This was right after I saw "Back to the Future" and I really loved that movie at the time. I wasn't disappointed with this one. Funniest joke in the movie is when Masterson gives Coffey her bag and he falls down from the weight. "What do you have in here? A sledgehammer?" and when they reach the mausoleum, yes she did have one! Men will do things because of the promise of sex. I never forgot that. From Used Cars to Back to the Future, Zemeckis always had wicked humor. I even enjoyed his flawed "Death Becomes Her". In this TV episode, we get to watch concentrated Zemeckis, and the lack of need to put in a happy ending is quite liberating (and more consistent with his brand of naughtiness).
12 Reviews
Masterson, Coffey, and Lloyd - a great cast!
originalslicey5 June 2008
This is the only "Amazing Stories" I remember seeing. I was probably too young to see them when they actually aired and caught this episode several times in later years as a Halloween week re-run.
I do remember being scared by this episode and certain scenes (like the one involving the main character's bedroom window) I will never forget.
My favorite this about this entire episode, however, is the cast and the acting. Christopher Lloyd really lets it all hang out - he's not afraid to go big with his characters. And it was nice seeing Scott Coffey and Mary Stuart Masterson together. One year after this aired, they were in "Some Kind of Wonderful" together where Ray (Coffey) was used by Watts (Masterson) to make another guy (Eric Stoltz) jealous.
Watts: "Just sit here and act like you like me." Ray: "That will be absolutely no problem."
I do remember being scared by this episode and certain scenes (like the one involving the main character's bedroom window) I will never forget.
My favorite this about this entire episode, however, is the cast and the acting. Christopher Lloyd really lets it all hang out - he's not afraid to go big with his characters. And it was nice seeing Scott Coffey and Mary Stuart Masterson together. One year after this aired, they were in "Some Kind of Wonderful" together where Ray (Coffey) was used by Watts (Masterson) to make another guy (Eric Stoltz) jealous.
Watts: "Just sit here and act like you like me." Ray: "That will be absolutely no problem."
The curse
sonnyschlaegel7 May 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Peter is infatuated with his classmate Cynthia. He'd do anything for her. When Cynthia suggests they lay a curse on Mr Beanes, their extremely strict English teacher, he's reluctant at first, but he still consents to do it. According to Cynthia, the curse will give Mr Beanes the hiccups. The magic formula is on the latest album by 'Blood Sausage' - it can be heard when one plays the record backwards. Lots of ingredients are needed to make the curse work, including earth from a fresh grave and the fingertip of one of Mr Beanes's relatives. After some difficulties they manage to gather all the ingredients and cast the spell - with unexpected results...
This is a funny episode in my opinion. There are a lot of jokes that I liked, especially what Cynthia answers when Peter asks her how long it will take to resurrect somebody. Other examples: there's a lesson in which Mr Beanes talks about 'Macbeth' and says that Macbeth committed his crimes for sex. Later, he says to Peter that he also did what he did for sex (because he's so infatuated with Cynthia). Other points: I think it was a good idea to include 'back(ward) masking'. And I liked the main actors - Christopher Lloyd, Scott Coffey, and Mary Stuart Masterson - very much. The special effects (done by Stan Winston) are good, too.
I liked this episode. In my opinion, it's not as good as 'Mummy Daddy' (#1.4), also a mix of comedy and horror, but I think it deserves a high rating (eight points).
Footnote (skip this if you aren't interested in backward masking): as far as I can tell, backward masking really exists. There's a 'Backwards Talk Test' on a John Lennon bootleg that I know ('The Lost Lennon Tapes'), and perhaps you know The Beatles' song 'Rain'; one stanza is played backwards. And after I had read that there was backward masking on Led Zeppelin's 'Stairway to Heaven' (studio version), I played that song backwards. I think the singer (Robert Plant) can really be heard saying 'He will give those with him six six six' and 'There was a little child born naked', etc. But it's a controversial question; people don't agree on the exact wording; and Robert Plant denied that there's any backward masking on the song. 'Sometimes words have two meanings' (you can hear this when you play the record forward). Sometimes not. (If you try it for yourself, keep in mind that not the whole song is said to contain backward messages - that would probably be to difficult to do - there's only one passage that is said to contain the secret messages. Nowadays it's easy to try it out: you can use CDs in combination with sound editing software; you don't need to use a turntable. Also, the passage in question can be listened to on (the current version of) Wikipedia's entry about the song (but all entries are subject to change)). I've read that there are several albums that include a warning on the cover that the album may contain backward messages, but I don't know those albums (I think Electric Light Orchestra's 'Secret Messages' is among them), and the warnings may be jokes. I've also read that the idea of hidden backward messages was inspired by Aleister Crowley, who said (according to the source I've read) that doing things backwards was a way of worshiping Satan.
