Original subtitles

- I'm Roger Corman and I'd like to share with you

- I'm Roger Corman and I'd like to share with you

some great moments and memories of many of my films.

some great moments and memories of many of my films.

(swanky music)

(swanky music)

I don't think you can really define comedy.

It's a little bit like pornography,

It's a little bit like pornography,

somebody said you can't define it

somebody said you can't define it

but you know it when you see it.

But I would say if there's any definition

But I would say if there's any definition

it might be

it might be

the concept of

the concept of

a group of people or a person

a group of people or a person

who are oppressed or threatened

and can't really fight back

and can't really fight back

and their answer to the oppression

and their answer to the oppression

is comedy, to make fun of it.

is comedy, to make fun of it.

- [Man] Well, which is it gonna be?

- [Man] Well, which is it gonna be?

- Eh, more sex, it's cheaper.

- Eh, more sex, it's cheaper.

Susan, her chute's not opening!

Susan, her chute's not opening!

- Keep shooting.

(woman screaming)

(woman screaming)

(crashing)

Cut.

Cut.

(gasping)

(gasping)

(groaning)

(groaning)

(ominous music)

(ominous music)

- That's all, that's all I get for being his sister

- That's all, that's all I get for being his sister

all these years?

(clattering)

(clattering)

- He does have one more thing for you.

- He does have one more thing for you.

(blowing raspberry)

(blowing raspberry)

- I've always liked the idea of having some humor

- I've always liked the idea of having some humor

in a picture, whether it's a dramatic picture,

in a picture, whether it's a dramatic picture,

an action picture, sci-fi or even horror,

an action picture, sci-fi or even horror,

you need a little bit of comic release.

you need a little bit of comic release.

I can't say this is an original thought with me

I can't say this is an original thought with me

because I sometimes give talks at film festivals

because I sometimes give talks at film festivals

or something and I've learned you can never say

or something and I've learned you can never say

this is original because somebody in the back of the room

this is original because somebody in the back of the room

will stand up and say, "You've forgotten the 1919

will stand up and say, "You've forgotten the 1919

"German expressionist film that had the same idea."

"German expressionist film that had the same idea."

And of course you've never heard of the damn German

And of course you've never heard of the damn German

expressionist film so I wouldn't say this original with me

expressionist film so I wouldn't say this original with me

but I think there's a connection

but I think there's a connection

between comedy, horror and sex.

between comedy, horror and sex.

In each case, you're building up a little bit of tension,

In each case, you're building up a little bit of tension,

the tension gets greater and greater and greater

the tension gets greater and greater and greater

and then you snap it.

and then you snap it.

With sex you cum,

With sex you cum,

with comedy you laugh,

with horror you scream.

with horror you scream.

(swanky music)

(swanky music)

(thunder booming)

(thunder booming)

The origin of Bucket of Blood actually came from

The origin of Bucket of Blood actually came from

one of my horror films, I think it was one of

the Edgar Allan Poe films.

the Edgar Allan Poe films.

At the sneak preview I'd set up in the film

At the sneak preview I'd set up in the film

a horror sequence which amounted to a building up

a horror sequence which amounted to a building up

of suspense, of suspense and then the snap for the horror

of suspense, of suspense and then the snap for the horror

of suspense, of suspense and then the snap for the horror

and I could feel it was working right with the audience.

and I could feel it was working right with the audience.

You could feel the suspense building in the audience

You could feel the suspense building in the audience

and at the moment of horror they screamed.

and at the moment of horror they screamed.

(intense music)

And I thought, I really got it, this worked.

And I thought, I really got it, this worked.

And right after they screamed,

And right after they screamed,

there was a little bit of laughter

there was a little bit of laughter

and I thought, what did I do wrong?

(suspenseful music)

(suspenseful music)

(cat yowling)

(cat yowling)

- Ow!

Frankie, shut up!

Frankie, shut up!

- [Roger] And from that I got the idea

- [Roger] And from that I got the idea

of combining comedy with horror,

of course that was not an original with me,

of course that was not an original with me,

it'd been done before.

it'd been done before.

But it was the first time I'd thought of it

But it was the first time I'd thought of it

and Bucket of Blood was my attempt to combine

and Bucket of Blood was my attempt to combine

comedy with horror.

(cat squealing)

(cat squealing)

- Frankie?

Frankie?

You all right, Frankie?

(gasping)

(gasping)

(thudding)

(thudding)

(intense music)

Frankie.

Frankie.

Oh Frankie,

Oh Frankie,

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

- What have you got? - It's a thing I made.

- Walter!

- You like it?

- You like it?

- What's he got? - Oh come look at this, Lenny.

- Where'd you get that, auction?

- Where'd you get that, auction?

- [Walter] I made it!

- [Walter] I made it!

- You made that?

- I said I did, didn't I?

- Walter, that's very good.

- Walter, that's very good.

- Honest? - Honest.

- What's it called? - Dead cat?

- What's it called? - Dead cat?

- [Roger] I made it on a very low budget,

- [Roger] I made it on a very low budget,

I think it was around $50,000

and I shot it in five days.

and I shot it in five days.

- Just stay like that.

- Just stay like that.

- [Woman] That doesn't look like very much clay.

- [Woman] That doesn't look like very much clay.

- Oh, it's enough.

Put this around your neck.

Put this around your neck.

(jazzy music)

(gasping)

(gasping)

(intense music)

(intense music)

- When did you do this, Walter?

- When did you do this, Walter?

- Last night, it doesn't take me very long.

- Last night, it doesn't take me very long.

- I should say not.

- Well, let's see it, man.

(mysterious music)

(mysterious music)

- Walter, I can't believe it.

- Walter, I can't believe it.

- I am honored to know this man.

- Do you think it's nice? - Hey, she's beautiful.

- Do you think it's nice? - Hey, she's beautiful.

- Do you think it's nicer than murdered man?

- Do you think it's nicer than murdered man?

- Oh, I don't know, Walter, it's impossible to choose.

- Oh, I don't know, Walter, it's impossible to choose.

They're both great.

