In the landscape of 1980s cinema, there were plenty of irreverent, boundary-pushing comedies that became a staple of the era’s teen-oriented films. Among these, The First Turn-On! (1983) stands out as a significant entry in the genre, produced by the infamous Troma Entertainment. Known for its outrageous, low-budget movies that blend comedy, exploitation, and horror, Troma carved out a unique niche in the film industry, appealing to fans of offbeat and unconventional cinema. The First Turn-On! is emblematic of Troma’s style, delivering a raunchy, humor-driven story that doesn’t shy away from provocative content.
This article takes a closer look at The First Turn-On!, breaking down its plot, characters, and thematic elements while also discussing its cultural impact and legacy.
Plot Overview
The plot of The First Turn-On! is simple but serves as a framework for a series of comedic vignettes. The film is set at Camp Big-Tee-Pee, a rundown summer camp where a group of teenagers finds themselves trapped in a cave after a hiking accident. With no immediate way out and nothing else to do, the group passes the time by sharing stories of their first romantic encounters. These flashbacks, told by the characters themselves, are filled with humor, awkwardness, and over-the-top scenarios that exemplify the film’s tone.
Act 1: Introduction to Camp Big-Tee-Pee
The movie begins with an introduction to the main characters at Camp Big-Tee-Pee. The camp is depicted as a chaotic place, managed by counselors who are either completely uninterested in their duties or comically incompetent. Among the campers, we meet an eclectic group of teenagers, each with their own quirks and personalities. The head counselor, Michelle (played by Georgia Harrell), attempts to maintain order but is quickly overwhelmed by the mischief and chaos that unfold.
During a group hike led by Michelle, the campers explore a nearby cave. Their curiosity quickly turns to panic when a rockslide traps them inside. Faced with the possibility of being stuck for a long time, the group decides to share stories of their “first times” to pass the time. This setup leads into the film’s primary narrative device: a series of flashbacks that allow each character to recount their own awkward and humorous experiences.
Act 2: The Flashbacks
The bulk of The First Turn-On! is comprised of flashbacks that delve into each character’s past. These stories are presented in a vignette style, with each segment focusing on a different character and their romantic misadventures. The tone of these flashbacks is firmly rooted in comedy, with the film playing up the ridiculousness and absurdity of the situations.
- Henry’s Flashback: Henry, the stereotypical “nerd” character, recounts his story first. His tale is about an encounter that starts innocently enough but quickly spirals into chaos due to a series of misunderstandings. The humor in Henry’s story comes from his awkwardness and the exaggerated circumstances that prevent things from going smoothly.
- Danny’s Flashback: Danny’s story revolves around a high school crush. He remembers trying to impress a girl, only for his nerves and inexperience to lead to a series of comedic blunders. The story ends in a way that humorously subverts his expectations, highlighting the film’s tendency to play with traditional narrative tropes.
- Jane’s Flashback: Jane, the “girl next door,” tells a story that takes place during a school field trip. Her encounter is filled with interruptions and unexpected obstacles, which heightens the comedic tension. The film uses slapstick elements and physical comedy to keep the tone light and playful, even as the situation becomes increasingly absurd.
- Sheila’s Flashback: Sheila, one of the more confident characters, recounts a time when she attempted to take charge of a romantic situation. Her story is marked by exaggerated flirtation and misunderstandings that lead to a humorous conclusion. The sequence plays with the dynamic of who’s in control, adding another layer to the comedy.
- Tony’s Flashback: Tony, the tough guy, tells a story filled with bravado. His tale involves an attempt to impress someone older, which, predictably, does not go according to plan. The vignette pokes fun at Tony’s self-image, contrasting his tough exterior with the comical outcome of his attempts.
Act 3: The Escape and Resolution
After the characters finish sharing their stories, the film returns to the present, where the group remains trapped in the cave. As time passes, the situation grows more desperate, and the campers begin to turn on one another, leading to a series of humorous conflicts. However, the shared experience of recounting their pasts eventually brings them closer together, and they start working as a team.
In a last-minute twist, the group discovers a hidden passage that leads them out of the cave. They emerge just as the camp’s staff, who had been completely unaware of the campers’ predicament, realizes they’re missing and scrambles to organize a rescue. The movie ends with the group’s return to camp, their bond strengthened by the ordeal, while the clueless counselors remain oblivious to the chaos they left behind.
