noel Black
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Romance
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 29m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 29, 1983 (France - 16), July 29, 1983 (United States - R), November 18, 1983 (Germany - 16), October 5, 1983 (Australia), November 18, 1983 (Italy - T), November 8, 1986 (South Korea)
- Alternative Titles: Escuela Privada Para Chicas (SV), Erotika mathimata sto parthenagogeio (GR), Ecole privée pour filles (FR), Private School... for Girls (US), 疯狂靓妹子 (CN), Escola Particular (PT), Die Superanmacher (DE), 女子私校 (HK)
- Production Companies: Unity Productions, Universal Pictures, Unity Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
Private School - Plot
Private-school student Christine loves Jim. But her classmate, Jordan, is also vying for Jim's attention and trying to end his relationship with Christine. Meanwhile, Jim's friend Bubba embarks on a series of sexual escapades, including dressing up as a woman to access the girls' locker room. Despite Jim and Christine's efforts to spend some time alone, various shenanigans and schemes interfere.
Private School - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the chaos unfold at Cherryvale Academy:
You won't believe what goes on and what comes off in... Private School
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Private School - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Noel Black
Main Cast
- Phoebe Cates
- Betsy Russell
- Matthew Modine
- Michael Zorek
- Fran Ryan
- Kathleen Wilhoite
- Ray Walston
- Sylvia Kristel
- Frank Aletter
- Jonathan Prince
Writers
- Dan Greenburg
- Suzanne O'Malley
Producers
- R. Ben Efraim
- Don Enright
Private School - FAQs
Who are the main actors in Private School?
The film stars Phoebe Cates as Christine, Betsy Russell as her scheming rival Jordan, and Matthew Modine as the boy caught between them, Jim. Michael Zorek plays the mischievous Bubba, with supporting turns from Ray Walston, Sylvia Kristel, and Kathleen Wilhoite rounding out the ensemble.
Why is Phoebe Cates so memorable in Private School?
Phoebe Cates was at the peak of her teen-idol fame in 1983, and Private School arrived the same summer as Fast Times at Ridgemont High, cementing her status as a defining face of the era. Her natural charm and screen presence made Christine an easy character to root for.
What is Private School about?
Private School is a lighthearted teen sex comedy set at a girls' boarding school. Christine and her boyfriend Jim try to maintain their romance while her classmate Jordan schemes to steal him away. Meanwhile, Jim's buddy Bubba gets into increasingly outrageous antics, including disguising himself as a girl to sneak into the locker room.
Does Bubba actually dress as a woman in the film?
Yes, one of the film's most talked-about gags involves Bubba, played by Michael Zorek, donning a dress and wig to infiltrate the girls' locker room. It's a classic example of the era's broad, boundary-pushing comedy and became one of the scenes most associated with the film's reputation.
Where can you stream or watch Private School?
Private School is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It isn't currently on a major subscription streaming service, but digital rental is a quick and affordable way to revisit this 1983 cult classic.
What is the age rating for Private School?
Private School carries an R rating in the United States, reflecting its nudity, sexual humor, and adult themes. It was rated 16 in France and Germany, T in Italy, and received various other regional classifications upon its international release throughout 1983 and 1984.
What are some movies similar to Private School?
If you enjoyed Private School, you might also like Hollywood Hot Tubs (1984) for a similar period feel, or more recent teen comedies like Booksmart (2019), No Hard Feelings (2023), and Bottoms (2023). Do Revenge (2022) and The Half of It (2020) also capture that mix of rivalry, romance, and sharp humor.
How long is Private School?
Private School runs for 89 minutes, making it a breezy, compact watch. At just under an hour and a half, it moves quickly through its comedy set pieces and romantic subplots without overstaying its welcome — perfect for a nostalgic movie night.
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