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KIMI PECK STORY • Copyright © 2009 Kimi Peck

So, now Tehachapi folks have recently rallied around Kimi Peck and her wonderful work helping homeless animals. She is now seen as a Southern California and Kern County hero and an angel of inspiration for local folks who seek to follow her example. She has often paid for her neighbors to have their dogs spayed and neutered and gives them healthy dog food when in this difficult economy they can't afford to buy their own.

This film impressed me so much back then that I not only made all my friends and family see it, but I drove all the way to Georgia to see where it was filmed.

It's not just about sex - it's about the two ways you can look at sex when approaching puberty. The wrong way - the Ferris Whitney way - is to romanticize it like Romeo and Juliette. The other wrong way -- Angel's way and the way I saw it at the time -- is to see it as something scary, invasive, animalistic, and biological which is approaching to seize you, engulf you, and reprogram you into a mindless reproduction-machine.

Of the eight characters, only Angel discovers the truth: "God, it was so... PERSONAL, like you could see right through me". Sex turns out not to be storybook romance OR a tyrannical usurping of your body by the Forces of Evolution, but something very, very, very, very real, immediate... and YOU.

In the boathouse, Angel discovers that sex is not something scary she is forced to be, but something wonderful she was always meant to be.

In the words of the novel, "All the fear and uncertainty melted away as they kissed. Soon she didn't know who was touching whom, only that it was wonderful, and right, and fine. And the moon stared impenetrably through the window".

Notice how "before", she's withdrawn, sarcastic, and hostile; and "after", she's relaxed and kind of at one with the world, like she's a part of it, instead of a stranger in it.

In the very last scene, she hugs her mom -- something she NEVER would have done before -- saying "What's this crap about sex being nothing? You've been hanging around creeps!" This resonated very, very strongly with me at that age; I wanted that to happen to ME. And I don't mean getting laid.

The movie was supposedly filmed in Madison, Georgia, at Hard Labor Creek state park. I was wondering if any evidence that a movie had been made would even still exist after two years. The first thing I came upon was a big sign over the road: "Camp Little Wolf". My God! All the sets and props were intact... and abandoned.

Alone, I explored. I walked on the dock and sat on the swing. When night came, I slept in Cabin A, in the bed that Angel did. The next day, I jumped into the lake, hoping that this baptism would somehow cause the same ...transformation which happened to her: the transformation from child to adult.

And finally, before leaving, I sat for hours in the boathouse, on the spot where "it" happened, just thinking.

I still remember the first time I saw this movie. It was a sneak preview with Steven Spielberg's occasionally funny comedy "1941." I still remember filling out my preview card rating Tatum O'Neal and Matt Dillon as "Very Good" but rating Kristy McNichol as "Excellent." At the time, I thought I would see the movie once and forget about it. I have seen the movie many, many times and I have never forgotten it. The late Gene Siskel said in his TV review of the movie that it was really two movies, a broad "Animal House" type comedy with food fights and condom jokes (which it is) and a very good coming of age story (which it is). When Matt Dillon was recently on the Bravo series "Inside the Actor's Studio," Dillon heard so many students say they liked this film, he actually said they ought to do a sequel. I hope they don't. I think he was really surprised to hear people praise this movie twenty years later. Some films stay with you and this is one of them. Interesting to see Cynthia Nixon on the HBO series "Sex And The City" after doing this project.

Wonderful funny teenage coming-of-age flick! A must see for viewers from 12 to 92! It's endearing and the acting is quite good for the age group of the cast. Matt Dillon's performance is stellar and he melts the hearts of all the women in the audience. Kristy McNichol and Tatum O'Neal have a believable rivalry that ends in a moment that captures the true essence of teenage friendships. It's a great movie for parents to watch with their about to be teenage daughters, the sons may find it too cheesy. But give it a try. It's a classic flick that will hang around for many, many years to come. The scene where the girls go on a hunt for condoms is priceless! It's definitely a knee slapper. The next scene stealer would be gentle Sunshine who proves that even hippie tree hugging types have their limits. Go on out and pick up a copy. Rent it. You won't be sorry you did.