Characters and Archetypes
The First Turn-On! features a cast of characters that are deliberately drawn from the archetypes common to 1980s teen comedies. Each character embodies exaggerated traits that make them both recognizable and ripe for comedic exploitation.
- Henry (Archie Hahn): Henry is the quintessential “nerd,” characterized by his social awkwardness and lack of experience. His flashback serves as a classic example of how the film uses physical comedy and exaggerated situations to highlight the anxieties and insecurities that many teens face.
- Danny (John F. Goff): Danny represents the everyman, someone who is neither overly confident nor particularly timid. His flashback is relatable in its depiction of teenage awkwardness, with a focus on the universal experience of first crushes and the blunders that come with them.
- Jane (Florence Lacey): Jane is portrayed as the innocent “girl next door,” whose story focuses on the comedy of unfulfilled expectations. Her character’s journey through her flashback highlights the humorous disconnect between romantic ideals and reality.
- Sheila (Carole Davis): Sheila is confident, assertive, and determined to take charge of her romantic encounters. Her flashback is a playful subversion of traditional gender roles, with the film using humor to explore the dynamics of control and attraction.
- Tony (Albert Insinnia): Tony is the tough guy, full of bravado and swagger. His story pokes fun at his exaggerated masculinity, contrasting his self-image with the less-than-impressive outcome of his romantic efforts.
- Michelle (Georgia Harrell): Michelle, the head counselor, is well-meaning but hopelessly out of her depth. Her inability to control the campers or manage the camp’s various crises provides much of the film’s humor, positioning her as a figure of authority who is anything but authoritative.
Themes and Style
While The First Turn-On! is primarily a comedy designed to entertain with its outrageous scenarios and risqué humor, it also explores a few themes that give the film a bit more depth.
- Sexual Awakening and Exploration: At its core, The First Turn-On! is about the awkwardness and humor of sexual awakening. Each character’s flashback is a reflection of their journey through the confusing and often embarrassing experiences of adolescence. The film approaches these themes with a light touch, using comedy to deflate the tension and awkwardness associated with growing up.
- The Absurdity of Adolescence: The film captures the absurdity of adolescence by exaggerating the characters’ experiences to comedic extremes. Whether it’s through physical comedy, slapstick humor, or outlandish situations, The First Turn-On! highlights the often ridiculous nature of teenage life.
- Satire of Authority: Like many Troma films, The First Turn-On! satirizes authority figures, particularly the camp counselors and staff, who are portrayed as inept and clueless. This portrayal serves to undermine traditional power structures, appealing to the film’s young audience by portraying adults as comically out of touch.
- Memory and Storytelling: The film’s structure, which relies on characters telling stories from their past, allows for a playful exploration of memory and storytelling. Each flashback is filtered through the character’s perspective, often leading to exaggeration or selective recall. This adds a layer of subjectivity to the narrative, emphasizing the idea that our memories, especially of our formative years, are often colored by how we want to remember them.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
The First Turn-On! was not a box office hit upon its release, but it has since gained a following among fans of cult cinema and Troma Entertainment. The film’s combination of raunchy humor, absurd situations, and low-budget charm has made it a favorite among those who appreciate offbeat and unconventional films.
The film is also significant for being part of Troma’s early catalog, helping to establish the company’s brand of irreverent and boundary-pushing content. Over the years, Troma has become synonymous with a particular type of independent filmmaking that values creativity, humor, and shock value over mainstream appeal. The First Turn-On! is a prime example of this ethos, and its place in Troma’s history ensures its continued relevance in the world of cult cinema.
Conclusion
The First Turn-On! is a film that encapsulates the spirit of 1980s teen comedies while also showcasing the unique style of Troma Entertainment. Its blend of raunchy humor, exaggerated characters, and irreverent satire makes it a standout in the genre, even if it never achieved mainstream success. For fans of cult cinema and those interested in the evolution of independent film, The First Turn-On! offers a glimpse into a time when filmmakers were unafraid to push boundaries and challenge conventions, all while delivering a good laugh.
Though its content may not be for everyone, the film remains an important part of Troma’s legacy and a beloved entry in the canon of cult comedies. Its mix of humor, absurdity, and nostalgia ensures that The First Turn-On! will continue to find an audience among those who appreciate the offbeat and unconventional side of cinema.
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