by Dave (Twitter: @80sReboot)
My #ThankfulForThe80s journey continues with a brief discussion of my first memorable Hollywood star crush. I was born in 1970 and the late 70's and early 80's afforded me the opportunity to appreciate what we would describe as the "girl next door" type on the podcast. I think this is a misnomer in my latter life as the "girl next door" type has become the girl you wish lived next to you type, you know the type the wink-wink-nudge-nudge type, but Kristy McNichol was someone different to me. She was very cute and I indeed wished she lived next door as she seemed to be just someone very cool to hang out with. I would think more Winnie Cooper-ish girl next door type beauty and coolness, if that makes sense. If she came into my room and said let's play with your Empire Strikes Back action figures and you can be Han Solo and then later we can watch Thundercats, I wouldn't have to kiss her at that point as I would have been instantly in love forever. She just seems like a Hollywood star most likely to be cool with just hanging out with and wasting a day either geeking out or doing anything with.
I was all in with most of the movies that starred Kristy in the 1980's, kicked off the decade with Little Darlings as the tough yet sensitive Angel, Only When I Laugh as Polly Hines, The Pirate Movie as Mabel Stanley, Just the Way You Are as Susan Berlanger. I know those entries went chronological except my absolute favorite The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia as the absolutely perfect Amanda Child. Yes, I was jealous of Mark Hammill at the end of this movie, was it absolutely necessary to remove your uniform before driving off with my girl?
My favorite song from The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia? I am sure you would think "I Need You Strong For Me" or "Baby, Bye-Bye" but actually it was "Hangin' Up the Gun" a duet with Dennis Quaid. Even to this day, I still enjoy listening to this song and watching this movie scene.
Bonus Video - Let's not forget this gem from The Pirate Movie
What is your favorite 80's moment with Kristy McNichol? Let us know in the comments below or email to 80sReboot@gmail.com