Movies of the 80s 'My Bodyguard'

Hey movie buffs! Throwback to a classic hitting the screens back on September 26th, 1980 – "My Bodyguard." Directed by the talented Tony Bill and penned by Alan Ormsby, this flick packs a punch with young stars Chris Makepeace and Adam Baldwin, alongside Matt Dillon, Joan Cusack, and a sneaky appearance by Jennifer Beals.

This film marked the big screen debut for a bunch of actors including Adam Baldwin, Joan Cusack, and Jennifer Beals, and future Independence Day director Dean Devlin, whose dad was a producer on the movie.

And let's not forget the scene-stealing Paul Quandt, a one-hit-wonder of an actor who received rave reviews and then quit acting completely after My Bodyguard. Roger Ebert specifically raved about Quandt's performance stating:

"and there’s another kid, the solemn-faced, wide-eyed Paul Quandt, who steals a couple of scenes with his absolute certainty that the worst is yet to come. " Roger Ebert

Mystery surrounds Quandt's decision to never act again and speculation has bounced around the internet that Quandt had died. A Google search does reveal two different men named Paul Quandt, one who died in a motorcycle accident, and another who was brutally murdered in 2014. Details of the lives of these two men however, fail to lineup with what we know about Paul Quandt the actor. For now, his fate and his reason for giving up his acting career are unknown.

Let's talk about the plot: Dive into the life of Clifford Peache, played by Chris Makepeace. He's this sensitive, well-off teen who's new to school and, you guessed it, becomes bully magnet, courtesy of Melvin Moody (Matt Dillon). Clifford’s had enough and ends up hiring the brooding, tough kid Ricky Linderman (Adam Baldwin) as his bodyguard. While this setup initially solves his bully problem and sparks an unlikely friendship, things start to get rocky. As Clifford faces his tormentor once again, Ricky has his own demons to battle.

Critics loved it! Desmond Ryan from the Philadelphia Inquirer said it portrays "the universal dilemma of adolescence—not sex, but how to escape the school bully—with touching fidelity." And Roger Ebert called it “a small treasure," a flick about real characters, tapping into memories that resonate with most of us.

More critical plaudits:

"My Bodyguard is sensitive and gripping. It's Rocky and Breaking Away, and more. It's brilliant." Syndicated Columnist Marilyn Beck

"My Bodyguard is fast, funny and freckled with with unvarnished truths..." Rex Reed

"My Bodyguard is a soul satisfying film, totally involving, and richly rewarding. It touches the heart." Bob Thomas, Critic, Associated Press.

The movie was shot right in the heart of Chicago, with Lake View High School doubling as the fictional Fleer H.S. Even the hotel Clifford calls home, managed by his dad, is none other than the real-life Ambassador East.

Director Tony Bill shared, "That's why I made 'My Bodyguard.' I'm hopeful that there's an audience out there for movies about real people." (Pittsburg Post Gazette, July 28, 1980).

My Bodyguard was one of the surprise hits of 1980. The film earned more than $22 million dollars on a $3 million dollar budget.

So, if you're in the mood for a blast from the past that's both touching and nostalgic, make sure to check out My Bodyguard. It’s not just a movie; it’s a slice of adolescent life!

My Bodyguard was released on September 26th, 1980. The film holds a 79 percent critics score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7.1 out of 10 on IMDB.

My Bodyguard is available to rent on most streaming rental services.

Find out more about your favorite obscure and beloved movies of the 1980s on our Movies of the 80s, YouTube channel. Short 2 minute info dumps that we lovingly research and release twice daily.