- The title Bucket of Blood actually came from one sequence

- The title Bucket of Blood actually came from one sequence

within the picture where blood is dripping

within the picture where blood is dripping

from a murdered man and falling in the background

from a murdered man and falling in the background

of a scene into a bucket on the floor.

of a scene into a bucket on the floor.

(suspenseful music)

(suspenseful music)

(blood dripping)

(blood dripping)

- I didn't mean to hurt you, Lou.

- I didn't mean to hurt you, Lou.

But if you'd have shot me,

you'd be mopping up my blood now.

you'd be mopping up my blood now.

- I spent a little time trying to figure out

- I spent a little time trying to figure out

how to combine horror with comedy

how to combine horror with comedy

and we were all sort of part of the

and we were all sort of part of the

beatnik scene at the time.

beatnik scene at the time.

And I was always sort of halfway in that scene,

And I was always sort of halfway in that scene,

halfway not of it and I was aware of a certain amount,

halfway not of it and I was aware of a certain amount,

matter of fact a huge amount, of pretension about art

matter of fact a huge amount, of pretension about art

within art and other intellectual efforts

within art and other intellectual efforts

within the beatnik scene and I thought that was a good

within the beatnik scene and I thought that was a good

background to make fun of.

background to make fun of.

And then I came up with the idea

And then I came up with the idea

of somebody who kills

of somebody who kills

in the beatnik scene.

- Covered tombs

- Covered tombs

and laughter rings from every time capsule

in the star-spangled firmament.

in the star-spangled firmament.

And in the deep freeze it is the children's hour

And in the deep freeze it is the children's hour

and no one knows that Duncan is murdered.

and no one knows that Duncan is murdered.

And no one knows that Walter Paisley is born!

And no one knows that Walter Paisley is born!

Duncan knows, Tuesday's sunrise knows.

Duncan knows, Tuesday's sunrise knows.

Alley cats and garbage cans and steaming pavement

Alley cats and garbage cans and steaming pavement

and you and I and the nude descending the staircase

and you and I and the nude descending the staircase

and all such things with souls,

we know that Walter Paisley is born!

we know that Walter Paisley is born!

we know that Walter Paisley is born!

- I do believe that the atmosphere on the set

does affect the picture to a certain extent.

does affect the picture to a certain extent.

And the fact that we were spending very little money,

And the fact that we were spending very little money,

And the fact that we were spending very little money,

we had a five-day schedule,

we were just sort of fooling around,

we were just sort of fooling around,

the crew absorbed that, the cast absorbed that.

the crew absorbed that, the cast absorbed that.

We shot the script 90%, maybe 80%,

We shot the script 90%, maybe 80%,

but the people were improvising, making jokes,

but the people were improvising, making jokes,

coming up with things as we were going along.

coming up with things as we were going along.

And I think that added to the comedy.

And I think that added to the comedy.

(jazzy music)

(jazzy music)

- This could bring about a return to realism.

- This could bring about a return to realism.

- Yes, a one-man return.

- Yes, a one-man return.

We have many artists about but no craftsmen.

This man knows his anatomy.

(swanky music)

- Eat My Dust came about partially

because of my own fascination

because of my own fascination

and love of fast cars.

and love of fast cars.

I had done a number

I had done a number

of car chase films, including the second film I ever made,

of car chase films, including the second film I ever made,

the Fast and the Furious.

the Fast and the Furious.

I sold that title to Universal

and they did very well (chuckling)

and they did very well (chuckling)

with that title.

I then did The Young Racers,

I then did The Young Racers,

and number of other films and so forth.

and number of other films and so forth.

And because I'd had some success with comedy,

I thought let's make a car chase film with comedy,

I thought let's make a car chase film with comedy,

I thought let's make a car chase film with comedy,

it was as simple as that.

It was a story of a high school kid

It was a story of a high school kid

who's trying to impress a girl

who's trying to impress a girl

who steals a race car and they get involved in a chase.

who steals a race car and they get involved in a chase.

And I thought we needed some sort of a name

And I thought we needed some sort of a name

to front the film

because this film was gonna cost a little bit more

because this film was gonna cost a little bit more

than some of the others because, simply,

than some of the others because, simply,

the cost of the car chases, the car crashes and so forth.

the cost of the car chases, the car crashes and so forth.

And I thought of Ron Howard,

And I thought of Ron Howard,

who was playing a high school kid on Happy Days.

who was playing a high school kid on Happy Days.

So I sent him the script

So I sent him the script

and he accepted immediately.

- Good point, we could always have him bumped off.

- Good point, we could always have him bumped off.

- Hey, you'd do that for me? - Sure, hell yes.

- Hey, you'd do that for me? - Sure, hell yes.

- [Roger] He was very good in the role,

he was really very funny and he contributed

he was really very funny and he contributed

a number of jokes and gags that he'd come up with himself

a number of jokes and gags that he'd come up with himself

and I recognized that he was more than an actor.

and I recognized that he was more than an actor.

I mean, he was a very talented young man.

I mean, he was a very talented young man.

- Take me for a ride! - What?

- Oh, forget it. - No, wait a minute,

- Oh, forget it. - No, wait a minute,

wait a minute, you said you wanted to go for a ride?

- Only if you're as fast as you say you are.

- Only if you're as fast as you say you are.

- I am!

Listen, I've got my truck right outside,

Listen, I've got my truck right outside,

it's right out front.

- Oh really? - Yeah.

- Oh really? - Yeah.

- I offer you the best chance you've had in your life

- I offer you the best chance you've had in your life

and you offer me a ride in a truck?

- I'm thirsty! - Yeah, all right, okay.

- I'm thirsty! - Yeah, all right, okay.

Just give me a minute to think, all right?

- [Woman] Don't think, drink.

- [Woman] Don't think, drink.

- Hey, I don't wanna ride in just any car.

I wanna ride in that car.

I wanna ride in that car.

- [Hoover] Which one?

- That one.

- That one.

(upbeat music)

(upbeat music)

- [Roger] And the title came about in a very strange way,

- [Roger] And the title came about in a very strange way,

I don't even remember what the title was.

I don't even remember what the title was.

