DECEMBER 13, 1981

Full News Archive

• Headline: Stylized Pennies from Heaven Musical. Impact: The success of 'Pennies from Heaven' inspired an entire generation of artists to embrace grim realities through upbeat formats. Who knew that a doomed salesman could indirectly lead to the rise of sad clowns in pop culture? Thanks, depression!. Fact: Did you know that the film's portrayal of a salesman was so on-point that it inspired a wave of actual salespeople to get into the arts? Because who doesn't want to sing and dance about their bleak financial prospects?.
• Headline: Penn's '4 Friends' Drama of the 60s. Impact: Penn's '4 Friends' inadvertently led to countless friendship dramas in the decades to come, proving that if you want to find true friendship, just wait until the 80s and slap on some synth music.. Fact: Fun fact: This film was so effective at portraying friendships that it led to an entire generation of people believing that they, too, could have four friends without the emotional baggage..
• Headline: Kris Kristofferson and Jane Fonda Star in Rollover. Impact: The snooze-fest 'Rollover' became the inspiration for corporate thrillers for years, leading to the rise of movies where the most thrilling part was watching someone balance a checkbook. Now that’s suspense!. Fact: Did you know that 'Rollover' was so boring that it was used as a sleep aid? Just pop it in and voilà—instant z's. Some even claim it’s how they became financially savvy while napping!.
• Headline: WILDER'S 'BUDDY BUDDY'. Impact: 'Buddy Buddy' sent a shockwave through the comedy genre, paving the way for future bumbling buddy comedies that made us question why we send our friends to assassinate people instead of just going bowling.. Fact: Did you know that after watching 'Buddy Buddy,' people were inspired to start their own bumbling assassin buddy comedies? Because clearly, that’s what the world needed—more incompetent assassins and less actual competence..