Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
Throughout film history, there has always been a lack of movies where women take center stage and their daily lives are the main focus. It was a minor miracle that, back in 1980, we got four of these girl-power films in the same year. The films feature women of different backgrounds, ages, classes, and locations; yet they all share the same rebellious spirit. Whether it be a sexist, egotistical, hypocritical bigot, an overbearing parent, or societal pressures, these women are willing to stand up against their oppressors.
In the 1980s, music took on an increasingly important role in film, and this series highlights that trend. Musical legends Dolly Parton and Cherie Currie take on major acting roles, and the series features music from artists including John Lennon, Blondie, Donna Summer, and The Ramones. The music brings a unique energy that can be felt in every frame.
Calgary Cinematheque proudly brings together these four hard-to-find and underappreciated films on their 45th anniversary for our Girls Just Wanna Have Fun series.
Series Films
9 to 5 (1980)
Directed by Colin Higgins
May 8, 2025
The big screen debut of cultural icon Dolly Parton, this Oscar-nominated (Best Original Song) mega box office hit proved to studios that a film led by women could become a major success. Three office workers (Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda, and Lily Tomlin) are sick and tired of their boss taking advantage of them—both professionally and personally—and decide to fight back. They bring their revenge fantasies to life in this hilarious comedy that changed both the game and the workplace forever.
Little Darlings (1980)
Directed by Ronald F. Maxwell
May 15, 2025
At summer camp, two 15-year-old rivals from different walks of life are pressured by their fellow campers into competing in a contest: the first girl to lose her virginity will be declared the winner. While the premise sounds like something out of the American Pie franchise, this film has more in common with a coming-of-age drama than a screwball comedy.
Foxes (1980)
Directed by Adrian Lyne
May 22, 2025
This coming-of-age story follows four teenagers living in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley. The film exudes punk rock energy, thanks to an outstanding performance by rock legend Cherie Currie of The Runaways. The four girls face a myriad of challenges: a divorced mom who's dating again, abusive boyfriends, addiction, and party-crashing classmates. While the teens long to appear mature, things never quite go as planned. The film perfectly captures the malaise of early adulthood—too young for sophisticated dinner parties, too old for childish games.
Times Square (1980)
Directed by Directed by Allan Moyle
April 2, 2025
This film follows two girls from opposite sides of the track who find themselves confined to the same mental hospital. One is there due to a run-in with the police, the other sent by her prominent father. The two develop a bond and decide to escape and run away to the streets of Times Square, New York.
Burnt Money (2000)