But we were shooting a car chase sequence

But we were shooting a car chase sequence

somewhere out on a dusty

field in the San Fernando Valley.

field in the San Fernando Valley.

And I was standing next to Chuck while he was directing

And I was standing next to Chuck while he was directing

and the cars were flying all over the place.

and the cars were flying all over the place.

And the dust was in the air everywhere

And the dust was in the air everywhere

and Chuck turned to me and he said,

"We ought to call this picture Eat My Dust!"

"We ought to call this picture Eat My Dust!"

And I said, "We will!"

And I said, "We will!"

And I said, "I'm joking."

I said, "I'm not joking, that's a great title."

I said, "I'm not joking, that's a great title."

- I smell bacon.

- Well? - Well can they catch us?

- Well? - Well can they catch us?

- Yeah, if I run into a wall or something.

(chuckling) - Well then,

(chuckling) - Well then,

let us just blow them away.

let us just blow them away.

(tires squealing)

(tires squealing)

- [Roger] We of course had a low budget

and we were doing some wild car chases

and we were doing some wild car chases

and stunts and so forth.

And we were doing the best we could.

And we were doing the best we could.

(sirens wailing)

(sirens wailing)

(crashing)

(crashing)

(yelling in foreign language)

(yelling in foreign language)

(crashing)

But not everything worked and I remember there was

But not everything worked and I remember there was

one sequence when a car was supposed to fly over,

one sequence when a car was supposed to fly over,

or around or something, a building

and the car hit the building and we couldn't use the shot

and the car hit the building and we couldn't use the shot

but I thought really it was a good-looking shot.

but I thought really it was a good-looking shot.

And I came up with the idea,

And I came up with the idea,

somehow Ron puts the car in reverse.

somehow Ron puts the car in reverse.

- [Darlene] Put it in reverse.

- [Darlene] Put it in reverse.

- [Roger] And the car goes backwards.

And it turned out to be

And it turned out to be

one of the better stunts in the film.

- All units, this is Harry to all units.

- All units, this is Harry to all units.

Be on the lookout for an orange two-door sedan

Be on the lookout for an orange two-door sedan

with a large number eight on the side.

with a large number eight on the side.

Now this is a competition stock car

Now this is a competition stock car

and it's very, very fast.

You are to apprehend without aggressive action

You are to apprehend without aggressive action

and that means no shooting, I repeat, no shooting!

and that means no shooting, I repeat, no shooting!

This is just a bunch of kids out screwin' around

This is just a bunch of kids out screwin' around

and they are not dangerous.

and they are not dangerous.

(woman screaming) I repeat, they are not--

(woman screaming) I repeat, they are not--

- The film was incredibly successful.

I've always believed that

I've always believed that

most films play out the way they open.

most films play out the way they open.

If it's really good,

If it's really good,

it'll play out better.

If it's not so good, it'll fade.

If it's not so good, it'll fade.

And that happened on Eat My Dust,

And that happened on Eat My Dust,

it was just a success right from the beginning.

it was just a success right from the beginning.

(tires squealing)

(tires squealing)

Ron had a percentage of the profits on Eat My Dust

Ron had a percentage of the profits on Eat My Dust

so I called him mid-morning Monday

so I called him mid-morning Monday

when we had all the figures in.

when we had all the figures in.

He said, "I assume you want to make a sequel."

He said, "I assume you want to make a sequel."

And I said, "Of course."

And I said, "Of course."

He said, "I'll be there within an hour."

He said, "I'll be there within an hour."

And he came in and he said,

"Every time somebody makes a successful film

"Every time somebody makes a successful film

"Every time somebody makes a successful film

"and they want to make a sequel,

"they want to bring the actor back

"they want to bring the actor back

"and the actor, of course, asks for more money.

"and the actor, of course, asks for more money.

"I'm happy to do the sequel,

"I won't even ask for any more money

"I won't even ask for any more money

"and I'll do an additional job for nothing."

"and I'll do an additional job for nothing."

And I said, "What that?"

And I said, "What that?"

He said, "I'll direct it."

And I said, "Ron, you always looked like a director to me."

And I said, "Ron, you always looked like a director to me."

I was thinking of various titles

I was thinking of various titles

and I came up with the idea

and I came up with the idea

what about going with something on the basis of

what about going with something on the basis of

when you get a speeding ticket?

Or something like that.

Or something like that.

And I just came up with Grand Theft Auto.

And I just came up with Grand Theft Auto.

And just as with The Fast and the Furious

when I made money off the picture and the title,

when I made money off the picture and the title,

Grand Theft Auto, I made some additional money

Grand Theft Auto, I made some additional money

because a video game, frankly, stole the title.

because a video game, frankly, stole the title.

I sued 'em and settled

I sued 'em and settled

and collected twice on Grand Theft Auto.

and collected twice on Grand Theft Auto.

(swanky music)

(thunder booming)

(thunder booming)

- They found the book.

- They found the book.

- It's not fair.

- It's not fair.

For 300 years I've been searching for that book.

For 300 years I've been searching for that book.

- Well now you know where it is.

- Well now you know where it is.

- That's not the point!

- That's not the point!

Don't you understand?

Whoever controls the book controls the world!

Whoever controls the book controls the world!

And not he's got it!

And not he's got it!

- Friday the 13th had been a big success as a horror film

- Friday the 13th had been a big success as a horror film

and I remembered that we'd had success

and I remembered that we'd had success

with our comedy horror films

with our comedy horror films

so I just came up with the idea of Saturday the 14th

so I just came up with the idea of Saturday the 14th

and making it a comedy horror film.

and making it a comedy horror film.

(suspenseful music)

(suspenseful music)

- Maybe it's a cookbook.

- Why wouldn't they want us to open a cookbook?

- Why wouldn't they want us to open a cookbook?

- Well, you know how I am about my apple turnover recipe.

- Well, you know how I am about my apple turnover recipe.

(suspenseful music)

(suspenseful music)

- [Roger] And I thought Howard Cohen

- [Roger] And I thought Howard Cohen

who was a writer/director who had worked with me

who was a writer/director who had worked with me

would be a good person to write and direct it.

would be a good person to write and direct it.