McNichol delivers great performance,
2 June 2003
Author: rosscinema from Oceanside, Ca.

This is the popular film and now cult classic from 1980 and yes, this is the first time I have viewed it! The story is a familiar one, two girls from opposite side of the tracks are involved in a bet while at summer camp and they wager who loses their virginity first. Kristy McNichol is Angel, a girl raised by her mother in a bad neighborhood who is very tough. You can tell she's tough because she chews gum and when she smokes she blows smoke in your face! Tatum O'Neal is Ferris, a rich girl who's father is divorcing her mother. At the camp the other girls all say they have lost their virginity but Ferris and Angel admit they have not. The girls get their money together and make them agree to the bet. Ferris has eyes on an older camp counselor named Gary (Armand Assante) while Angel meets Randy (Matt Dillon) one of the boys from the boys camp across the lake. The film starts out with the usual bitchy banter from the girls and of course there's a food fight in the dining area. The film is not well made but the acting by McNichol is just top notch. Film has that low budget look about it and its not shot with any creative camera angles. But one thing that the film does well is keep the camera on McNichols face, when you think that the shot is going to change angles it does not. The camera lingers on her and it allows McNichol to vary her expressions during some scenes that require a lot from her. Film also does a good job of having this familiar material be from the perspective of a young girl instead of a young man. This is not a great film, most of the characters are badly written and just cardboard characters but when its time for McNichol to lose her virginity then the film becomes a compelling study of a young girl trying to cope with her first time. Its a very mature performance and one that most actress's of her age would not have handled this impressively. McNichol could vary her emotions at the drop of a hat, one moment she has tears in her eyes and in the next instant she gives you that smile that changes the complexities of the whole scene. You can make a case that its one of the best performances of the 80's. She's that terrific! Its also fun to watch a young Krista Errickson (The First Time) and a very young Cynthia Nixon (Sex in the City). I'm at odds with myself, I don't think its a great film but its one that I just can't stop thinking about. Not hard to figure out why. Thanks Kristy!

Good (not so clean) Fun
29 July 2003
Author: Syllavus from Massachusetts, USA

I grew up with this movie, surprising considering that I was born in 1979 and literally cannot remember a time when I did not know and enjoy this movie. I suppose my parents figured that being a small toddler and child I wouldn't get the sexual aspects of the movie. They were right. Although I nearly died of embarrassment years later when I asked my father quite innocently what were those "balloon things" that the girls stole from the restroom.

This movie is campy (no pun intended) this movie is 80's-style cheesy, but none of these factors change the fact that this is a GOOD movie. It details the exploits of a group of teenage girls at summer camp more accurately than any other summer camp movie I've seen. The acting isn't sterling at all times, but it doesn't change the fact that you feel as if you really are watching a bunch of girls goofing off and having fun at summer camp. The food fight scene is wonderfully real with the actors all genuinely laughing and having a great time, the condom-thieving scene is legendary and never loses its hilarity. All the fun and silliness is balanced with the seriousness of some of the situations they get themselves into, and there is a wonderful sense of shared growth between the characters. As stated by many other reviewers, Kristy McNichol shines in her role as Angel, and pulls off a startlingly emotional performance opposite a young Matt Dillon.

I recommend this movie to every preteen girl, even though it is a tad outdated, I think the heart of the movie will still ring true to all girls out there.

Little Darlings is a classic teen movie but the appeal is that it can actually be enjoyed by all ages. I have seen this one and one half times. I FIRST saw it when I was a kid but I actually think it can be enjoyed as much or more as an adult. Little darlings is both a cute movie and a fun one-although it's a light movie, the characters go through and tackle, issues all young girls deal with in a fun non preachy manner and is pretty accurate in many places too. The reason it is so much fun to watch as an adult is for nostalgia purposes. Set at summercamp, it sort of takes you back to your youth. The movie is dated as anything and when I recently caught it again I almost had to laugh at the dated aspect but the fact remains it can still be enjoyed today.Teens will identify with it, adults will reminded of times gone by.

