Times Square (1980 film)

Times Square (film)

Company type	Film
Industry	Entertainment
Founded	1980
Founder	Allan Moyle
Key people	Allan Moyle (director), Jacob Brackman (screenwriter), Robert Stigwood (producer)
Products	Film, soundtrack album

Times Square is a 1980 American drama film helmed by Allan Moyle, featuring performances by Trini Alvarado and Robin Johnson as teenage runaways from diverse backgrounds, alongside Tim Curry portraying a radio DJ. Set against the backdrop of New York City, the movie embodies a punk rock spirit that reflects youthful defiance against adult control, expressed through its musical elements.

Plot

Nicky Marotta and Pamela Pearl cross paths in a neurological hospital in New York, both undergoing assessments for mental health conditions. Pamela comes from a privileged background as the overlooked daughter of David Pearl, a wealthy commissioner spearheading an initiative to "clean up" Times Square. In contrast, Nicky is a savvy streetwise girl with aspirations in music, admitted after an encounter with law enforcement. Sharing a hospital room, they develop a connection rooted in their differing temperaments and shared dissatisfaction.

Nicky orchestrates Pamela's escape; together they flee by commandeering an ambulance and take refuge in an unused warehouse at Chelsea Piers, vowing mutual support. David reports Pamela missing and accuses Nicky of abduction. The pair survive by engaging in minor thefts and odd jobs while forging a bond with Johnny LaGuardia, a radio DJ who opposes David's gentrification plans and broadcasts on WJAD.

Motivated by LaGuardia, Nicky and Pamela establish an underground punk band named The Sleez Sisters. Their rebellious appearances on WJAD boost their fame and directly challenge David's authority. Conflicts arise as Pamela yearns for stability whereas Nicky remains committed to the band, culminating in a confrontation that triggers Nicky’s emotional collapse and self-harm attempts.

LaGuardia organizes a clandestine late-night rooftop concert in Times Square to galvanize their supporters. Wearing costumes fashioned from garbage bags and masks resembling bandits, The Sleez Sisters perform atop the marquee as crowds assemble below. When law enforcement arrives, Nicky evades capture by leaping into blankets held by fans and disappears into the night, embodying youthful resistance amid urban transformation.

Development

The film Times Square was directed by Allan Moyle, with a screenplay penned by Jacob Brackman based on a narrative conceived by Moyle and Leanne Ungar. The story draws inspiration from a diary discovered inside a second-hand sofa, depicting the experiences of a troubled young woman living on the streets.

Moyle characterized the lead character as someone who "would enter bars—despite being underage—but would end up arrested, with no intention of reaching 21."

Initially titled "She's Got the Shakes," Moyle’s original script attracted actor Tim Curry, prompting Brackman to revise the screenplay. Producer Robert Stigwood, known for hit musical films such as Saturday Night Fever and Grease, backed the project. Moyle remarked that Stigwood’s team was "very attentive to the script" and eager to move forward after another venture collapsed.

Casting

Although Tim Curry’s role was secondary and filmed over two days, his established stature earned him top billing above leads 15-year-old Robin Johnson and 13-year-old Trini Alvarado. Johnson’s casting was unconventional; she was approached by an alleged talent scout while skipping class, but no one involved with the production recognized him, making her discovery somewhat serendipitous.

Filming

Production commenced in October 1979 in New York, operating with a budget of $6 million. This project was planned as the initial installment among four films produced by Robert Stigwood set in New York, with subsequent titles including The Fan, Angel, and Staying Alive.

Post-production

The initial version of Times Square featured more overt lesbian themes, which were largely excised from the released cut, although the film maintained its core as a lesbian love story. Director Allan Moyle disclosed during the DVD commentary that these edits compromised the film’s artistic vision. Producer Robert Stigwood advocated for the inclusion of additional "unsuitable" songs and demanded a double album soundtrack to enhance commercial viability, aiming to emulate the success achieved by Saturday Night Fever.

