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General Information
Poster for The Best of Times
Directed by
Roger Spottiswoode

Screenplay by
Ron Shelton

Music Composed by
Arthur B. Rubinstein

Theatrical Release Date
January 31, 1986

DVD Release Date
February 2, 1999

Production Companies
Cinema Group Ventures, Kings Road Entertainment, Universal Pictures

Distribution Company
Universal Pictures

Summary

In 1972, hoping for a shot at glory, underdog Taft High challenged its meanest rival, Bakersfield, to the annual football game. But when Jack "Butterfingers" Dundee dropped the ball instead of making the big play, Taft was defeated and star Reno Hightower has never let him live it down. Now, 13 years later, Dundee wants the chance to redeem himself, no matter what it takes! His only solution is to play Bakersfield again... with the same team. But for the Taft team, getting into shape could not be tougher... and Bakersfield is loaded!

Trailer
Quotes

Reno
Okay Jack, you tell the Caribou whatever you want, but I'm gonna tell you something. You're a low-life, blackmailing, chicken-shit squid.
Jack
Low-life, blackmailing, chicken-shit squid? Welcome aboard, Reno.

Reno
She's gonna leave me as soon as I fix her car.
Jack
You're gonna fix it?
Reno
Hell no! I love her.

Jack
Elly, I have a new move for you.
Elly
Oh? Show me.
Jack
It's part Smokey Robinson, part Gladys Knight, but it's all me. Jack... Aquarius... gotta gotta gotta gotta, satisfy.
Elly
Sort of a white 'Pip', I love it.
Jack
Mr. Weasel's here!

Jack
You better watch it, Dr. Death! I'm pretty damn fast fora Caucasian.

Jack
Come and get me sucka!

Main Cast

Robin Williams
Jack Dundee

Kurt Russell
Reno Hightower

Pamela Reed
Gigi Hightower

Holly Palance
Elly Dundee

Donald Moffat
The Colonel

Taglines

A film with a catch (or two).

Haven't you ever done something in your life you wish you could do over again... and this time do it right? After fourteen years, Jack finally has a chance to replay the worst moment of his life. But first, he has to convince Reno that history won't repeat itself.

A comedy about life, hope, and getting even.

Filming Info

Locations
Taft, CA
Moorpark, CA
(Moorpark High School)

International Release Dates

West Germany
April 30, 1987

Sweden
July 25, 1995 (TV premiere)

International Titles

Brazil
A Última Chance

Portugal
A Brigada do Reumático

Finland
Kasan alimmainen

France
La dernière passe (video title)

Spain
Los Buenos tiempos

Poland
Najlepsze czasy

Croatia
Najljepsa vremena

West Germany
Rocket Man - Der Beste aller Zeiten

Italy
Tempi migliori

Finland
Viimeinen ottelu

Media Availability

This title is available on:

DVD
Video

Box Office Details

Gross
$7,790,931 (USA)
$26,383 (international)
$7,817,314 (total)

Opening Weekend
$2,419,800 (872 theaters)

Widest Release
872 theaters