From there Julie took

From there Julie took

control of everything.

control of everything.

It was a successful film and it was totally Julie's film.

It was a successful film and it was totally Julie's film.

(suspenseful music)

(suspenseful music)

(screaming) (duck squeaking)

(screaming) (duck squeaking)

(gentle instrumental music)

(suspenseful music)

(suspenseful music)

(hissing)

(hissing)

(screaming)

(screaming)

- And what Howard Cohen brought to the table

- And what Howard Cohen brought to the table

was his experience with Second City.

He was very good with comedy, with comic timing,

He was very good with comedy, with comic timing,

he just knew it cold.

he just knew it cold.

And he was a very gentle man

And he was a very gentle man

and so we cast Dick Benjamin and Paula Prentiss.

and so we cast Dick Benjamin and Paula Prentiss.

- We'll be back in a little while.

Oh my god, what a bright, beautiful morning!

Oh my god, what a bright, beautiful morning!

- Yes, it is a bright, beautiful morning.

- Yes, it is a bright, beautiful morning.

And we're in our own home.

And we're in our own home.

- Yes, we are.

- [Julie] And they were a little nervous

about doing a kind of low-budget film

about doing a kind of low-budget film

because it wasn't their normal way of,

you know, of functioning.

you know, of functioning.

But they kind of liked the idea

But they kind of liked the idea

so they kinda came in getting their feet wet a little bit.

- If you need anything just scream!

- If you need anything just scream!

- So reassuring to have a policeman living next door.

- So reassuring to have a policeman living next door.

- And then one of my secrets,

- And then one of my secrets,

actually the company and coming from Roger,

actually the company and coming from Roger,

actually the company and coming from Roger,

of getting a film made in a short amount of time

is to have a second unit.

is to have a second unit.

So when they found out they were to work with second unit,

they came to me and said,

they came to me and said,

"No, we don't work with second unit."

"No, we don't work with second unit."

So I explained, "Well, if we're gonna get the movie

"made on this many locations in this many days,

"made on this many locations in this many days,

"I don't see how we can avoid it.

"I don't see how we can avoid it.

"It just means we'll have less time

"for you with the director in the main unit."

"for you with the director in the main unit."

So they decided they would do it.

So they decided they would do it.

And the first day they went to work with second unit

And the first day they went to work with second unit

they came, "We're here, we're here, we're ready!"

they came, "We're here, we're here, we're ready!"

And from that moment on they were just as exuberant

and just as excited to work with second unit

and just as excited to work with second unit

as they were to work with the first unit.

as they were to work with the first unit.

- Darling, have a little piece.

- No!

- No!

Thank you very much.

- Sweetheart, have a taste, you'll love it.

- Sweetheart, have a taste, you'll love it.

Debbie used a lot of garlic.

Debbie used a lot of garlic.

- No, no garlic, keep it away!

(glass shattering) Thank you very much.

(glass shattering) Thank you very much.

(chuckling)

(chuckling)

- Maybe we ought to get you some pickles and ice cream.

- We just, we really had a lot of fun on the movie

- We just, we really had a lot of fun on the movie

and Howard was, there was something kind of sweet

and Howard was, there was something kind of sweet

and sentimental that happened which was that

and sentimental that happened which was that

the kind of guru of Second City was Severn Darden.

the kind of guru of Second City was Severn Darden.

And Howard got him to be in the movie

And Howard got him to be in the movie

and he plays the exterminator who's come

to exterminate the bats.

to exterminate the bats.

- So, you're the man with bats in his belfry, eh?

- So, you're the man with bats in his belfry, eh?

- You're the exterminator?

- Yeah.

- Yeah.

- You don't look like an exterminator.

- That's to fool the bats. (laughing)

- That's to fool the bats. (laughing)

What have we here?

Nothing fires the imagination so much as a fine library.

Nothing fires the imagination so much as a fine library.

Do you have any old books?

Any very old books?

Any very old books?

- Maybe you'd better ask Billy,

- Maybe you'd better ask Billy,

he's the smart one in the family.

- No, no!

- No, no!

No old books, I always throw my old books away

when I'm finished reading them.

- Old books can be worth quite a lot of money.

- Old books can be worth quite a lot of money.

Take this to my room.

- Your room?

- You don't expect to get rid of bats overnight?

- You don't expect to get rid of bats overnight?

- I guess you can use the guest room.

- I guess you can use the guest room.

- He is really creepy.

- Down at the exterminator place,

we have a little motto.

we have a little motto.

When I leave this house,

there will be nothing left here to be afraid of!

there will be nothing left here to be afraid of!

(screaming)

(screaming)

Ah, this must be your charming wife.

Ah, this must be your charming wife.

- And it was a family picture.

- And it was a family picture.

I mean, it seems there are family things

I mean, it seems there are family things

on a lot of pictures that I do.

I mean, in this one the editor and my assistant,

I mean, in this one the editor and my assistant,

who became the post-production supervisor, got married.

who became the post-production supervisor, got married.

Dick and Paula, of course, were married,

Dick and Paula, of course, were married,

Roger and I.

And then there was this story about the family who were...

And then there was this story about the family who were...

And then there was this story about the family who were...

You know, whose house was haunted.

You know, whose house was haunted.

(thunder booming)

(thunder booming)

- I believe this is what you've been looking for,

Van Helsing.

Van Helsing.

(intense music)

(intense music)

- Billy! - Stop!

Don't touch that boy!

Give me that book!

Give me that book!

- Not so fast. (growling)

- Not so fast. (growling)

- [Van Helsing] We have no time to lose!

- Give him the book, Billy!

(thunder booming)

(thunder booming)

(eerie music)

- Come on, Billy, quit fooling around.

- Come on, Billy, quit fooling around.

- Your powers are nothing compared to mine.

- Your powers are nothing compared to mine.

When I get that book, I will rule the world!

When I get that book, I will rule the world!

(growling) (moaning)

(growling) (moaning)

(growling) (moaning)

(hissing) (growling)

(hissing) (growling)

- [Julie] Did well and it continues to do well,

it's one of our best selling now on DVD.

it's one of our best selling now on DVD.