I was hesitant to buy this movie on video because there is a disclaimer on the back of the box stating that some of the music has been changed. I thought it would be like the video version of "16 Candles" where they replaced some of the music with "canned elevator music". Since I only saw the TV version of this movie, and never saw the theatrical release-I didn't find a huge difference in the video version except for the song during the ending credits. From what I remember it was a song called "Let Your Love Flow", or something like that. The video version closing music is awful! I don't know where Paramount dug up that song! For the movie, I still found it enjoyable and entertaining. Tatum O'Neal, and Kristy McNichol really shine through in this movie and make it fun to watch. I am glad that it's still available on video, but it would be nice if this movie was released on DVD in the original theatrical version, or TV version.

Worth watching!, 29 January 2006
Author: kolohepeanut from A small town in Hawaii

Very entertaining movie but what really makes it worthwhile is the wonderful performance by Kristy McNicol. That alone makes it worth watching - she carries the movie all the way through. Love the scene where she and Tatum have their heart-to-heart confession of what really happened - Kristy shows true emotion. Matt Dillon sure was a cute thing back then! Also, watch for a very young Cynthia Nixon from Sex in the City playing the hippie kid. And Armand Asante - what can I say! He was sure in his prime in the looks department! Tatum is only just okay in this film but then maybe that's how her character was supposed to be. A fun watch!

Author: JZvezda from The boat house
Disclaimer: We all have an Achilles' heel when it comes to our taste in films. There's always that one movie that we admit to liking to that sends our cool-point count plummeting. Here is mine.

A nostalgic treat of a film, a real '80's rush,
7 February 2005
Author: kubrick-25 from New Zealand

I think the whole cast is wonderful, though Kristy shines out in it like the special person she is. Her portrayal of Angel is tough yet poignant, strong yet sensitive. Every time she smiles her face positively lights up and she is just such a natural! Love the supporting cast is well, and to be fair, Kristy definitely had the more interesting role than Tatum. Wish Hollywood still made movies as good as this, it's so accessible, sweet and down-to-earth. It has one of my all-time favorite endings and the soundtrack is great too, really took me back to my teenage years, and baby that I am, I often cry at the end of it. I feel both proud and privliged to own an original poster for it, it's one of my most prized possessions, as this movie is a personal favorite for me. 'Innocence' would have been a good title as well. Matt Dillon is as gorgeous as I remember him as well. Thank you Kristy, once again, for your gritty yet superlative performance, you are so special.

This film is an underrated classic!
20 October 1998
Author: Jared X from New York City

This movie is dying for a sequel, a flashback of these teens, Ferris and Angel, as 30something survivors of 1980's excess and 1990's retro. The original presents a touchingly written, rawly acted, and scathingly accurate depiction of life at a New England summer camp. You'd almost swear it was a documentary! I loved it and wouldn't change a thing!

Thanks to the writers and to Kristy McNichol for this movie.,
5 September 2008
Author: tjjohnson61 from United States

I believe the reason this movie isn't well regarded historically is because it was so cynically marketed: two teenage virgins compete to experience sex for the first time. One reviewer at the time wrote, "What ever happened to Andy Hardy?" While the marketing was true to the movie's basic plot, unfortunately it allowed many lazy reviewers to see it through a myopic lens of an exploitation movie. Nothing could be further from the case. PC Hacker does an excellent job of stating what the movie is really about, and Kristy McNichol's performance really is astonishingly tender and complex.

Kristy decided to retire from film, which is a pity - but I'm grateful she's left us this and I imagine her retirement plus the undeserved pejorative opinion by critics of the work adds to the poignant sentiment that fans hold for this film to this day.

Two fine performances by Tatum O'Neal and Kristy McNichol. The young actresses had already established themselves as up-and-comers, O'Neal by being the youngest actress to win an Oscar (for 'Paper Moon') while McNichol had garnered favorable notices for her tomboy-ish role in the TV series, 'Family.' In 'Little Darlings,' O'Neal plays Ferris, a precocious teen girl of privilege and McNichol plays, well, a tomboy named Angel with a lot of street smarts who is more sensitive than she lets on.

