Little Darlings

Two fifteen-year-olds arriving at summer camp, Ferris from money and Angel from a working-class neighbourhood, are set against each other on the first day. The other girls make a bet between them: which will go to bed with someone first. Both accept, because backing out is worse. Ronald F. Maxwell sets it up like a comedy and ends somewhere else entirely, with both girls realising they are not ready and the bet winning nobody anything. Tatum O'Neal and Kristy McNichol star, with a young Matt Dillon in support. The film was unusual for its moment in telling sexual pressure from the girls' point of view and choosing honesty over shame. Who it is for: anyone curious about eighties youth films and stories of the period told from a girl's view. Who it is not for: viewers uncomfortable with a story built on the sexuality of minors.