Lisa Whelchel, Erin Moran, Stella Stevens "Twirl” TV movie (1981)

Lisa Whelchel (Jill) and Erin Moran (Bonnie Lee) starred in this TV movie about a baton-twirling competition that originally aired on October 25, 1981. Also starring Stella Stevens and Heather Locklear.

[@Understatedalways]

I had no idea that Erin Moran, Lisa Welchel, and Heather Locklear ever made this movie. Gotta love the 80's. 😊

[@lynnjackson8367]

I need the 80s....2023 is too cruel

[@marneedearman2947]

My mom was a baton twirler in high school. She was really good. Grandma liked to brag about how mom twirled flaming batons! My mom is a legend.

[@BAMCarter12]

Heck yes! Haha I remember my mom showing me how to twirl one!I think I still can! Now flamming ones...I dunno about that one! Only your mom knows! Legend lady! Yass!

[@kristineholcroft9163]

Mygrandma was in the paper for being an amazing baton twirl er in her day

[@TnseWlms]

Ever hear of Barefoot Fireflies at Vassar College?

[@Wisdom-Nuggets-Tid-Bits]

My mother did as well. She also twirled flaming batons as well. She was the one out in front of the band all the time. She taught twirling as well. Amazing woman, my Mother.

[@carmenmonroe7]

80s music is the best!!!! Immediately I was there "because your kiss is all I miss...." Glad I lived this decade!!!!

[@raimeyewens7518]

Same here. Growing up in the 80’s was the best!

[@jenniferwilcox9759]

Yay for Def Leppard, Journey, Metallica, Bon Jovi and so many more great bands!

[@flight101]

Same.. no pc idiots can ever take that away, you can take the 80s out of how we live now, but you can’t take the 80s out of us who lived through that decade. FACT

[@flight101]

@@raimeyewens7518I miss it. I grew up in rural england in the 80s. I love it here but still miss those days.. sad isn’t it..xx hugs 🤗

[@flight101]

Ha… I e been singing the words wring all these years! When I was a kid id sing .kiss is on my list or lips 😂

[@hlowrylong]

I’m 52 and I still wish I had hair like Blair’s.

[@evelynbeveraggi8724]

Yes😂

[@elle5031]

Me too...She still has great hair...

[@christinejackson1264]

#metoo

[@richardwolters389]

Yes! She had such a beautifully unique color. Not blonde - blonde and not golden brown. Just a very gorgeous unique color.

[@louniece1650]

Me, too!😂❤

[@lonestarpenny]

Can't believe as an East Texas twirler, in the 80s I never saw this! Talk about blast from the past!

[@lesleyludden9099]

I am so glad I found this! I was a majorette in my high school's band from 1979-82. I had such fun! I still have my batons and at the age of 58 take them out every now and then and give them a twirl. Wonderful memories!

[@ladennayoung2939]

Rest in peace Erin Moran. You are missed. ❤❤❤

[@michelezink8677]

what a doll she was!!!

[@MsDisneylandlover]

Who was she?

[@MsDisneylandlover]

Lady with the shirt hair is she from happy days?

[@shorty7363]

​@@MsDisneylandlover Yes, she was Jonie on Happy Days. She's playing Bonnie Lee here.

[@liesbethrobison]

@@michelezink8677 i loved her so much growing up in the 70’s. 🥰

[@lruss5050]

This sure is a blast from the past!I don’t think I ever saw this before!

[@chrissttiiee]

I absolutely love this era. Huge part of who I am today!!

[@vbrown6445]

That was surprisingly good! Especially for a tv movie. So glad I found it. I was only 6 when this movie came out, but most of the ladies in this cast (even the little sister) were all over my tv for the rest of the 80s and 90s. How wonderful to see them here in this very simple, but poignant story. One of the things I loved about it is that although it was a movie about teen girls, they did not feel the need to shove a love story in the mix. I feel like today, every teen girl show/movie HAS to have a love interest/triangle somewhere. This was instead a straight forward story that focused on friendships, parent-child relationships, competition, hopes/dreams, and disappointments, in a very real and relatable way.

[@superamanda]

I agree. I mean they had a teen pregnancy dealt with realistically and also girls being interested in their sexuality and things without any apologies are any weird moralizing. And for 1981! I love the racially diverse cast, but that’s not given any ridiculous racist character instead it’s just the way it is like real life!

[@fwdthinker]

Joanie Cunningham, Blair Warner, Officer Renko, Sammy Jo Dean, Katie Gatling, and Vicki Gioberti. This cast has 80's written all over it. 🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@mistiroberts1576]

This was a great cast❤

[@jaminova_1969]

Thank You for that!

[@kathrynsage424]

Keiko O'Brien from Star Trek too!

[@deedeepinup]

Vince Fontaine from Grease was a judge!!😊

[@shorthorrorstories123]

I can't believe I've never heard of this. It's like all my childhood crushes in one movie.

[@Linda-sq2ti]

That was so good , friendship is more important than winning . Erin Moran and Lisa Whelchel were a great team in this movie . Pressure to win can cause one to lose , leave pressure on the back burner .

[@brynne77]

Good points.

[@kristiehowell3880]

What a great little movie, Lisa was a beautiful & great actress. My daughter started twirling at age five. She was a junior high & highschool majorette all through school. I would always say that's my daughter the tall blonde. Twirling is definitely talent! 🌟🌟🌟

[@Wisdom-Nuggets-Tid-Bits]

My mother was a majorette in high school and the one in the front of the band all the time and also twirled flaming batons. She looked just like Elizabeth Taylor - I miss my gorgeous talented Mother!! She was the most beautiful girl/young woman in school.

[@autumnmiller3035]

There’s never any movies about twirlers, just cheerleaders.