They go to a girls' summer camp and find themselves in the center of a contest to see which of them can lose her virginity first. The other girls at the camp split into competing teams and place bets. Much of it could be lifted straight from a Disney flick; there's a predictably food fight and an 'oh gosh, aren't we wild' hijacking of a school bus. 'Little Darlings' wants to be a G-rated kids flick and serious drama about growing up.

Angel sets her sights on a suitable prospect (Matt Dillon) at the boy's camp across the lake; she seems less worried about having sex, since her floozy mother has described it as "no big deal."

Ferris is a bit more ambitious. She targets a camp counselor, Gary (Armand Assante), a grown man no less, and envisions them having a romantic candle-lit dinner before whatever happens when you have sex takes place.

In the end, Angel does have an intimate encounter of sorts with 'Randy' (good name) but it turns out to be disappointing and disturbing to her, more so than she envisioned.

Ferris, on the other hand, blithely concocts in her mind a night of passion with Gary as she imagines it might be, which she describes in such rapturous terms to the other girls that they all believe she did, in fact, go to bed with him.

The moral, no doubt, is that for a 16-year-old girl, fantasizing about sex is much better than actually having it. Or at least it was in this case. Some of the scenes toward the end are so well written and performed, it seems a shame they have to share screen time with the goofy nonsense in the middle. 'Little Darlings' wants to be more than it is, but occasionally gets it right. It's also a shame that both Tatum O'Neal and Kristy McNichol were unable, for various reasons, to capitalize on their early successes and continue with interesting and successful roles. They showed a lot of promise, and 'Little Darlings' is worth seeing for their performances alone.

Okay Coming of Age Epic for Teenage Girls,
18 March 2008
Author: Van Roberts from Columbus, Ms

"Gettysburg" director Ronald F. Maxwell's "Little Darlings" beat "American Pie" to the punch back in 1980 with this entertaining but ultimately coy 90-minute comedy about the rivalry between two 15-year old girls at summer camp that to see who could be the first to lose their virginity. Tatum O'Neal of "Paper Moon" fame plays Ferris, a rich but introverted girl from a broken home, while Kristy McNichol of "The Pirate Movie" is Angel, the street-wise, chain-smoking Marlboro tomboy from the wrong side of the tracks. The minute that Ferris and Angel meet, it's hate at first sight. They fight on the bus in route to Camp Little Wolf, and they seem destined to battle each other the rest of the summer. One of the girls Cinder (Krista Errickson of "Jailbait") suggests a way for the two girls to work off their rage more creatively.

The screenplay by Kimi Peck and Dalene ("The Baby Sitters Club") Young is provocative but harmless. Immoralities abound. Angel hot-wires a school bus and takes a group of girls gets on a joy ride, but there is more talk than action. "Little Darlings" is a curious film. Parents will be relieved that "Little Darlings" discourages pre-martial sexual intercourse. In the words of one character, "Kissing is more fun." Ferris sets her sights on an older man for her first conquest, Gary Callahan (Armand Assante of "American Gangster"), who teaches high school French and serves as the camp counselor, while Angel pursues Randy (Matt Dillon of "Drugstore Cowboy") when she fuels up the bus at a gas station. Meanwhile, Ferris plays like she is drowning to get Mr. Callahan to come after her.

If you're a parent, "Little Darlings" depicts what questions and ideas are turning over in a young girl's mind. There is nothing here to corrupt anyone except the 'idea' which comes along at that age anyway. Teenage girls will probably appreciate the shop-talk dialogue. The trailer where McNichol kicks a dude in the family jewels is one of the more memorable scenes along with the condom stealing scene. Look for "Sex in the City's" Cynthia Nixon in her first role.

The first time wasn't the wonderful one,
13 November 2007
Author: liednangel

Oh my God! It's a shame I couldn't have rented it neither on VHS nor DVD, the only time I watched it was in the movies, the film is about the rivalry and the competition for becoming the "first woman," a race to loose the virginity and fulfill the transition from being a a girl to be a "grown up girl" in the camping, even Tatum O'Neal was the star of the movie, Kristy McNichol's performance was so terrific and amazing, I was touched with her performance because her first time disappointed her and in a second she showed in her expression face: What did I do? it was terrible, it wasn't as cool as I thought and finally she realized that she could have waited or the first wasn't a big deal when it was made with rush and too many expectations, then she wasn't ready for that crucial experience. So 27 years later, the subject still matters about the first time, but there is a big difference, in the beginning of eighties there was innocence and no fears about sexual transmission diseases and NOW the teenagers are in really danger with AIDS, Hepatitis and other diseases, comparing this film with updated teens movies, those years won't be back anymore.