And I think it's just great, good fun.

And that's why you know it is a family film

so all ages can watch it and get something out of it.

so all ages can watch it and get something out of it.

so all ages can watch it and get something out of it.

(glass shattering) - Never liked that lamp.

(intense music) (glass shattering)

(intense music) (glass shattering)

- That was your mother's table.

- That was your mother's table.

- Was it?

- Meh!

- Meh!

Na na na na na.

- [Man] I think they've had enough of this house.

- [Man] I think they've had enough of this house.

- [Woman] I think so too.

- [Man] It's time they lived happily ever after.

- [Man] It's time they lived happily ever after.

- [Woman] And us, too?

- [Man] Of course,

- [Man] Of course,

darling.

(gentle instrumental music)

(gentle instrumental music)

(gentle instrumental music)

(gentle instrumental music)

(swanky music)

- [Roger] Last Resort was more purely Julie's picture.

- [Roger] Last Resort was more purely Julie's picture.

I do remember that she chose Charles Grodin

I do remember that she chose Charles Grodin

for the lead and he was very funny in it.

for the lead and he was very funny in it.

And she chose Zane Buzby to direct.

And she chose Zane Buzby to direct.

- [Julie] I'm not sure how Zane Buzby ended up in my office

- [Julie] I'm not sure how Zane Buzby ended up in my office

but she did.

but she did.

She was a stitch, she was a comedian.

And she was absolutely the right person for this project.

And she was absolutely the right person for this project.

(screaming)

(screaming)

(energetic music)

(energetic music)

(screaming)

(screaming)

- Sorry folks, that was an air pocket.

- Sorry folks, that was an air pocket.

(crying)

- It was an air pocket.

- It was an air pocket.

- So Zane started out the casting process

- So Zane started out the casting process

by getting ahold of her sister and saying,

"For the next month,

"For the next month,

"you are going to go to every comedy club in Los Angeles

"you are going to go to every comedy club in Los Angeles

"and find me the best comedians for this picture."

"and find me the best comedians for this picture."

Well, then it was up to me to find the locations, right?

Well, then it was up to me to find the locations, right?

So I found a camp.

A boys' camp on Catalina Island.

A boys' camp on Catalina Island.

You can just tell from the picture

that everybody had a wonderful time.

that everybody had a wonderful time.

(speaking foreign language)

(speaking foreign language)

- Welcome to Club Sand! (cheering)

- Welcome to Club Sand! (cheering)

- [Julie] And Charles Grodin,

- [Julie] And Charles Grodin,

in the process, became committed to the picture

in the process, became committed to the picture

and he was so committed that he actually came in

and he was so committed that he actually came in

to work with us in casting

to work with us in casting

because it was very important that everybody

play off him very well.

play off him very well.

So the incredible cast that we assembled

So the incredible cast that we assembled

kind of became the backbone

kind of became the backbone

of Saturday Night Live after that.

We had Megan Mullally,

Mario Van Peebles Jr., Jon Lovitz,

Mario Van Peebles Jr., Jon Lovitz,

Gerrit Graham,

Gerrit Graham,

Phil Hartman, Mimi Lieber.

Phil Hartman, Mimi Lieber.

- No, but seriously,

here at Club Sand, we watch over.

here at Club Sand, we watch over.

There are no locks on the doors.

There are no locks on the doors.

We are a free and open society.

We are a free and open society.

So relax, enjoy yourself, have a cocktail.

So relax, enjoy yourself, have a cocktail.

So relax, enjoy yourself, have a cocktail.

Have six or seven cocktails! (laughing)

Have six or seven cocktails! (laughing)

(speaking foreign language)

(speaking foreign language)

And now... (whistling)

(speaking foreign language)

(speaking foreign language)

- The last rooms.

- [Julie] But it was rather forward thinking in one way.

- [Julie] But it was rather forward thinking in one way.

I mean, we were rather liberal in our thinking

I mean, we were rather liberal in our thinking

and there was, like sort of throughout it,

and there was, like sort of throughout it,

there were gay issues and gay themes that came out

there were gay issues and gay themes that came out

and I think one of the best ways to handle

society's problems is through humor, if you can.

society's problems is through humor, if you can.

- Yes, and after you get a good wash up,

if you have anything you need at all,

if you have anything you need at all,

you can call me and my name is Pino.

- Pino? - Pino.

- Pino. - George and Sheila Lollar,

- Pino. - George and Sheila Lollar,

you're here together.

you're here together.

And for you , Mr. Walter Ambrose, you're here.

And for you , Mr. Walter Ambrose, you're here.

- How come he gets his own room?

- Well, he paid extra.

- I didn't know you could pay extra.

- I didn't know you could pay extra.

- You can always pay extra to Pino.

- You can always pay extra to Pino.

Woo!

(water splashing)

(water splashing)

- George, the water stopped.

- George, the water stopped.

There's no water!

There's no water!

God.

- [George] Oh honey, I'm sorry, I'll take care of it.

- Okay.

- Okay.

(gasping) The water's rusted.

- What?

- What?

(thudding) (yelling)

(thudding) (yelling)

- Honey?

What happened?

What happened?

- I was very happy with it,

- I was very happy with it,

I think Charles Grodin was like the glue for everybody.

I think Charles Grodin was like the glue for everybody.

You know, they all

adhered to him and

adhered to him and

it was just, it was a wonderful film to have made.

it was just, it was a wonderful film to have made.

- Whoa, you scared me!

- Whoa, you scared me!

You really scared me.

(laughing)

(laughing)

You're like a really hairy guy aren't ya?

You're like a really hairy guy aren't ya?

I mean, that's good.

That's good, everybody should have that kinda hair.

That's good, everybody should have that kinda hair.

I'm a little stoned to tell you the truth,

I'm a little stoned to tell you the truth,

I don't mean to be offensive in any way.

I don't mean to be offensive in any way.

I apologize very much, I'm sorry.

Whoa!

Whoa!

Whoa.

