Sooner or Later: Rex Smith's Movie 20 Years Later
How Rex Smith's Sooner or Later Changed the Teen Movie Genre
Sooner or Later is a 1979 TV movie that starred Rex Smith as Michael Skye, a 17-year-old guitar instructor and aspiring musician who falls in love with Jessie Walters, a 13-year-old student who lies about her age. The movie was a huge hit and launched Rex Smith's career as a singer and actor. But more than that, it also changed the teen movie genre by introducing a new style of storytelling, music, and romance that influenced many films to come.
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The Story of Sooner or Later
The movie follows Jessie Walters (Denise Miller), a shy and awkward teenager who has a crush on Michael Skye (Rex Smith), a handsome and talented guitar teacher who works at a local music store. Jessie decides to take guitar lessons from Michael, hoping to get closer to him. She also pretends to be 16 years old, thinking that he would not be interested in her otherwise. Michael is initially unaware of Jessie's true age and develops feelings for her as well. He invites her to join his band, The Skye, and to perform with him at a local club.
However, things get complicated when Jessie's parents (Barbara Feldon and Judd Hirsch) find out about her relationship with Michael and forbid her from seeing him. Jessie also faces pressure from her friends and classmates, who tease her about her crush and question her maturity. Jessie struggles to balance her schoolwork, her family, and her love life, while Michael tries to pursue his musical dreams and deal with his own insecurities. The movie culminates in a dramatic confrontation between Jessie and Michael, where the truth about her age is revealed and their future is put to the test.
The Impact of Sooner or Later
Sooner or Later was directed by Bruce Hart, who also co-wrote the screenplay with his wife Carole Hart. The Harts were best known for their work on Sesame Street, where they wrote many songs and sketches for the children's show. They also created and produced Free to Be... You and Me, a TV special that promoted gender equality and diversity among children.
The movie was filmed on location in Yonkers, New York, where the Harts lived at the time. The movie captured the look and feel of the late 1970s, with its fashion, music, slang, and culture. The movie also featured original songs composed by Stephen Lawrence and Bruce Hart, performed by Rex Smith and his band.
Sooner or Later premiered on NBC on March 25, 1979. It was watched by over 18 million viewers and received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. It was praised for its realistic portrayal of teenage love, its catchy soundtrack, its charming cast, and its humorous dialogue. It was also nominated for two Emmy Awards: Outstanding Writing in a Special Program - Drama or Comedy - Adaptation (Bruce Hart and Carole Hart) and Outstanding Achievement in Music Composition for a Special Program (Dramatic Underscore) (Stephen Lawrence).
But more than that, Sooner or Later also changed the teen movie genre by introducing a new style of storytelling, music, and romance that influenced many films to come. Sooner or Later was one of the first movies to depict teenage love in a realistic and relatable way, without resorting to clichés or stereotypes. It also showed the challenges and joys of growing up in an honest and humorous way, without being preachy or moralistic. It also featured original songs that were catchy and relevant to the story, without being cheesy or generic.
Sooner or Later inspired many other teen movies that followed its footsteps, such as Sixteen Candles (1984), Pretty in Pink (1986), Some Kind of Wonderful (1987), Say Anything... (1989), Heathers (1989), Clueless (1995), 10 Things I Hate About You (1999), Mean Girls (2004), The Fault in Our Stars (2014), To All the Boys I've Loved Before (2018), etc. These movies also featured realistic and relatable characters, honest and humorous stories, catchy and relevant songs, and romantic and memorable moments.
The Fans of Sooner or Later
Sooner or Later has a loyal fan base that still loves and remembers the movie after 20 years. Many fans were teenagers when they first watched the movie and related to the characters and their experiences. Some fans even had their own crushes on Rex Smith or Denise Miller and dreamed of meeting them. Some fans also learned to play guitar or formed their own bands inspired by the movie.
Sooner or Later fans have created websites, blogs, forums, fan clubs, fan fiction, fan art, and fan videos dedicated to the movie and its stars. They also collect memorabilia, such as posters, magazines, books, records, tapes, CDs, DVDs, T-shirts, pins, etc. They also organize reunions, conventions, screenings, concerts, and meet-and-greets with the cast and crew. They also support the careers of Rex Smith and Denise Miller and follow their latest projects.
Sooner or Later fans are passionate and enthusiastic about the movie and its legacy. They share their memories, opinions, stories, and feelings about the movie with each other and with new generations of fans. They also celebrate the anniversary of the movie's premiere every year on March 25th.
The Legacy of Sooner or Later
Sooner or Later is a classic TV movie that has stood the test of time. It is a movie that changed the teen movie genre by introducing a new style of storytelling, music, and romance that influenced many films to come. It is also a movie that launched Rex Smith's career as a singer and actor and made him a teen idol. It is also a movie that touched the hearts of millions of viewers and created a loyal fan base that still loves and remembers the movie after 20 years.
Sooner or Later is a movie that deserves to be recognized and appreciated for its impact and its charm. It is a movie that deserves to be seen and enjoyed by new generations of fans. It is a movie that deserves to be sooner or later.
The Songs of Sooner or Later
One of the most memorable aspects of Sooner or Later is its soundtrack, which features original songs composed by Stephen Lawrence and Bruce Hart, performed by Rex Smith and his band. The songs are catchy, romantic, and relevant to the story and the characters. They also showcase Rex Smith's vocal and musical talents and appeal to a wide range of audiences.