As I've said before, I think backward masking really exists, but it's a controversial question, so I think it's better if you see for yourself.
This is a funny episode in my opinion. There are a lot of jokes that I liked, especially what Cynthia answers when Peter asks her how long it will take to resurrect somebody. Other examples: there's a lesson in which Mr Beanes talks about 'Macbeth' and says that Macbeth committed his crimes for sex. Later, he says to Peter that he also did what he did for sex (because he's so infatuated with Cynthia). Other points: I think it was a good idea to include 'back(ward) masking'. And I liked the main actors - Christopher Lloyd, Scott Coffey, and Mary Stuart Masterson - very much. The special effects (done by Stan Winston) are good, too.
I liked this episode. In my opinion, it's not as good as 'Mummy Daddy' (#1.4), also a mix of comedy and horror, but I think it deserves a high rating (eight points).
Footnote (skip this if you aren't interested in backward masking): as far as I can tell, backward masking really exists. There's a 'Backwards Talk Test' on a John Lennon bootleg that I know ('The Lost Lennon Tapes'), and perhaps you know The Beatles' song 'Rain'; one stanza is played backwards. And after I had read that there was backward masking on Led Zeppelin's 'Stairway to Heaven' (studio version), I played that song backwards. I think the singer (Robert Plant) can really be heard saying 'He will give those with him six six six' and 'There was a little child born naked', etc. But it's a controversial question; people don't agree on the exact wording; and Robert Plant denied that there's any backward masking on the song. 'Sometimes words have two meanings' (you can hear this when you play the record forward). Sometimes not. (If you try it for yourself, keep in mind that not the whole song is said to contain backward messages - that would probably be to difficult to do - there's only one passage that is said to contain the secret messages. Nowadays it's easy to try it out: you can use CDs in combination with sound editing software; you don't need to use a turntable. Also, the passage in question can be listened to on (the current version of) Wikipedia's entry about the song (but all entries are subject to change)). I've read that there are several albums that include a warning on the cover that the album may contain backward messages, but I don't know those albums (I think Electric Light Orchestra's 'Secret Messages' is among them), and the warnings may be jokes. I've also read that the idea of hidden backward messages was inspired by Aleister Crowley, who said (according to the source I've read) that doing things backwards was a way of worshiping Satan.
As I've said before, I think backward masking really exists, but it's a controversial question, so I think it's better if you see for yourself.
Amazing Stories are AMAZING....especially those s one!
rvknotts27 October 2018
When this was on television we loved it!! My children were in Middle School at the time and my husband and I were young parents; we all enjoyed Go To The Head of the Class! Excellent viewing for a school teacher and her family to enjoy this time of year!
Don't Quite While You're a Head
Hitchcoc27 May 2014
I was never a huge Taxi fan, but I loved the character of Reverend Jim. Christopher Lloyd is a genius actor and director. In this episode he plays an unbalanced sociopathic English teacher, who terrorizes his students, embarrassing them, failing them. One day he points out to the kids that it is sex that is the destructive force that bring an end to good people. He speaks specifically of Shakespeare's "Macbeth" and how Lady Macbeth used her wiles to destroy her husband. In the class is an irresponsible young man who is fixated on a pretty young woman played by Mary Stuart Masterson. She talks him into putting a curse on Lloyd. She has played a record album backwards and it gives the formula for accomplishing this. The two end up in a graveyard, finding all the necessary accoutrements, even though he is scared out of his mind). They mix it up (there are numerous humorous scenes along the way), it explodes, and they head for the teacher's house. It's no secret this isn't going to go as planned. What follows is absolutely delightful black comedy.
Arguably my favorite episode of the series!! Had this recorded on VHS
jorgito200114 June 2022
Recorded on SP speed too (the GOOD quality...lol) I must've seen this episode countless times as a kid! For its time it was pure cinematic quality! Robert Zemeckis at the helm with music by Alan Silvestri (this team won BIG 8 years later at the Oscars with Forrest Gump), a great cast, especially a villianous Chris Lloyd! The chase finale is as good as any 80s slasher at the time! Definitely a highlight episode!