(gasping)

(gasping)

Oh, I see, what are you guys?

Are you guys soldiers?

Are you guys soldiers?

Or are you guerrillas?

Good guerrillas. (chuckling)

Good guerrillas. (chuckling)

So what's happening down here?

It's like the government is,

It's like the government is,

I should know but I'm just another stupid American!

I should know but I'm just another stupid American!

(explosion booming) (screaming)

(gunshots firing)

(gunshots firing)

(yelling)

(yelling)

- Stay where you are!

The hotel is about to be liberated

by the freedom fighters!

by the freedom fighters!

- [Julie] It was very well accepted,

it did extremely well and

it did extremely well and

still does well today on DVD.

still does well today on DVD.

- If anyone moves I will shoot the girl!

- If anyone moves I will shoot the girl!

If you'd gone away with me this would not have happened!

- What?

Daddy help me!

- [Guerrilla] Your daddy cannot help you now, mademoiselle.

- [Guerrilla] Your daddy cannot help you now, mademoiselle.

(yelling)

(yelling)

(triumphant music)

- You're fired!

- You're fired!

(cheering)

- Okay. (gunshot firing)

(screaming) That was an accident!

(screaming) That was an accident!

That was an accident!

That was an accident!

Now...

Follow me!

(gunshots firing)

(gunshots firing)

(screaming)

It's always good to get away on a vacation.

It's always good to get away on a vacation.

(explosions booming) (yelling)

(explosions booming) (yelling)

Into the boats, into the boats everybody!

Into the boats, into the boats everybody!

Whoa, everybody come on!

Whoa, everybody come on!

Come on, everybody!

Come on, everybody!

- [Brad] Dad, where are we going next year?

- [Brad] Dad, where are we going next year?

- [George] Next year?

Next year we go to Club Hell.

Next year we go to Club Hell.

- [Brad] All right!

- [George] I've seen the brochure, it looks great.

- [George] I've seen the brochure, it looks great.

They've got wild animals that attack you,

torture chambers, hot molten lava,

torture chambers, hot molten lava,

oh, it's way better than Club Sand.

oh, it's way better than Club Sand.

(laughing)

(peppy music)

(peppy music)

(peppy music)

(swanky music)

(swanky music)

(screaming)

(screaming)

- When we made Hollywood Boulevard,

- When we made Hollywood Boulevard,

I had one of the best staffs here I ever had.

I had one of the best staffs here I ever had.

We were filled with major film schools

We were filled with major film schools

We were filled with major film schools

in the country and they were all very talented

in the country and they were all very talented

and of course eager to move up and become directors

and of course eager to move up and become directors

and producers themselves.

and producers themselves.

- I know what you kids are up against.

- I know what you kids are up against.

Can't get a job without being in the union,

you can't get in the union without a job.

Can't get an agent without experience,

Can't get an agent without experience,

you can't get work without an agent.

Well you just got yourself an agent.

Well you just got yourself an agent.

- Oh, Mr. Paisley, really?

- Yeah, now let me know as soon as you get yourself a job.

- Yeah, now let me know as soon as you get yourself a job.

Paisley.

You got a what?

You got a what?

A Mexican donkey act?

A Mexican donkey act?

It tap dances too?

Okay, get your ass over here.

You're still here.

- Mr. Paisley, how do I get a job?

- Mr. Paisley, how do I get a job?

- How should I know, I'm just an agent.

- How should I know, I'm just an agent.

- Jon Davison, who was the head of our advertising

department and was doing a million other things as well

department and was doing a million other things as well

had come out of the NYU Film School

had come out of the NYU Film School

and he came to me with a proposal

and he came to me with a proposal

they had all put together.

they had all put together.

They would make a picture for $90,000

They would make a picture for $90,000

which would be a comedy

which would be a comedy

and it would be a comedy about a low-budget

and it would be a comedy about a low-budget

independent film company, just as ours,

independent film company, just as ours,

but the company would be even lower budget than ours,

but the company would be even lower budget than ours,

a broken-down company.

a broken-down company.

And he had me when he gave me the name of the company,

And he had me when he gave me the name of the company,

Miracle Films, if it's a good film, it's a miracle.

Miracle Films, if it's a good film, it's a miracle.

Miracle Films, if it's a good film, it's a miracle.

And I thought, okay, I'm gonna go with these guys.

And the key to it was

And the key to it was

that they would take

that they would take

action scenes, because some of them

had been working as editors,

had been working as editors,

from various of our films

to give it production value and then build the comedy

to give it production value and then build the comedy

to give it production value and then build the comedy

around this broken-down studio.

around this broken-down studio.

- Oh, it's a delightful scene.

- Oh, it's a delightful scene.

You four girls massacre

You four girls massacre

300 Asiatic soldiers.

Now your motivation, very important,

is to massacre 300 Asiatic soldiers.

is to massacre 300 Asiatic soldiers.

(gunshots firing)

(gunshots firing)

(screaming)

Explosion!

(explosion booming) (yelling)

(explosion booming) (yelling)

(explosion booming) (yelling)

(explosions booming) (yelling)

(explosions booming) (yelling)

- It was jointly directed by Allan Arkush and Joe Dante

- It was jointly directed by Allan Arkush and Joe Dante

on their first efforts and of course both of them

on their first efforts and of course both of them

went on to have successful careers as directors.

went on to have successful careers as directors.

Jon himself went on to have a very successful

Jon himself went on to have a very successful

career as a producer

career as a producer

and it all started

and it all started

with Hollywood Boulevard

and some of the stuff was just insane.

and some of the stuff was just insane.

(gunshots firing)

(gunshots firing)

(yelling)

(yelling)

- Go, go, go, I want action!

- [Roger] For instance,

Paul Bartel played the director

Paul Bartel played the director

who was one of those sort of half talented

who was one of those sort of half talented

bottom-of-the-list directors

bottom-of-the-list directors

but spoke only of art in films.

but spoke only of art in films.

So we had this pretentious but untalented director.

So we had this pretentious but untalented director.

- And we have to get it all in one take.

- And we have to get it all in one take.

Ready?

Ready?

