Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Sixteen Candles!

It only happens once in a lifetime…

This John Hughes coming-of-age movie had its theatrical release on May 4, 1984.

Written and directed by John Hughes in his directorial debut, “Sixteen Candles” was the first in a string of films Hughes would direct centering on teenage life. The film received positive reviews from critics and was a box office success, earning $23.6 million against a $6.5 million budget, and launched actress Molly Ringwald to fame. Principal photography began on July 11, 1983. Sixteen Candles was filmed primarily in and around the Chicago North Shore suburban communities of Evanston, Skokie, and Highland Park, Illinois during the summer of 1983, when leads Ringwald and Anthony Michael Hall were 15 years old. Most of the exterior scenes and some of the interior scenes were filmed at Niles East High School, close to downtown Skokie, the setting for Hall's driving the Rolls-Royce.

Source: Wikipedia.org

The late John Hughes and his films captured teenage life. His movies’ soundtracks, fashion, and plots are a perfect time capsule, illustrating 1980s young America. Hughes’ movies all seemed to feature music at the right times; memorable songs made for iconic scenes. After forty years, Sixteen Candles still resonates with today’s youth, including my daughter. Like a ballad, each of our lives tells a story, many of which share a common thread.

Time flies… From toddler to Sweet 16 (at Prom 2024)

Courtesy of Mom and Dad