Main Cast: Mariel Hemingway, Scott Glenn, Patrice Donnelly, Kenny Moore, Jim Moody
Release Year: 1982
Country: US
Run Time: 130 minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Plot
In 1982, there was a brief cycle of homosexual-relationship films, none of which were successful enough to form the basis of a trend. Producer/director/writer Robert Towne's Personal Best is one of the finest. It stars Mariel Hemingway and Patrice Donnelly as athletes participating in the 1980 Olympics. Growing ever closer during the training process, Chris (Hemingway) and Tory (Donnelly) fall in love. Up to this point, Chris has been "straight," thus has trouble sustaining the relationship with older Tory. Their relationship is counterbalanced with the attitudes held by their male coach, Terry (Scott Glenn). While the homosexual element of the film is secondary to the endless shots of athletes in training, the critics latched on to the film's romantic angle, which may have sabotaged its chances for box-office success (the world was a different place in 1982). Personal Best was the directorial debut for Robert Towne, who was not to direct another film until 1987's Tequila Sunrise. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Kari Gosswiller - Penny; Luana Anders - Rita Cahill; Jodi Anderson - Nadia Pooch Anderson; Maren Seidler - Tanya; Martha Watson - Sheila; Emily Dole - Maureen; Len Dawson - Announcer; George de la Pena - Raoul; Jan Glotzer - Karen; Deby La Plante - Trish; Mitzi McMillin - Laura; Robert Patten - Colin Sales; Larry Pennell - Mr. Cahill; Frank Shorter - TV Announcer; Pam Spencer - Jan; Apollonia Van Ravenstein - Yelovitch; Anna Biller; Richard Martini - Meet Manager; John Smith - Men's Team Member; Charlie Jones
Credit
Linda Henrikson - Costume Designer, Ron Heilman - Costume Designer, Jerry Grandey - First Assistant Director, Robert Towne - Director, Jacqueline Cambas - Editor, Jere Huggins - Editor, Ned Humphreys - Editor, Walt Mulconery - Editor, Bud Smith - Editor, David Geffen - Executive Producer, Jill Fraser - Composer (Music Score), Jack Nitzsche - Composer (Music Score), Christina Smith - Makeup, Carl Silvera - Makeup, Ron Hobbs - Production Designer, Rick Carter - Production Designer, Michael Chapman - Cinematographer, Allan Gornick, Jr. - Cinematographer, Robert Towne - Producer, Rick Simpson - Set Designer, Dale Newkirk - Special Effects, Bruce Bisenz - Sound/Sound Designer, J.Paul Huntsman - Sound Editor, Norval D. Crutcher Jr. - Sound Editor, Robert Towne - Screenwriter
In 1988, Myrrh Records released Benny Hester's album entitled Personal Best. The project is a collection of 15 of Hester's best-loved songs, including "Nobody Knows Me Like You" and "When God Ran." A combination of CCM and 1970s and 1980s pop sounds, the album features a number of musical styles, including reflective ballads and upbeat, almost rock-flavored tracks. ~ Ashleigh Kittle, All Music Guide
The movie was praised by critics for providing a realistic look at the world of women's athletics, for exploring the complex relationships that can exist among teammates and their coach, and for its sensitive portrayal of the relationship between an older lesbian (Donnelly) and a younger bisexual woman (Hemingway). Despite good reviews, it flopped at the box-office.
References in popular culture
The lesbian relationship in the movie is referenced by Ross Geller in an episode of the fourth season of Friends; paranoid that his current girlfriend will be drawn to his ex-wife's current lover, Susan, he cites the heavy sexual tension that can exist during shared exercise, adding "Didn't you see Personal Best?" An intrigued Joey Tribbiani responds, "No, but I'm gonna!"
The lesbian relationship is also referenced in episode 10 of the first series of American Dad, and in the 1997 Ellen episode "The Puppy Episode".
The band "Team Dresch" has an album called "Personal Best" in reference to the film.