Yes, Mike, I've done almost all of my films

Yes, Mike, I've done almost all of my films

for Miracle Pictures, PG, our producer,

for Miracle Pictures, PG, our producer,

gives me a freedom here that most directors

at the majors never get.

In every film we try to confront a major

In every film we try to confront a major

important social issue of the day.

important social issue of the day.

For instance, Scotty, would you come over here?

For instance, Scotty, would you come over here?

This is a prop from our new picture, Atomic War Brides.

This is a prop from our new picture, Atomic War Brides.

In this film we are combining the myth of Romeo and Juliet

In this film we are combining the myth of Romeo and Juliet

with high-speed car action

with high-speed car action

and a sincere plea for international atomic controls

and a sincere plea for international atomic controls

in our time.

Cut.

- [Roger] The cameraman was blind.

- [Roger] The cameraman was blind.

- Thought that by doing this I could gradually

improve my vision, I mean, when I started

improve my vision, I mean, when I started

I didn't even know what an f-stop was

and now I practically am one.

and now I practically am one.

- [Roger] The interview with Paul Bartel

as the pretentious director went so well

as the pretentious director went so well

they interviewed the monsters

they interviewed the monsters

and got the monsters' opinion of the film.

and got the monsters' opinion of the film.

(buzzing)

(buzzing)

- Beautiful, go, have a good time.

(scoffing)

(scoffing)

Bugs don't smoke! (buzzing)

- There was a great family feeling

- There was a great family feeling

among the whole staff at that time.

among the whole staff at that time.

These were all talented young people

These were all talented young people

who recognized each other's talent,

who recognized each other's talent,

liked to work together,

understood that I understood their talents.

understood that I understood their talents.

understood that I understood their talents.

They even went so far as to,

everybody had jackets that said, "Corman Film School"

everybody had jackets that said, "Corman Film School"

and they gave me, with their name on it,

and they gave me, with their name on it,

and they gave me a jacket that said, "Prezi."

and they gave me a jacket that said, "Prezi."

(triumphant music)

(triumphant music)

The audiences loved it, I remember the sneak preview

The audiences loved it, I remember the sneak preview

people were laughing and laughing

people were laughing and laughing

and it made money, it launched their careers.

and it made money, it launched their careers.

I think of it as really sort of,

I think of it as really sort of,

you could say, a minor film

but actually, to me, it was a significant film.

but actually, to me, it was a significant film.

It was sort of a high point

It was sort of a high point

of everybody coming together.

of everybody coming together.

- Well I suppose I was just

perfect for the part.

- Hollywood. - Mine.

- Hollywood. - Mine.

Thank you, Walter.

Thank you, Walter.

- Candy, I've got a rather personal question for you.

Do you achieve regular multiple orgasms?

Do you achieve regular multiple orgasms?

(gasping)

(gasping)

- Have you been in pictures?

(rattling)

(rattling)

- Not recently, I don't do nudity.

- Hey, an actor.

- Hey, an actor.

Miracle Pictures is gonna do a remake

Miracle Pictures is gonna do a remake

of Gone With the Wind.

Let me hear ya say,

Let me hear ya say,

"Frankly, Scarlett, I don't give a damn."

"Frankly, Scarlett, I don't give a damn."

- Frankly, Scarlett, I don't give a damn.

- Frankly, Scarlett, I don't give a damn.

(swanky music)

(swanky music)

- Think of my school, guys?

- Think of my school, guys?

- Boy, when you have recess you really go all out.

- Consider yourselves officially enrolled

- Consider yourselves officially enrolled

in Rock 'n' Roll High School.

The facilities are yours, do whatever you want.

The facilities are yours, do whatever you want.

The facilities are yours, do whatever you want.

(drumming) (cheering)

♪ Do you wanna dance and hold my hand ♪

♪ Do you wanna dance and hold my hand ♪

♪ Tell me you're my lover, man

♪ Tell me you're my lover, man

♪ Tell me, do you wanna dance

- [Roger] Rock 'n' Roll High School came about

- [Roger] Rock 'n' Roll High School came about

simply because disco was very big in music at that time.

simply because disco was very big in music at that time.

And I remember when rock and roll erupted,

And I remember when rock and roll erupted,

I made a little picture called Rock All Night

I made a little picture called Rock All Night

which was very successful.

And I thought, why don't I do the same thing with disco?

And I thought, why don't I do the same thing with disco?

So I came up with the title Disco High.

So I came up with the title Disco High.

High being maybe a reference to high school,

High being maybe a reference to high school,

maybe a reference to marijuana.

maybe a reference to marijuana.

But anyway I started with that title

But anyway I started with that title

and I had been so pleased with the work

and I had been so pleased with the work

that Allan Arkush and Joe Dante, as co directors

that Allan Arkush and Joe Dante, as co directors

on Hollywood Boulevard, that I wanted to give

on Hollywood Boulevard, that I wanted to give

each one of 'em a shot at directing.

each one of 'em a shot at directing.

So Joe made his debut as a solo director on Piranha

So Joe made his debut as a solo director on Piranha

and I chose Allan to make his debut on

and I chose Allan to make his debut on

Disco High.

♪ I don't care about history

♪ I don't care about history

♪ Rock, rock, Rock 'N' Roll High School ♪

- Allan welcomed the idea

- Allan welcomed the idea

because he said he had been thinking

because he said he had been thinking

for some time about doing some sort of a comedy

for some time about doing some sort of a comedy

about his experiences in high school.

about his experiences in high school.

And he came up with most of the ideas in it

And he came up with most of the ideas in it

And he came up with most of the ideas in it

and at the end, we sort of jointly came up with the idea

and at the end, we sort of jointly came up with the idea

that the kids blow up the school.

that the kids blow up the school.

Which he thought, this is the dream

Which he thought, this is the dream

of maybe 75% of high school kids in America.

of maybe 75% of high school kids in America.

And then he said, Roger, you can't blow up the school

And then he said, Roger, you can't blow up the school

And then he said, Roger, you can't blow up the school

to disco music, it's got to be Rock 'n' Roll High.

to disco music, it's got to be Rock 'n' Roll High.

