The Hollywood Knights 1980

Comedy

Box Office

$10M

Runtime

91 min

Language

English

Directed by

Floyd Mutrux

Made by

Columbia Pictures

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Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for The Hollywood Knights (1980). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

During the opening credits, the voice of deejay Surf Sam (Dave Sebastian Williams) from radio station KBLA announces the impending arrival of Halloween night 1965, which brings with it the melancholic news that Tubby’s Drive-In—a beloved hangout of the Hollywood Knights—is closing its doors for good that very evening. An egg suddenly splatters across the name of director Floyd Mutrux.

The leader of the Knights, Newbomb Turk (Robert Wuhl), pulls off a notorious prank involving a dead body on an unsuspecting elderly woman, with the help of a friend cleverly concealed under a tarp atop the borrowed 1965 El Camino from his older brother. Meanwhile, Sally (Fran Drescher) and her friends lounge by the pool—some even sunbathing topless—where Newbomb captures candid photos until they realize he’s there and chase him off.

Officer Bimbeaux (Gailard Sartain) and Officer Clark (Sandy Helberg) meet with their police chief, who cautions them against escalating tensions on this last night at the drive-in. A quick glance reveals the Knights have already vandalized their patrol car with spray paint.

As night falls, three members of the Knights—Wheatly (Randy Gornel), Shorty (Glenn Withrow), and Simpson (P.R. Paul)—gather at Tubby’s Drive-In, questioning the wisdom of borrowing the El Camino. Simpson promises to bring along his custom rail car for the night’s adventure.

In a humorous exchange, Clark muses to Bimbeaux about whether he’d look good in a mustache while singing along to Lawrence of Arabia. Amidst their banter, the Knights enact a cheeky initiation rite requiring their pledges to strip down and retrieve some tires from the trunk—while also requesting a song from DJ Doctor J, who eventually takes over the airwaves.

The plot thickens as the Knights spy from a tree as Sally and her friends arrive at a secret location for a wardrobe change. Just as they remove their bras, Newbomb’s clumsiness exposes their hiding spot, causing the girls to scatter as police swoop in.

At nearby Smitty’s Auto Shop, fellow Knight Duke (Tony Danza) chats with his carhop girlfriend, Suzie Q (Michelle Pfeiffer), about her upcoming screen test and the challenges of juggling her aspirations with her job. Amid an array of kooky characters, the Iron Box Twins (Joyce Heiser and Roberta Wallach) arrive for burgers, only to be interrupted by Newbomb’s ridiculous rendition of “Volare”.

As the night unfolds, the antics escalate. The Knights launch a series of pranks, cheeky encounters, and absurd performances at the school pep rally while remaining a step ahead of the police, whose attempts to enforce the law seem forever thwarted by the Knights’ hijinks.

By 1:00 am, as the festivities wind down, Duke and Suzie affirm their love amidst the chaos, while new Knights are initiated in the trials of the evening. Newbomb and his companions scramble to pull off one last desperate stunt at Tubby’s to earn their jackets. The camaraderie echoes strong, even as time slips away from their carefree youth.

Ultimately, the night culminates in an unforgettable party where the memories and moments resonate deeply—capturing the spirit of an era, vibrant yet fleeting, with Tubby’s Drive-In dimming its lights for the last time as the credits roll.

Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of The Hollywood Knights (1980) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

Announcement of Closure

During the opening credits, the voice of deejay Surf Sam announces the closure of Tubby's Drive-In, a beloved hangout for the Hollywood Knights. This melancholic news sets the stage for a night filled with nostalgia and rebellion as the Knights prepare for one last hurrah.

October 31, 1965 KBLA Radio Station

The Prank on the Elderly Woman

Newbomb Turk pulls off a notorious prank where he uses a borrowed El Camino to place a dead body as a scare tactic on an unsuspecting elderly woman. This prank showcases the Knights' penchant for mischief and sets the tone for their wild antics throughout the night.

Evening Neighborhood

Poolside Antics

At a pool party, Sally and her friends are enjoying a carefree time when Newbomb photographs them without permission. The moment quickly turns into chaos as the girls chase him off, providing a peek into the playful dynamics of teenage life.

Evening Local Pool

Police Chief's Warning

Officers Bimbeaux and Clark receive a warning from their police chief about maintaining order on this tumultuous night. They acknowledge the growing tension, especially after discovering that the Knights vandalized their patrol car.

Evening Police Station

Gathering at Tubby's Drive-In

Three members of the Knights—Wheatly, Shorty, and Simpson—gather at Tubby's Drive-In to discuss their plans for the night. There is an air of excitement and uncertainty as they prepare for a series of adventurous escapades.

Night Tubby's Drive-In

Cheeky Initiation Rite

Through a humorous initiation rite, the Knights require their pledges to strip down and retrieve tires from the trunk of a car. Their playful spirit reveals their strong sense of camaraderie and willingness to embrace absurdity.

