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Comedy Cult Classic

High school hijinks hit a fever pitch as cheerleaders and football stars clash, prank, and flirt in small-town California.

THE POM POM GIRLS

How can anyone forget the girls who really turned us on?

1976 · 1h 29m · R · Comedy · IMDB TMDB
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What is The Pom Pom Girls about?

The Pom Pom Girls is a 1976 American comedy film directed by Joseph Ruben about high school cheerleaders and football players whose romantic entanglements and rivalry-fueled pranks spiral into escalating chaos.

Details & Specs
Director
Joseph Ruben
Writers
Joseph Ruben, Robert J. Rosenthal
Release
1976
Runtime
1h 29m
Country
United States of America
Language
English
Genres
Comedy
Also Known As
Las chicas del Pom Pom, Pidä pintasi - Vauhtijengi!, Lâche-moi les baskets, Koritsia! Ehete... pom-pom?, Peccati, jeans e..., Ta' chancen - hop på

Overview

Set in a California small town, The Pom Pom Girls follows a group of Rosedale High seniors—both the titular cheerleaders and their football-playing boyfriends—as they navigate a final year packed with romance, rivalry, and wild antics. Romantic triangles spark tension among the students, while their ongoing feud with neighboring Hardin High leads to a series of outrageous pranks. These high schoolers push boundaries, commandeering a fire engine and soaking their rivals in a bold display of teenage rebellion. Director Joseph Ruben crafts a snapshot of 1970s teen life where lust, loyalty, and laughs collide amid school spirit and small-town drama.
Ending Explained Spoilers — click to reveal

After a series of escalating pranks and romantic complications, Duane and Johnnie face off in a dangerous game of “Suicide Chicken.” Johnnie drives Duane’s car over a cliff but survives by jumping out just in time.

The film’s climax literalizes the high-stakes bravado and reckless spirit that define its teenage characters. By surviving the ultimate dare, Johnnie both cements his status and exposes the thin line between bravado and disaster. The ending underscores the film’s theme of youthful invincibility while hinting at the real risks behind adolescent games.

Why Cult

Cheerleader Chaos

Rosedale High's pom pom squad leads the charge in escalating pranks and rivalry-fueled mayhem.

Teenage Hijinks

Expect a full spectrum of 1970s teen antics: from romantic entanglements to underage drinking and wild parties.

Prank Escalation

The film's centerpiece is the legendary fire engine prank, a true display of school spirit gone rogue.

Romantic Rivalries

Love triangles and friendly feuds fuel both the drama and the comedy, keeping everyone guessing who will pair up next.

Cast & Crew

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Director: Joseph Ruben Writers: Joseph Ruben +1 more
Robert Carradine Robert Carradine Johnnie Jennifer Ashley Jennifer Ashley Laurie MM Michael Mullins Jesse Lisa Reeves Lisa Reeves Sally Susan Player Susan Player Sue Ann Cheryl Smith Cheryl Smith Roxanne DL Diane Lee Hart Judy BA Bill Adler Duane James Gammon James Gammon Coach LF Lou Fant Principal John Lawrence John Lawrence Sheriff SL Sondra Lowell Miss Pritchitt FC Faith Christopher Mother John Sebastian John Sebastian Father JK Jim Kester Hardin Tough Cooper Huckabee Cooper Huckabee Hardin Tough

Scene Gallery

Trailers & Clips

Questions from the Vault

What is The Pom Pom Girls about? +

The Pom Pom Girls is a 1976 American comedy film directed by Joseph Ruben about high school cheerleaders and football players whose romantic entanglements and rivalry-fueled pranks spiral into escalating chaos.

When was The Pom Pom Girls released? +

The Pom Pom Girls was released in 1976.

Who directed The Pom Pom Girls? +

The Pom Pom Girls was directed by Joseph Ruben.

How long is The Pom Pom Girls? +

The Pom Pom Girls has a runtime of 89 minutes.

What genre is The Pom Pom Girls? +

The Pom Pom Girls is a comedy.

Where can I watch The Pom Pom Girls? +

You can watch The Pom Pom Girls on SassyFlix.

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