As rites-of-passage films featuring a young man's sexual initiation in the arms of a beautiful woman go, Class (1983) has plenty going for it, not least its attractive cast: Andrew McCarthy as Jonathan, Rob Lowe as Gatsby-ish best friend Skip and Jacqueline Bisset as the beautiful woman who is old enough to know better and just happens to be Skip's mother.

Lewis John Carlino's film has moments of insight, taking a few well-aimed shots at the vaguely sinister network of American public school life. In the first reel it neatly subverts the bullying scenario that threatens when the geekish Jonathan arrives at the school, while offering the briefly intriguing sight of Lowe in scarlet bra and pants. And there's a subplot of deceit and complicity that both strengthens and threatens the friendship that rapidly forms between Skip and Jonathan. In many ways, though, the most interesting element of the picture--Skip's relationship with his dysfunctional family--is left unexplored. Jonathan's deflowering and subsequent interludes are merely titillating. And Bisset's Ellen, a desperately sad character, becomes superfluous once the revelation that she is the "teacher" sets the boys' friendship on the path to fraternal solidarity.

On the DVD: Class is presented in widescreen anamorphic format and looks as good as its leading players, although the Dolby Digital mono soundtrack has odd moments of flatness that detract from the cinematic experience. Extras are limited to the cinema trailer that now looks like a red rag to the puritanical objectors who were appalled by the graphic scenes in which Jonathan loses his virginity to the predatory Ellen. --Piers Ford

This film was released in 1983 in perhaps the height of the infamous ???Brat Pack??? series of movies and with the two stars of this movie being prominent members this film slots nicely into the feel and mood of the time.

Jonathan Onger (Andrew McCarthy) is the new boy at a wealthy looking prep-school. We see him being sent off at the bus station by his very humble looking mum and dad and his initial awkwardness as he stumbled around the hallowed halls of the new school looking for his room. When he eventually finds it he is welcomed with open arms by his new roommate, the grandly named Franklin 'Skip' Burroughs IV (Rob Lowe) or ???Skip??? to his friends. Much to Jonathan???s surprise Skip peels off his dressing gown to reveal he???s wearing ladies underwear. He explains to Jonathan that this is a time honoured first day tradition and eggs him on to don similar attire. Alas for Jonathan this is all part of a practical joke and he is soon left stranded outside, locked out of his dormitory dressed in very frilly skimpies. For the sensitive and timid Jonathan this is a nightmare and he settles into such a dark depression that we wonder if he will make it through the term. But in a turnaround of dramatic proportions he plays his own joke on Skip and in a mess of faked suicides and blow up dolls the two boys become firm friends.

Skip comes from a moneyed and privileged background and for the lowly Jonathan his lust for life and good natured pranks are a real eye-opener. During one such prank Jonathan finds himself the butt of a calamitous series of events and is banned from the dance with the neighbouring girls??? school. To cheer him up Skip lends him some money with the instructions to go into town and not come back with a pair of women???s panties to prove what he???s been up to. Much to Jonathan???s own surprise he actually achieves the target Skip has set him when he meets up with a beautiful sophisticated older woman called Ellen (Jacqueline Bisset) in a rowdy bar. In a weekend of mind blowing sex, Jonathan returns to college a lot more worldly wise than he left.

Jonathan is invited to spend Christmas with Skip and his family, in a scene of jaw dropping silence he meets Skip???s mother only to discover that she is none other than his fantasy older lover. Although the pair of shocked lovers pretend that they don???t know each other the cracks soon show with Skip???s mother getting drunk at dinner much to the displeasure of Skip???s authoritarian father. The boys return to college with Jonathan determined to end the relationship but with Ellen constantly telephoning him it???s only a question of time before Skip finds out what???s really going on.

There???s obvious likenesses here with the classic film ???The Graduate??? and whilst this film takes an overall more light-hearted look at the problems faced by the characters it makes a pretty good job of the tensions between the leads. Certainly the two boys make a charming and engaging couple. Rob Lowe???s charisma is extremely natural and Andrew McCarthy was always better when playing awkward and sky rather than cool and gregarious.

The only real problem with the film is the rather sloppy and unsatisfying ending. It doesn???t really tie up all the loose ends and rather wimps out of making any real message.

Overall though the film is well worth a watch. It???s worth looking out for other Brat Pack stars like John Cusack and Alan Ruck and is a great reminder of the fashions and feelings of that age.

Being my favourite film as a teenager in the 80s, I couldn't resist buying the DVD. I hadn't watched the film for 10 years, but even though I still knew it off by heart, I found it just as hilarious and entertaining to watch as the first time. If you like all those brat-pack/80s/John Hughes-type films, this is a must. Some say it's more of a bloke's film, but ladies, this is not the case and with ample Rob Lowe hunkiness to stare at, you won't resist it either.

Excellently executed comedy... I was cracking up, The tale of a new boy at a boarding school having a (aaargh no plot spoilers) I can't tell you cos it would spoil the movie for you... Please don't be put off by the first 4/5 Minutes it gets so much better.

Two thumbs up

An early movie with the adorable Andrew McCarthy and Rob Lowe. It starts with Andrew going to college and ending up having Rob as his room mate. As a way to break the ice and to welcome the 'newboy' Rob sets his roomie up with a practical joke that leaves Andrew ending up in a lacy bra and knickers on the OUTSIDE fo the college and unable to get back in! Believe it or not this is the start of a good friendship but there is one thing that eventually gets in their way! I wont spoil it for anyone who hasn't seen it though but its a classic story of one mate doing another one a favour and ends up with Rob trying to help Andrew pop his cherry! He gives him a bit of cash and sends him on his way to the city to 'become a man'! But, of all the women he could possily have chosen from, he chose the one who he shouldn't have but has no idea who she is - until its too late! Watch and see! Great fun!