Both Moyle and lead actress Robin Johnson observed that these alterations disrupted the film’s narrative coherence and emotional resonance, awkwardly shifting emphasis from Pamela to Nicky and diminishing the gritty, documentary-like atmosphere. Moyle departed before post-production concluded; remaining scenes were managed by others to accommodate changes tied to the soundtrack, such as the segment depicting teenagers preparing for the Sleez Sisters’ concluding concert.

Although this was not Moyle’s preferred final version, he recognized the film’s significance in documenting a gritty Times Square prior to its extensive cleanup in the mid-1990s.

Release

Marketed with slogans such as "In the heart of Times Square, a poor girl becomes famous, a rich girl becomes courageous, and both become friends" and "TIMES SQUARE is the music of the streets," the film aimed to resonate with urban youth culture.

Reaction

Upon its debut, Times Square failed to achieve success both commercially and critically. Roger Ebert described it as "a good idea that fails," pointing out lost potential due to screenplay shortcomings. Despite generally unfavorable reviews, Robin Johnson’s performance was singled out for commendation. She secured an exclusive three-year contract with RSO Records, which intended to position her as "the female John Travolta." However, anticipated projects never came to fruition; Johnson eventually exited acting for alternative careers.

Allan Moyle later reflected on his challenging experience directing this film and did not helm another project until 1990’s Pump Up the Volume.

Cult reputation

Since its initial screening, Times Square has developed a devoted cult audience, especially within gay and lesbian film festival circuits, owing to its subtle depiction of a lesbian relationship between the two female protagonists. Kathleen Hanna of Bikini Kill and Le Tigre has named it among her favorite films.

The Welsh rock band Manic Street Preachers covered "Damn Dog," a song from the film, on their debut album Generation Terrorists (1992), although it was omitted from the U.S. edition. A live rendition was included on the album’s 20th Anniversary Edition (2012). Additionally, they titled their 1993 track "Roses in the Hospital" after a line from the movie and incorporated visual motifs inspired by Nicky Marotta in their promotional materials.

Home video

In 2000, Anchor Bay Entertainment released Times Square on DVD, featuring director Allan Moyle and Robin Johnson’s audio commentary alongside the original theatrical trailer. A director’s cut is unlikely due to missing footage. Kino Lorber issued a 4K remastered Blu-ray version in May 2022.

Soundtrack

The movie’s soundtrack was issued as a double album on September 8, 1980, by RSO Records, showcasing a lineup of punk rock and new wave musicians such as the Ramones, the Cure, XTC, Lou Reed, Gary Numan, Talking Heads, Joe Jackson, Suzi Quatro, Roxy Music, Patti Smith, and the Pretenders. Bill Oakes served as producer for this collection, which combines previously released tracks with original compositions created specifically for the film.

Among the prominent songs are Suzi Quatro’s "Rock Hard," recognized as the favorite record of the main characters; the closing duet "Help Me!" performed by Robin Gibb and Marcy Levy; and Gary Numan’s Tubeway Army’s "Down in the Park." Additionally, the soundtrack includes original numbers delivered by cast members Robin Johnson and Trini Alvarado.

While The Cars’ "Dangerous Type" is featured within the film itself, it does not appear on the official soundtrack release. The album ultimately achieved a higher profile than the film and became a sought-after collector’s item among new wave enthusiasts due to its inclusion of XTC’s exclusive track "Take This Town," which was also issued as a single alongside the Ruts’ "Babylon’s Burning."

Director Allan Moyle revealed that David Bowie was initially approached to contribute a song; however, contractual complications prevented its addition to the soundtrack. Bowie collaborated with Desmond Child on "The Night Was Not," which is featured on the album as performed by Desmond Child & Rouge. Speculation regarding Bowie re-recording "Life on Mars?" for this project remains unconfirmed.

Track listing

All tracks were produced in 1980 unless otherwise specified.

Charts

Chart (1981)	Peak position
Australia (Kent Music Report)	56
USA (Billboard Top LPs)	37