Quintessential Teen Camp Movie
20 March 1999
Author: Dally-2 from NY, NY

Matt Dillon makes his second film appearance in this scintillating drama about two girls (Kristy McNichol and Tatum O'Neal) from opposite sides of the track who are pressured into thinking they are the only fifteen yearold virgins still left in camp. This is cause for the bet of who will lose their virginity first. You can bet there will be food fights, first loves, lies, cheats, laughter, and tears in this provoking coming of age film. Kristy McNichol, Matt Dillon, and Cynthia Nixon are all adorable.

Vince Vaughn was right. This is a great little film.,
1 March 2005
Author: TOMASBBloodhound from Lincoln, NE USA

Little Darlings was originally marketed as a straight up comedy, but its most memorable themes are very mature and dramatic. The film is a story about two fifteen year old girls who are under the impression that they are the only virgins in their cabin at summer camp. One of them (Kristy McNichol) is a street-smart girl from the wrong side of town. She is quick to pick a fight, and chain smokes like someone of a much more advanced age. The other girl (Tatum O'Neal) is a spoiled little rich girl from a dysfunctional family. Has there ever been a non-dysfunctional rich family in a movie? The two girls make a bet to see who can score with a boy before summer's end. Virtually all the girls in the camp have some $ down on one or the other. O'Neal tries for a handsome and sophisticated camp counselor, while McNichol sets her sights on Matt Dillon. After the first hour, the film stops trying to be silly, and it evolves into a poignant study about the consequences of such a bet. The result is one terrific little film.

This film, despite being labeled by many as a comedy, handles the subject matter in a mature and thoughtful fashion. It's kind of sad when the girls finally realize how their bet has affected not only themselves, but the men involved in it. Matt Dillon is noticeably angry when he finds out he was used, and the older counselor (Armand Assante) is in danger of his life being ruined by association. Even though nothing happens between him and O'Neal.

One would hope that contests like the one in this film do not happen much in real life. At least not with young ladies. Us guys are the ones you would expect this type of thing from in our attempts to lose our virginity. Notice how the subject can be treated as a full blown comedy in films like American Pie when guys are the central characters. Young women would be better served if they waited for the right guy and made him at least earn it a little more.

This would be a good film for parents to show their daughters before sending them off to junior high school. It would be a good learning tool for them to see how important this type of decision can be.

Don't miss this film! It is still very relevant today, and likely will stand the test of time for years to come.

I was a pubescent fan of the two "kid" actresses when this film exploded with a print ad featuring Tatum (The Bad News Bears) and Kristy (TV's Family) with breasts and looking hot! hot! hot! Coming of age never looked so good. The scene where Matt Dillon snaps Kristy's bubble gum bubble from her lips and puts it in his mouth is forever molded into my memory.

One Very Good Movie For Teenagers
4 October 2003 Author: dire69 from Montreal, Canada

I love this movie so much and I strongly believe that this is a very good movie for teenagers. I own this movie and still watch it even after all these years and will continue to do so.

In my opinion, they should make more movies like this one especially now in this day and age with all of these youngsters who are sexually active at such a young age.

GREAT MOVIE,
7 August 2004
Author: CANALES1016 from SANTA ROSA, TEXAS

I remember seeing this movie back in 1980. It was an awesome film and very funny. My favorite scene was when Cinder ask Angel Bright for the bread, and Angel Bright just throws it at her. That scene has always made me laugh. The ending song in the video version is different from the original version. I remember hearing the song "Let your Love Flow" by the Bellamy Brothers and now it's something different. I hope that when they release it on DVD, they put the original song. But Kristy and Tatum deliver excellent performances. Matt Dillion also delivers a good performance. The movie is bound to become a classic. I just hope that the ending original song "Let your Love Flow" is put back on.

