Hollywood Knights CONSPIRACY THEORY

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It has been years since I've seen Hollywood Knights, but I used to watch it over and over again (it was my cousin's favorite movie back in the early 1980s, and nearly every time we had a sleepover, it went into the VCR). It was a very funny movie, and one of the real underrated comedies of the period. But now that I look back on the film and remember the scenes, I think dsimpson41 may be onto something. Back when I used to watch it, even though I was only 12, 13, 14, I used to think the Danza/Pfeiffer scenes seemed out of place in the movie. I also agree with some of the people on the board who feel like the Jimmy Shine scenes seem tacked on, too (even though they were poignant and added real drama to the film). I've never seen a DVD commentary or read any "making of" accounts of this film, so I can't say for sure that this was the case. But Hollywood Knights always seemed to me like two different movies - mostly comedy, but some drama kind of thrown in for good measure. The comedy works. The drama is a mixed bag (Pfeiffer/Danza seemed pointless, but Jimmy Shine added to the film, IMO). I wouldn't be surprised if there's just a straight 100% comedy version of this film floating around out there somewhere, a shorter version (i.e., without the Danza/Pfeiffer and Jimmy Shine scenes).


"You can dish it out, but you got so you can't take it no more." - Caesar Enrico Bandello

Having viewed the film with the commentary on(of the director) I'd have to say while this theory seems to have some basis...the commentary sort of knocks it down. When you listen to the track you get the sense that these two separate things were done that way on purpose...to create two parallel storylines. They each served their own purpose. With that being said the OP still might be on to something and as his reasons are sound. To top that off I also preferred the Newbomb scenes and didn't think much of the Pfeiffer/Danza scenes.

"I am Reality"

The scenes with Danz and Pfeiffer were done at the same time as the rest of the movie. Danza was the only "name." There was a portion of the film that took place at a high school, but it all cut from te film.

Hmmm. You may be right. We'll never know though. I liked the Danza/Pfieffer scenes.

I doubt that your theory holds true. Only because when Newbomb sees Tarzan for the 1st time in the film, Tarzan asks about where Duke was (Danza's Character). And Newbomb says "I don't know,who cares" & I think the 2 story lines are separate because Danza's character was older and more concerned about Jimmy Shine going to Vietnam & Phifer's Character going to her audition than about playing the prankster role. It gave the movie some heart. Just my thoughts, Hope they help

Michelle Phieffer was unknown at this time, the same for Robert Wohl and Fran Dresher.

The only "known" person in this film was Tony Danza who was a a very minor tv star on "Taxi."

They're obviously ripping off "American Grafetti" so that's what the parallel story lines are all about.

But you're right in that we never see Danza interact with the other members of the film. Danza doesn't even fit in this movie, it's like what is Tony Banta doing there? And his character's part seems like a separate movie at times.

It could be that the Danza part was just tacked on like you said to showcase at least one person with name recognition.

Did you know that a line was cut from their scenes that would have honored a classic Elton John song?

Michelle Pfeiffer: Hold me closer, Tony Danza!


My people skills are fine. It's my tolerance of morons that needs work.