Wonderfully ghastly hour of spooky fun
ProfessorPizzicato10 October 2019
Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future, Taxi) is practically out of a Dickens novel here as a stern, cruel school teacher who becomes the target of two students' revenge in this delightful and dark tale of the macabre. This particular episode is just right for Halloween time; it's like a little horror movie. Not for little kiddies ... as it's probably too graphic at times, but in general it is a hoot for horror fans. Really nicely directed and shot.
Is this head and shoulders better simply because it's longer?
planktonrules23 June 2015
"Go to the Head of the Class" is unusual because it's one of only two episodes of "Amazing Stories" that is an hour long instead of the usual half hour--the other being episode 1.5. This creates quite a challenge, as maintaining pacing and sustaining the plot isn't easy with an expanded time slot.
This episode, like many others, is directed by a famous guy. In this case, Robert Zemeckis is at the helm and the show features Tom Coffey (who?), Mary Stuart Masterson and Christopher Lloyd.
Two loser high school students (Coffey and Masterson) hate their English teacher (Lloyd). However, the girl has a plan--to use black magic to get revenge. It calls for a fingertip of a blood relative and some incantations...but will it work? And where and how will they get this fingertip? And, if it does work, what exactly will the consequences be--foreseen and not?!
All the other reviewers really liked this one. I was less impressed--mostly because the show seemed to rely more on special effects than anything else. Now mind you, for 80s special effects, they are pretty cool (though once or twice, the prosthetic head seems a bit fake). Overall, fun to watch but I really think the show would have worked better in a shorter time slot as the pacing seemed a bit off.
This episode, like many others, is directed by a famous guy. In this case, Robert Zemeckis is at the helm and the show features Tom Coffey (who?), Mary Stuart Masterson and Christopher Lloyd.
Two loser high school students (Coffey and Masterson) hate their English teacher (Lloyd). However, the girl has a plan--to use black magic to get revenge. It calls for a fingertip of a blood relative and some incantations...but will it work? And where and how will they get this fingertip? And, if it does work, what exactly will the consequences be--foreseen and not?!
All the other reviewers really liked this one. I was less impressed--mostly because the show seemed to rely more on special effects than anything else. Now mind you, for 80s special effects, they are pretty cool (though once or twice, the prosthetic head seems a bit fake). Overall, fun to watch but I really think the show would have worked better in a shorter time slot as the pacing seemed a bit off.
You won't escape my wrath childreeen!!!"
Foreverisacastironmess12322 December 2016
I saw this on Amazing Stories the Movie and I really loved it, I thought it was the better story by a mile and for me it really stole the show. It starts out a little slow but sets the stage really well for the more fantastical ghoulish havoc that occurs and when the episode does finally get to that point it really takes off and I found it a blast. Christopher Lloyd really shines as an eccentric and overly-harsh English teacher who rules his class with an iron fist and who's punishments to the students that get on his bad side are so downright cruel they're borderline abuse! His unique sharp voice is one you just can't ignore and I love seeing him command that classroom. The story wastes no time in establishing what a mean unreasonable nightmare his teacher is, and he makes a strong impression within moments. I love all his quirky mannerisms and piercing glances and he has a delightfully tongue in cheek tone to his performance and is clearly enjoying playing a villainous role. And when his character comes back from the dead as a decapitated zombie he strangely seems more cheerful than before and really lets loose with it! The way his body has a 'mind' of its own and holds his head aloft by its long hair as he rants at his body for which direction to take him in as he chases the two teenagers out of his house and down the street is such a weird and hilarious spectacle, with definite echoes of both Sleepy Hollow and Re-Animator. I thought the effect looked very well done, it looked like a real headless body running around, and the camera work with the real actor's head and the various expressive fake heads helped to sell the illusion. Some of those heads do look a bit funky at points, but so what it's still real and has more soul to it than computer imagery.. The spirited music reminded me a lot of what Robert Zemeckis also did in the excellent Death Becomes Her and the Tales From the Crypt episode "And All Through the House", like with those two the E.C. comics-inspired fun macabre tone is present, right down to the classic twist ending, where it leads you to think that it may all have been a dream in the lovelorn horror buff's head - but when he goes back to class... In the final scene I liked the surreal and eerie touches of how all the students have been hexed in some way as they sit dead- concentrated on their schoolwork, and the Mary Stuart character was wearing conforming clothing as she's forced to endure the book bearing punishment. Something that seems a bit wonky about the moment however is how Scott Coffey appears to be screaming but there's no sound. May be they didn't want him to drown out Lloyd's laughter? Scott Coffey and Mary Stuart were good together, Coffey had a face that I felt like I should have known from somewhere, and his character didn't really have a personality beyond just reacting to everything and doing everything Stuart asked him to do no matter how crazy, and as for her, well I loved her 80's punky getup but she was kind of a bad girl. Being a bad teacher is one thing, but her witchcraft dabbling was tantamount to murder! And she didn't give a damn about "Mr Brand!", she was just using him and eventually abandons him for the back of a bus! Something that I found mildly annoying about this was that it felt a bit light on the horror side of things, there are no swears or nudity or anything and even the severed head and neck stump of Mr Beane was quite tame gore-wise. But thankfully for the most part it's a romp and the added length of the episode makes it play more like a short movie. I loved the fantastic cemetery set, so full of classic Gothic scary atmosphere, and this had a lot of the right elements for a great tale of terror, it's a spooky fun ride and one that makes for ideal Halloween viewing. Very well done.