I saw this movie when I was 11 years old. Pretty mature subject
watched it again last night (had seen it a few times since then).
Any movie I can love just as much as an adult as I did as a kid is a
classic in my book.
I remember being that age and all the pressure associated with
"doing it". Often times in tv and film sex is not even close to being
accurately depicted, especially when it's teenagers who only know
sex from what they see on tv and movies. You almost always see
sex, even the first time as exciting, rewarding and fullflling. I don't
think the first time is that way for anyone.
I went to camp and know that things like the "contest" do happen,
especially when you've got a bunch of teenagers with raging
hormones.

The scenes with Kristy Mcnichol and Matt Dillon were so tender
and moving I cried. This movie really showed Kristys amazing
talent. Both performances were just so real.
This movie was funny, sweet, sad, and moving. I thought it was a
wonderful story.

A classic, for anyone who was a kid during the 1980s
15 August 2000
Author: triblet from wellington, new zealand

If you're an American woman, between 30 and 35, you probably secretly love this movie, already, so why not admit it?

Forget about Thelma and Louise, this was the first female buddy film. Fans of Sex in the City will get a kick out of Cynthia Nixon.

Silly but likeable.
6 June 1999
Author: David Atfield from Canberra, Australia

This movie isn't as bad as its plot may suggest, mainly because of two excellent performances from Kristy McNichol and Matt Dillon. They both convey beautifully the discovery of sexuality and the confusions that go with it.

I saw this movie last night on Cinemax, and couldn't believe what a terrific movie it was. I seriously haven't seen such a good movie as this in a very long time. Kristy McNichol gives a great performance... this movie was very enjoyable... felt very sorry for Angel in the end, when she had to let go of Randy. Oh well... go see this one if you haven't. It's awesome...1
0/10

I just watched it again after not seeing it for many years. I enjoyed it. What I had not noticed when I was younger was Kristy McNichol's acting... seems a notch above the others. One scene in particular where she shows emotion is quite moving and makes me wonder why I haven't seen more of her over the years. It still has lessons to teach that can apply to any time we might be living in.

This movie was, in my opinion, the true launch vehicle for the FANTABULOUS Kristy McNichol! Kris gave this movie 'atmosphere'.

Right from that 'painful' opening scene to the trully heartwarming ending, this movie is a real rollercoaster of emotion. The script and direction are superb also. I was 18 when I first saw this masterpiece, and 41 when I last saw it. I'm now 18 again!

If you're a guy and want to remember the good times, this is all you'll need! If you're a gal - likewise!

Good movie. Two days ago I was surfing through the channels and stumbled upon this film. It is a good teen romance, and every since I watched it I cant seem to get it out of my head... one of my favorite teen romance flicks... i give this movie a ten out of ten!!!

I saw this movie last night, just on a lark. For some reason I had expected it to be how I remembered it when I was a teenager -- sappy and stupid. I was astonished by the quality of the acting and the depth of the script. More Kristy and Tatum, and more excellent writing like Little Darlings.

One of the best movies to come out of the 80's
13 November 2000
Author: from Michigan

I first saw this movie when I was 14, and was immediately in love with Tatum O'Neal. She and Kristy McNichol, who is always very exciting to watch, play rivals at a summer camp. Kristy plays Angel Bright, the camp's scholarship winner who is streetwise and tough. Tatum portrays Ferris Whitney, a child of privilege. They meet and lock horns instantly. When one of the other campers challenges them to a contest, it's anything goes! Whoever loses her virginity first, wins!!! Although not as sleazy as it might sound, "Little Darlings" seems like a Disney romp about teenage sex. Matt Dillon also stars as Randy, the camper from the boys camp across the lake. One of the best coming-of age films I 've ever seen.

A great film...a must see!
16 August 1999
Author: Kelly from Austin, TX

I loved this film! I had never heard of it, but happened to stumble upon it one night. I was mesmerized by the main performances of Kristy McNichol and Matt Dillon. Amazing acting for such a young age! I don't know why I'd never heard of it, but I'm glad I had the chance to see it - it's a great plot and script and perfect casting. Go rent it!