IMDb 6.5 1985 HD

Mischief

Mischief

1985
Comedy Romance
93 min R USA
6.6 / 10
6.5 IMDB

1956: The shy Jonathan's luck with girls changes when he wins the rebellious Gene as a friend in his last year of high school. Gene is adored by…

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Mel Damski
Starring
Doug McKeon / Catherine Mary Stewart / Kelly Preston / Chris Nash / D.W. Brown / Jami Gertz / Margaret Blye / Graham Jarvis

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

charming nostalgic predictable earnest sweet relatable affecting awkward gentle conventional heartfelt endearing

Reviews

I
Isabelle Dubois
May 21, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

Mischief transports viewers to 1956 with a story that balances the awkwardness of adolescence with the burgeoning complexities of romance. The film’s success relies heavily on the chemistry between its young leads, who navigate their characters’ journeys with…

S
Sebastian Croft
May 21, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

As a snapshot of 1950s high school dynamics, Mischief delivers a familiar, yet generally pleasant, experience. The film’s strength lies in its portrayal of the contrasting personalities of Jonathan and Gene, and how their friendship evolves. The performances…

P
Penelope Ainsworth
May 21, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

Mischief offers a surprisingly affecting portrait of adolescent yearning set against the backdrop of 1956. The central friendship between the unassuming Jonathan and the magnetic Gene is the film's strong suit, providing both comedic moments and genuine heart.…

A
Arthur Pendelton
May 21, 2026
2.5 / 5
2.5

This 1985 offering, Mischief, presents a vision of 1950s high school life that feels more like a nostalgic echo than a vibrant portrayal. The central conceit, a shy boy learning from a more popular friend, is well-trodden territory.…

E
Eleanor Vance
May 21, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

Mischief, a product of 1985, attempts to capture the essence of 1950s teenage romance and friendship. The film hinges on the dynamic between the introverted Jonathan and the more worldly Gene, a pairing that promises both humour and…

FAQs

Mischief offers a glimpse into the societal expectations prevalent in the 1950s, particularly concerning class and marriage. Gene's inability to be with his girlfriend Bunny stems directly from his father's poverty, indicating that financial status was a significant barrier to romantic acceptance. This highlights a societal emphasis on social standing and material wealth influencing personal relationships during that period.