I saw this a long time ago....
jeshua-28 November 2006
I saw this episode a long time ago, I remember I was watching it with a friend and we couldn't stop laughing at this one line...I think it was when Christopher Lloyd said:
"You did it for SEX Mr.Brand!" .. I just remember it was really funny cause he kept saying it.
Anyways thats about all I remember from this episode, other than that it wasn't very memorable, maybe I need to see it again. It had a great cast and a great crew (Robert Zemekis directing, and Alan Silvestri as the composer)....I mean how could you go wrong?
"You did it for SEX Mr. Zemekis!" .... just kidding
"You did it for SEX Mr.Brand!" .. I just remember it was really funny cause he kept saying it.
Anyways thats about all I remember from this episode, other than that it wasn't very memorable, maybe I need to see it again. It had a great cast and a great crew (Robert Zemekis directing, and Alan Silvestri as the composer)....I mean how could you go wrong?
"You did it for SEX Mr. Zemekis!" .... just kidding
A horror and black magic like episode of the series.
blanbrn28 March 2019
This "AS" episode from season 2 called "Go to the Head of the Class" is one that's different a little odd and horror themed. Most memorable is that it stars Christopher Lloyd(from "Back to the Future" fame) as Professor Beanes who's a great lecturer and punish like type teacher who believes in tardy slips when students are late. And it's all to common with one punk teen who watches to many horror movies and tries for to much female attention. Only a cruel and wicked prank is in the works. This episode is really a head spinner a cruel prank that's a journey thru the graveyard plus it involves black magic and an evil dead like feel.
Overlong, but delightfully ghoulish
Leofwine_draca22 September 2016
GO TO THE HEAD OF THE CLASS is an episode from the second series of the AMAZING STORIES TV show and originally aired in 1986. It was directed by Robert Zemeckis and I saw it as part of AMAZING STORIES: THE MOVIE, in which it was paired up with the Spielberg episode entitled THE MISSION. GO TO THE HEAD OF THE CLASS is by far the better episode of the two, because it has a delightfully ghoulish story similar to those found in the MONSTERS TV show.
The episode is notable for featuring Christopher Lloyd in a typically over the top performance as a high school teacher with some bizarre theories and teaching methods. Yes, he overacts and hams it up mercilessly, but somehow with Lloyd it works. He certainly shows up the central two characters as a boring pair. This episode is definitely overlong, but the second half is involved with black magic in a graveyard setting and gets quite spooky, and closes with a ghoulishly macabre climax which seems to have been inspired by RE-ANIMATOR. It's only cheap and laughable, but it's still fun.
The episode is notable for featuring Christopher Lloyd in a typically over the top performance as a high school teacher with some bizarre theories and teaching methods. Yes, he overacts and hams it up mercilessly, but somehow with Lloyd it works. He certainly shows up the central two characters as a boring pair. This episode is definitely overlong, but the second half is involved with black magic in a graveyard setting and gets quite spooky, and closes with a ghoulishly macabre climax which seems to have been inspired by RE-ANIMATOR. It's only cheap and laughable, but it's still fun.
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