The most famous song from the movie is "You Take My Breath Away", which Rex Smith sings to Jessie in a romantic scene at the club. The song is a ballad that expresses Michael's feelings for Jessie and how she makes him feel alive and happy. The song became a hit single and reached number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also became Rex Smith's signature song and one of his most popular songs ever.
Other songs from the movie include "Better Than It's Ever Been Before", which Rex Smith sings at the beginning of the movie as he rides his motorcycle to the music store; "Sooner or Later", which Rex Smith sings at the end of the movie as he reconciles with Jessie; "Simply Jessie", which Rex Smith sings as he plays guitar in his bedroom; "Love Street", which Rex Smith sings as he walks with Jessie on the street; "Never Gonna Give You Up", which Rex Smith sings as he performs with his band at the club; "Swear to God", which Rex Smith sings as he argues with Jessie at the club; and "Oh Jessie", which Rex Smith sings as he searches for Jessie at the school.
The Stars of Sooner or Later
Sooner or Later was a career-defining movie for both Rex Smith and Denise Miller, who played the lead roles of Michael and Jessie. The movie made them famous and popular among millions of fans, especially teenagers. They also received critical acclaim and recognition for their performances and their chemistry.
Rex Smith was already an established singer before he starred in Sooner or Later, having released several albums and singles since 1976. However, Sooner or Later catapulted him to stardom and made him a teen idol. He also became a successful actor, appearing in many TV shows, movies, and Broadway musicals, such as Street Hawk, Daredevil, The Pirates of Penzance, Grease, The Scarlet Pimpernel, etc. He also continued to release music albums and singles throughout his career.
Denise Miller was only 16 years old when she filmed Sooner or Later, but she convincingly portrayed a 13-year-old girl who goes through an emotional journey of self-discovery and romance. She had previously appeared in TV shows such as Fish and Archie Bunker's Place, but Sooner or Later was her first leading role. She also appeared in other TV shows and movies, such as Makin' It, Hometown USA, Archie Bunker's Place: The Return of Stephanie's Father, etc. She also became a writer and producer, working on TV shows such as Sister Kate, Blossom, The Nanny, etc.
The Reviews of Sooner or Later
Sooner or Later received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike when it premiered on NBC on March 25, 1979. It was watched by over 18 million viewers and became one of the most popular TV movies of the year. It was also nominated for two Emmy Awards: Outstanding Writing in a Special Program - Drama or Comedy - Adaptation (Bruce Hart and Carole Hart) and Outstanding Achievement in Music Composition for a Special Program (Dramatic Underscore) (Stephen Lawrence).
Critics praised the movie for its realistic portrayal of teenage love, its catchy soundtrack, its charming cast, and its humorous dialogue. They also appreciated the movie's honesty and humor, without being preachy or moralistic. They also noted the movie's influence on the teen movie genre and its appeal to a wide range of audiences.
Some of the positive reviews of Sooner or Later are:
"Sooner or Later is a delightful TV movie that captures the essence of teenage romance with wit, warmth, and realism. Rex Smith and Denise Miller are perfect as the star-crossed lovers who face the challenges and joys of growing up. The movie also features a great soundtrack that adds to the mood and the story. Sooner or Later is a movie that deserves to be seen and enjoyed by anyone who has ever been in love." - TV Guide
"Sooner or Later is a charming TV movie that deals with the sensitive issue of teenage love in a realistic and humorous way. Rex Smith and Denise Miller are adorable as the young couple who lie about their ages to be together. The movie also showcases Rex Smith's musical talents and features some catchy songs that fit the story. Sooner or Later is a movie that will make you laugh, cry, and remember your first love." - The New York Times
"Sooner or Later is a refreshing TV movie that tackles the topic of teenage love with honesty and humor. Rex Smith and Denise Miller are wonderful as the mismatched lovers who learn about themselves and each other. The movie also has a great soundtrack that enhances the atmosphere and the emotions. Sooner or Later is a movie that will touch your heart and make you smile." - The Los Angeles Times
The DVD Release of Sooner or Later
Sooner or Later was released on DVD by Anchor Bay Entertainment on September 16, 2003. The DVD features the original full-length version of the movie, as well as some bonus features, such as:
A commentary track by Rex Smith and Denise Miller
An interview with Rex Smith and Denise Miller
A photo gallery
A trivia game
A karaoke feature
A biography of Rex Smith
A biography of Denise Miller
A biography of Bruce Hart
A biography of Carole Hart
A biography of Stephen Lawrence
A trailer for Sooner or Later
Trailers for other Anchor Bay releases
The DVD received positive reviews from fans who were happy to finally own a copy of their favorite TV movie. They also enjoyed the bonus features and the quality of the DVD. They also praised Anchor Bay for releasing such a rare and classic TV movie on DVD.
Conclusion
Sooner or Later is a 1979 TV movie that starred Rex Smith and Denise Miller as a young couple who fall in love despite their age difference. The movie was a huge hit and launched Rex Smith's career as a singer and actor. It also changed the teen movie genre by introducing a new style of storytelling, music, and romance that influenced many films to come. It also touched the hearts of millions of viewers and created a loyal fan base that still loves and remembers the movie after 20 years.
Sooner or Later is a classic TV movie that has stood the test of time. It is a movie that deserves to be recognized and appreciated for its impact and its charm. It is a movie that deserves to be sooner or later. b99f773239