Book Vs. Movie: Girls Just Want to Have Fun
The Cyndi Lauper Hit Vs. the Sarah Jessica Parker Movie
The 1985 film *Girls Just Want to Have Fun* is a beloved teen dance comedy inspired by Cyndi Lauper’s iconic song. The story follows Janey Glenn (Sarah Jessica Parker), a dance-loving teen who moves to Chicago with her strict military father. Encouraged by her quirky friend Lynne (Helen Hunt), Janey auditions for the TV show *Dance TV* and teams up with working-class Jeff Malene (Lee Montgomery) to pursue their dance dreams, facing rivals and romance. The film also features Shannen Doherty as Jeff’s sister and Jonathan Silverman as his goofy best friend.
So which did the Margos prefer? The original song by Robert Hazard or the 1985 film? Listen to find out!
In this ep, the Margos discuss:
- The careers of Cyndi Lauper and Robert Hazard in the early 1980s
- How the film was adapted from the song
- The Movie Cast: Sarah Jessica Parker (Janey Glenn,) Helen Hunt (Lynn Stone,) Lee Montgomery (Jeff Malene,) Jonathan Silverman (Drew Boreman,) and Shannon Doherty as Maggie Malene.
Margo’s upcoming book on Saturday Night Fever (pre-order!)
Clips used:
- “Girls” remake song and early scene
- Girls Just Want to Have Fun (1985 trailer)
- Roger Ebert’s 1985 review of Girls Just Want to Have Fun
- Audition scene
- “Dance TV”
- “Party invasion scene”
- Music by Deborah Galli with Tami
Follow us on the socials!
- Join our Patreon page “Book Vs. Movie podcast”
- You can find us on Facebook at Book Vs. Movie Podcast Group
- Instagram: Book Versus Movie @bookversusmovie
- [email protected]
- Margo D’s Blog: Brooklynfitchick.com
- Margo D’s Instagram “Brooklyn Fit Chick”
- Margo D’s TikTok
- Margo D’s YouTube: @MargoDonohue
- Margo P’s Instagram: @shesnachomama
- Margo P’s Blog: coloniabook.com
- Margo P’s YouTube Channel: @shesnachomama
Our logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing
Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine
