Episode 54 : Adventures In Babysitting / Don’t Tell Mom The Babysitter’s Dead

No parents. No rules. No problem, right? Chris Parker and Sue Ellen Crandell are two teens forced into roles they never asked for — saving their own skins and watching after some youngins. The Season 3 Opener takes a closer looks at these beloved teen comedies— ADVENTURES IN BABYSITTING and DON’T TELL MOM THE BABYSITTER’S DEAD!

▶️ADVENTURES IN BABYSITTING, (1987): After her date-night plans fall through, Chris takes a babysitting job looking after a brother/sister duo and their hormone-happy friend. But when her best friend needs to be rescued, Chris has no choice but to take the kids into the big city, with nothing but trouble following close behind. **Starring Elisabeth Shue, Keith Coogan, Anthony Rapp, Maia Brewton. Directed by Chris Columbus.**

▶️DON’T TELL MOM THE BABYSITTER’S DEAD, (1991): A crotchety babysitter comes to watch after five kids, then almost immediately drops dead. Refusing to have their summer plans ruined, the oldest sister, Sue Ellen, decides to fake-it-til-you-make-it by getting a job in the fashion world, provide for her the bratty siblings and maybe fall in love along the way. **Starring Christina Applegate, Joanna Cassidy, Keith Coogan, Josh Charles. Directed by Stephen Herek.**

⏩⏩Discussions include:
Origin, development and inspirations for DON’T TELL MOM and ADVENTURES’ storylines; the extremely opposite writing processes, script changes and intelligent plot motivators for both films; refreshing/rethinking formulaic plots; cultural influences and flipping of conventional gender roles; the expansive cast for both films, importance of an engagingly strong female lead and solid supporting cast; brief histories on DON’T TELL MOM and ADVENTURES’ directors; box office release; how these lengthy-titled films are vastly different in their storytelling, types of comedy and soundtracks, plus a ton of memorable moments and behind-the-scenes action thrown in!

**Picks of the Week will be back in Episode 55!**

▶️MURRAYMOMENT: Billy’s surprising feelings on working with 11-year-old, Jaeden Lieberher Martell, in ST. VINCENT (2014).

▶️FINAL THOUGHTS: Some of our favorite things that stick out about DON’T TELL MOM and ADVENTURES.

▶️NEXT UP: WELCOME TO THE DOLLHOUSE (1995)!