JUST ONE OF THE GIRLS

US, 1993, 94 minutes, Colour.
Corey Haim, Nicole Eggert, Molly Parker.
Directed by Michael Keusch.

Just one of the Girls is a very light, teenage variation on the theme popularised in Tootsie and Mrs Doubtfire, the man masquerading as a woman. Cory Haim is a student bullied by the boys at school, decides to get into the school and follow his music career disguised as a girl. He deceives teachers, one of the bullies who falls in love with him, his possible girlfriend. Ultimately, of course, he gets into all kinds of tangles and eventually is unmasked - or does the right thing in telling people the truth. The film is aimed at a teenage audience -who get something of a thrill out of the shenanigans of the characters. The film exploits jokes about sexual identity in a stereotyped way, although the father expresses himself as a liberal. A film reflecting some of the popular attitudes as well as some of the confusions of the 90s.

1. Entertaining comedy of disguise and role-playing? Designed for the very young audience?

2. The title and expectations?

3. Homes, college, musical studios, sports events? The familiar world of American high schools? The musical score and Chris's love of music?

4. Chris, his music, relationship with his mother and father, his sister, his best friend? Being bullied? The decision to disguise himself as a girl, help from his sister? His best friend knowing? In class, at the gym, in the shower-room? The expected jokes? Friendship with Marie and deceiving her? The gym teacher and her apprehension about the possible lesbian affection? Kurt falling in love with him, his leading Kurt on and trying to get him to change his bullying ways? In the cheerleaders squad? The confusions with the teacher, with his parents and their discovery, Marie's visit, the camp, his having to tell the truth? The variety of reactions? His continuing with his music?

5. The film's themes about men and women, sexual identity, stereotypes, homosexuality? Playing the stereotyped themes and jokes? A more tolerant attitude in some of the characterisations?

6. Marie, the cheerleader, clashes with Kurt, the other boys ? Chris, confidentiality? Her anger at the truth? The reconciliation?

7. Kurt, the louts at the school, bullying the boys, flirting with the girls? Kurt and his attraction to Chris, wanting to date her, their serious talks? The jokes about bringing out his feminine side? Finding out the truth and his embarrassment? The reaction of the other boys? The possibility of a fight, reconciliation?

8. Chris's best friend, being bullied, helping him with the disguise?

9. The parents, their attitudes? Chris's sister and her help? The father training his son to box? Finding out the truth, his angers? Reconciliation?

10. The teachers and their perceptions, wanting to help, the gym teacher urging Chris to be honest?

11. A treatment of serious themes geared for a high school audience?