So it became Rock 'n' Roll High School.

So it became Rock 'n' Roll High School.

- Next, I investigated reports of loss of hearing

- Next, I investigated reports of loss of hearing

by individuals due to the high decibel level

by individuals due to the high decibel level

involved in playing rock and roll music.

- [Roger] The film was an immediate success,

- [Roger] The film was an immediate success,

it was one of the most successful films we had.

it was one of the most successful films we had.

I really think back to the fact that Joe and Allan

I really think back to the fact that Joe and Allan

worked together on Hollywood Boulevard,

worked together on Hollywood Boulevard,

Joe did Piranha for his first picture

Joe did Piranha for his first picture

which was a big success,

which was a big success,

Allan did Rock 'n' Roll High School which was a big success

Allan did Rock 'n' Roll High School which was a big success

and I think of it as just a good time all around.

and I think of it as just a good time all around.

- It is used to measure comparative rock and roll

- It is used to measure comparative rock and roll

intensity levels.

Watch the mouse while I turn it on.

Watch the mouse while I turn it on.

(rock music)

(rock music)

(mouse squeaking)

♪ Lobotomy

♪ Lobotomy

♪ Lobotomy

(rattling)

(rattling)

♪ DDT did a job on me

♪ DDT did a job on me

♪ Now I am a real sickie

♪ Guess I'll have to break the news ♪

♪ Guess I'll have to break the news ♪

♪ That I got no mind to lose

♪ That I got no mind to lose

♪ All the girls are in love--

♪ All the girls are in love--

(mouse squealing)

- I worked with Allan as usual on casting the leads

- I worked with Allan as usual on casting the leads

and I think we were really fortunate in getting P.J. Soles

and I think we were really fortunate in getting P.J. Soles

and I think we were really fortunate in getting P.J. Soles

as the young girl who's the rock and roll fan

as the young girl who's the rock and roll fan

in the high school.

- I want 100 of your best Ramone tickets, please.

- I want 100 of your best Ramone tickets, please.

- [Roger] P.J. gave a really brilliant, funny performance.

- [Roger] P.J. gave a really brilliant, funny performance.

- [Roger] P.J. gave a really brilliant, funny performance.

She drove the film, I thought she was great.

She drove the film, I thought she was great.

(camera clicking)

- Here they are, the Ramones tickets.

(cheering) You came for them,

(cheering) You came for them,

you get one. - Oh baby.

you get one. - Oh baby.

All right, I love you!

- What's all this commotion? - For you.

There you go. - Excuse me.

There you go. - Excuse me.

- Here, here you go. - What's going on here?

- I'm giving out tickets to the concert.

- I'm giving out tickets to the concert.

- The concert? - Yeah.

- I had no idea the students were so interested in music.

- I had no idea the students were so interested in music.

- Wanna go, complementary ticket?

- Why, thank you, I love concerts.

- Why, thank you, I love concerts.

But who are the Ramoneys?

But who are the Ramoneys?

- The Ramones!

They're the best group-- - Air.

- In the world, Mr. McGree. - Oxygen!

- In the world, Mr. McGree. - Oxygen!

- Generally, I make the decisions on music

- Generally, I make the decisions on music

but over the years, particularly for pop music,

but over the years, particularly for pop music,

I simply grew out of the area that understood it

I simply grew out of the area that understood it

I simply grew out of the area that understood it

and I just said, look, you guys are the age

to know what's going on in pop music now.

to know what's going on in pop music now.

to know what's going on in pop music now.

I knew the Beatles and the Rolling Stones

but that was a long time ago,

but that was a long time ago,

I'm gonna leave it to you.

And I think Allan, and Jon Davison worked

And I think Allan, and Jon Davison worked

on the film as well, came up with the Ramones.

on the film as well, came up with the Ramones.

- Vince Lombardi High is,

- Vince Lombardi High is,

is your school, Miss Togar.

is your school, Miss Togar.

So you can have it.

So you can have it.

- Well I'm very happy to see

that you've come to your senses.

that you've come to your senses.

And what would you have done with the school anyway?

- Rock the roof off it.

- Rock the roof off it.

Hit it, Marky!

Hit it, Marky!

(rock music)

♪ Rock, rock, rock, Rock 'n' Roll High School ♪

♪ Rock, rock, rock, Rock 'n' Roll High School ♪

♪ Rock, rock, rock, Rock 'n' Roll High School ♪

♪ Well I don't care about history ♪

♪ Well I don't care about history ♪

♪ Rock, rock, Rock 'n' Roll High School ♪

- Those Ramones are peculiar.

- They're ugly.

- They're ugly.

Ugly, ugly people.

Ugly, ugly people.

- [Roger] It was Allan's idea to blow up the school

at the end.

at the end.

♪ Rock, rock, rock, rock, Rock 'n' Roll High School ♪

♪ Rock, rock, rock, rock, Rock 'n' Roll High School ♪

♪ Rock, rock, rock, rock, Rock 'n' Roll High School ♪

♪ Rock, rock, rock, Rock 'n' Roll High School ♪

(rock music)

(rock music)

(explosion booming) ♪ I don't care about history

(explosion booming) ♪ I don't care about history

♪ Rock, rock, Rock 'n' Roll High School ♪

♪ Rock, rock, Rock 'n' Roll High School ♪

♪ 'Cause that's not where I wanna be ♪

♪ Rock, rock, Rock 'n' Roll High School ♪

♪ Rock, rock, Rock 'n' Roll High School ♪

♪ I just wanna have some kicks

♪ I just wanna have some kicks

♪ I just want - This is madness!

♪ Rock, rock, rock, rock, Rock 'n' Roll High School ♪

♪ Rock, rock, rock, rock, Rock 'n' Roll High School ♪

♪ Rock, rock, rock, rock, Rock 'n' Roll High School ♪

(explosion booming)

(explosion booming)

- So essentially everybody saw that high school blow up

- So essentially everybody saw that high school blow up

but if you drive by it, that high school still stands.

but if you drive by it, that high school still stands.

(swanky music)

[END CREDITS]