Night Tubby's Drive-In

Spy on the Girls

The Knights spy from a tree on Sally and her friends as they change clothes at a secret location. Newbomb's clumsiness leads to a comical scene where the girls scatter in panic as police arrive.

Night Secret Location

Discussion at Smitty's Auto Shop

Duke chats with his carhop girlfriend, Suzie Q, about her aspirations for a screen test. This moment highlights the tensions between dreams and reality, showcasing Duke's support for Suzie amid the night's chaos.

Night Smitty's Auto Shop

Antics at the Pep Rally

The Knights initiate a series of hilarious pranks during the school pep rally. Their ability to outsmart the police illustrates their cleverness and love for mischief, making the event a memorable spectacle.

Night School

Duke and Suzie Affirm Their Love

As the clock strikes 1:00 am and the evening winds down, Duke and Suzie reaffirm their love amidst the chaos of the night. Their intimate moment offers a glimpse of genuine connection amid the lighthearted mischief.

1:00 am Tubby's Drive-In

Final Stunt at Tubby's

In a bid to earn their jackets, Newbomb and his friends scramble to pull off one final stunt at Tubby's Drive-In. This act symbolizes their desire to hold onto their youth and the bonds they've created throughout the evening.

Pre-Dawn Tubby's Drive-In

The Party Intensifies

The night reaches its peak with an unforgettable party at Tubby's Drive-In, filled with laughter and wild memories. The spirit of camaraderie thrives as the Knights celebrate their last night together in the face of impending change.

Late Night Tubby's Drive-In

Time Slips Away

The realization that time is fleeting hits the Knights as they enjoy their last moments at Tubby's. They reflect on the memories created that night, aware that their carefree youth is coming to an end.

Late Night Tubby's Drive-In

Closure of Tubby's Drive-In

As dawn breaks, Tubby's Drive-In dims its lights for the final time. The closure marks the end of an era for the Knights, encapsulating the bittersweet nostalgia of their youthful adventures.

Dawn Tubby's Drive-In

Characters

Explore all characters from The Hollywood Knights (1980). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Newbomb Turk (Robert Wuhl)

Newbomb Turk is the charismatic leader of the Hollywood Knights, known for his outrageous pranks and mischievous spirit. His antics encapsulate the essence of youthful rebellion, as he navigates between playful fun and the consequences of their actions. With a knack for getting into trouble, he also fosters camaraderie among the group, embodying the spirit of the era.

🎭 Leader 😄 Prankster

Duke (Tony Danza)

Duke is a charming member of the Knights, balancing his love for cars with his romantic interest in his girlfriend, Suzie Q. He exemplifies the struggles of young adulthood, attempting to pursue his passions while navigating relationships. His character represents the essence of youthful aspiration amidst the chaos of the night.

❤️ Romance 🚗 Car Enthusiast

Sally (Fran Drescher)

Sally is a spirited character who embodies the free-spirited nature of the 1960s. She enjoys the thrilling antics of the Knights but also showcases the complexities of young womanhood in that era. Her interactions highlight the social dynamics of youth culture, as she balances fun with budding aspirations.

🎉 Free-Spirited 👗 Fashionable

Setting

Learn where and when The Hollywood Knights (1980) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

1965

The movie takes place during Halloween night of 1965, a time marked by youthful adventures and cultural transformation. This period reflects the carefree nature of youth in the 1960s, juxtaposed with the impending end of an era, as evidenced by the closing of iconic hangouts like Tubby's Drive-In. The social dynamics of the time, including the interaction between rebellious youth and authority figures, play a crucial role in shaping the events of the film.

Location

Tubby's Drive-In, Hollywood, Smitty's Auto Shop

Tubby's Drive-In is a beloved hangout spot for the Hollywood Knights, known for its lively atmosphere and memorable events. It represents a slice of 1960s Americana, filled with youthful exuberance and the spirit of rebellion. Smitty's Auto Shop serves as another hub for the Knights, showcasing their love for cars, camaraderie, and the quirky characters that define their adventures.

🍔 Drive-In 🎥 Hollywood 🚗 Auto Shop

Themes

Discover the main themes in The Hollywood Knights (1980). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

🎉

Youthful Rebellion

The theme of youthful rebellion is central to the movie, as the Hollywood Knights engage in pranks and antics that challenge authority. Their carefree approach to life embodies the rebellious spirit of the 1960s, showcasing the importance of friendship and fun in their lives. As they navigate the transition from adolescence to adulthood, their actions reflect a desire to hold on to their youthful freedom.

💔

Nostalgia

Nostalgia permeates the narrative as the film captures the fleeting moments of youth and the bittersweet feeling of change. The closing of Tubby's Drive-In symbolizes the end of an era, evoking a longing for simpler times. The characters’ experiences remind viewers of the significant moments that define one’s adolescence, emphasizing the importance of cherishing memories.

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