A Tribute to local legend John Hughes

John Hughes, iconic 1980s director, died yesterday. Hughes was something of a local legend. His movies went on to become classics and were all set in fictional Shermerville, Illinois, loosely based on Hughes' upbringing in nearby Northbrook. Often referred to as Brat Pack films, Hughes' teen-oriented movies were set in the suburubs outside Chicago explored various teenage archetypes and aspects of teen identity. I was too young to really appreciate his movies at the time, but I would later discover them a decade later as a teen in the 90s. Check out these five great moments from classic Hughes films by NPR.

Revisit or explore for the first time one of these classic Hughes films, available through the library or through interlibrary loan:

The Breakfast Club (1985)
The story follows five high school students, each from a different school clique, as they spend a Saturday in detention. The Princess. The Athlete. The Basketcase. The Criminal. The Brain. Through their time in detention they come to learn that they are all so much more than their high school stereotypes. Staring 1980s film greats like Molly Ringwald and Emilio Estevez and featuring an amazing 80s soundtrack.










Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
Starring Matthew Broderick, this Hughes classic follows high school senior Ferris Bueller as he decides to skip school and spend a day cavorting with his friends in down town Chicago. The city of Chicago features prominently in this film. Scenes are shot in nearby attractions like the Art Institute, Wrigley Field, and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange.






Pretty in Pink (1986)
Named after the Psychadelic Furs song, Molly Ringwald plays New Wave teenager Andie Walsh from the wrong side of the tracks. Andie falls in love with wealthy, popular Blane McDonough (played by Andrew McCarthy) and when they get together, they have to answer to the disapproval of their respective social cliques. Features yet another excellent 1980s New Wave soundtrack.