Hi-Tops (film)
| Hi-Tops | |
|---|---|
| Directed by |
Ernie Rettino Debby Kerner Rettino |
| Produced by |
Ernie Rettino Debby Kerner Rettino |
| Written by |
Ernie Rettino Debby Kerner Rettino |
| Starring | Crystal Lewis |
| Music by |
Ernie Rettino Debby Kerner Rettino |
| Distributed by |
Maranatha Music Word Inc |
| Release dates | 1985 (USA) |
| Running time | 88 min. |
| Country |
 United States |
| Language | English |
Hi-Tops is a 1985 Christian movie musical about the lives of several high school students and a trio of angels who are sent to Earth to experience and study peer pressure. The film was originally a successful stage production that toured nationally.
The name of the musical, and of the eponymous band that figures in the plot, is derived from the high-top style of shoes popular among youth in the mid-1980s.
Plot[1]
Three angels are sent to Earth by Gabriel on a "fact finding mission" to blend in with the teenagers at a high school and learn first hand what peer pressure is. At the same time, Lucifer shows up to try to win some souls for his side. Chaos ensues, and so does a lot of music and dancing. All the main teenage characters, except the angels, are trying out to be in a band called "Hi-Tops". There are a few sub plots involving nerds, high school sweethearts, cheating on tests, taking drugs, etc.
Cast
As credited at the conclusion of the film:
| Character | Name |
|---|---|
| Norman J. Pitts | Jeff Carter |
| Ginny Alexander | Cheryl Dieda |
| Lewy/Lucifer | Daniel Walters |
| Heather Hanson | Michelle Rees |
| Tony Mizzarelli | Scott Richardson |
| Grace | Jennine Jones |
| Twinn Finn | Matt Wright |
| Lily from the Valley | Crystal Lewis |
| Gabriel | Robb Rigg |
| Maggie | Maria Andrade |
| Hi-Tops Leader | Phil Davis |
| Lisa Louise LeBlanc | Holly Saunders |
| Mr. Quirk | Alan Smith |
| Travis | Ben Goodner |
| Lisa | Lisa Walker |
| Hi-Tops Dancer | Noah Penn |
| Hi-Tops Dancer | Jody Williams |
| Hi-Tops Dancer | Angel Smythe |
| Emily | Emily Olinger |
| Guardian Angel | Robert Smith |
| Sam | David Hare |
Songs[2]
| Song | Featured Singers | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Overture | |
| 2. | Father of Lights | |
| 3. | The Fight Song | Hi-Tops Leader (Phil Davis) |
| 4. | Fads | Ensemble |
| 5. | Don't Think About the Consequences | Lewy (Daniel Walters) |
| 6. | Stand Back | Heather Hanson (Michelle Rees) |
| 7. | The Love Song for Two Nerds | Norman J. Pitts (Jeff Carter) & Grace (Jennine Jones) |
| 8. | I Wanna Be in the Band | Ensemble |
| 9. | Nobody Knows What It's Like to be Alone | Norman J. Pitts (Jeff Carter) |
| 10. | Take Off Your Mask | Ensemble |
Notes
- CCM artist Crystal Lewis appears in her acting debut as an angel disguised as a valley girl.
- Ernie Rettino and Debby Kerner Rettino, who wrote and produced this production, also created Psalty the Singing Song Book.
- Two of the actors, Jeff Carter and Michelle Rees, were later married. Their family, "The Carters," appeared on Family Feud when it was hosted by Ray Combs. The Carters won three times, winning a total of $11,947. On the second show, Michelle's sister-in-law Joni became only the third person ever to win "fast money" (the final round) all by herself by accumulating 216 points.
References
- ↑ "Hitops-DVD". Psaltyskidsstore.stores.yahoo.net. Retrieved 2012-05-28.
- ↑ "Hitops Cast Album". Psaltyskidsstore.stores.yahoo.net. Retrieved 2012-02-21.