[@jenniferwilcox9759]

Is the skill set any different (i.e. both cognitively and athleticallly)?

[@Wisdom-Nuggets-Tid-Bits]

My mother was a majorette and a master twirler. Her younger sister was a cheerleader in high school and college. My aunt would say, the Majorette twirlers are the ones who could not make try outs to become cheer leaders. But she did not say that in front of my mother - thank goodness.

[@Cherloe]

7:50 in - when they sing in the car to Hall and Oates. It’s like we are watching a home movie. I love it ❤

[@ktnkbdle278]

I’m at that very spot right now and I have to agree with you! So young and innocent and carefree!

[@ladybug3864]

Wow this movie has alot of great actress

[@therenaissancewoman2080]

I had no idea this movie was put out. I was a baton coach back in the day. This is nostalgic.

[@adamkane7513]

Did the actresses look competent? Your professional eye would be able to tell the true level of their skills.

[@CynthiaSchoenbauer]

I did not expect real drama and feelings from a TV movie, but I got a good surprise with this one! Thank you for this.

[@portlandgirlx0x096]

Not just twirling but their spinning! Wow! 🎉💫very talented young ladies! 🌹👸

[@chrisgreulich]

I saw this film back in 1981 when it premiered. Good film with a good cast. A lot of familiar faces.

[@Hereismytwocents2011]

That's funny that Missy Gold's character's name is Tracey. Tracey Gold is her sister.

[@LetsHavaChat]

Thank you for reminding me of missy’s name! Tracey went to my high school for a hot minute back in 1985, but she was too busy to stay long.. :)

[@shirleyplummer5626]

This seems more like a beauty contest than a twirling competition

[@lindaalvarez8855]

This movie brought back many memories for me when I was also a twirler in middle school.

[@SnapshotSniper]

Thank you for uploading this. Such a great time back then. Joe Piscapo lol what a cast. R.I.P. Erin.

[@phyllislardieri6377]

I don't think Joe Piscapo was in this movie, though.

[@MichelleFaithLove]

I remember this movie at home and I was learning twirling. Time is precious she it goes by so quickly.

[@missytucker5202]

Iwas 10 when this movie aired /I dont recall ever seeing this until now /Ive watched a lot of movies in my life /How did i miss this one 🎬

[@marysandersdodson7270]

I’m really loving these Time Machine tv movies here on KZbin.

[@fairnorth2733]

GREAT SCOTT !!!! I HAVE NOT SEEN THIS MOVIE IN DECADES !!!! THE EARLY SUMMER OF 1981 TO BE EXACT !!!! ME AND MY PARENTS WATCHED THIS MOVIE TOGETHER !!!! I HAD JUST FINISHED COLLEGE DECEMBER 1980 AND IT WAS A VERY HAPPY TIME. AS SOON AS I SAW THE START OF THIS FILM, AN OLD MEMORY SUDDENLY EXPLODED IN MY MIND. I HAVE ALWAYS REMEMBERED THE SCENE WHERE LISA WHELCHEL AND ERIN MORAN ARE IN THE CAR SINGING THE HALL AND OATES SONG "YOUR KISS IS ON MY LIST" FANTASTIC !!!!.....I WILL BE WATCHING "TWIRL" ALOT MORE OFTEN !!!!

[@tj921able]

This had excellent music & fantastic moral to the story. TY for sharing it. God Bless You & stay safe.

[@MsDana-mo9fp]

My daughter was a Baton Twirler & has some titles & so many trophy's & medals!

[@Wisdom-Nuggets-Tid-Bits]

My mother did exactly the same. Back in the day when it was a huge thing to do.

[@gingersnaps997]

OMG! I remember this movie and became a baton twirler for approximately 5 years. I took lessons and became a part of a team and everything. I then transitioned to the color guard in high school and twirled rifle and flag. The only reason I did not become my university's baton twirler is because I majored in Computer Science and my course load was too heavy. This movie brings back so many memories. I still have my baton!!

[@Cherloe]

I twirled for years and competed, parades, and loved these actresses and did not know this movie existed until today.

[@Wisdom-Nuggets-Tid-Bits]

My mother did too.

[@lymaribreen384]

😅80 we’re awsome 56 now I love watching 80s shows but I never saw this one now I can binge watch everything now❤it😊

[@kristineholcroft9163]

Wow miss the 80s fun times best decade glad we still have our 80s movies brought back great memories

[@johncox2912]

A darling of a movie. One of those hidden gems. Great movie for your little girls for a Sunday rainy day matinee. As a kid I used to watch both leading ladies in Happy Days and The Facts of Life.

[@KathieAmaral]

My mom twirled in high school and I spun a rifle. Didn't even know a movie like this existed 😮

[@vikker8274]

Seeing Erin in that old fashioned gown makes me wish she’d been in a historical or western movie. She pulls that look off well.

[@Hereismytwocents2011]

This aired on my 10th birthday! I remember it!

[@sdavis5001]

"Mr. Vince Fontaine!!" ohhhhhh I love this movie!! I think my fav. part was when 'Jill' played her trumpet for the talent show. 😂😂 Life seemed easier back then. Being a teen in the 80's was amazing, looking back and comparing. I wish my daughter had the same experience, BUT........hopefully her 20's and on will be as great as my 90's were in the 20's. Keep bringing on these movies!!! Love love love!!

[@ladennayoung2939]

I don't recall ever hearing about this movie before. I was only three years old when it came out. ❤❤❤

[@heavenlyzeta7]

Gosh, I remember really wanting to be a baton twirler as a little girl. How fun to discover this!

[@a.y.7738]

Blair’s mother had the Tiffany Taylor two tone hair thing going on. Thanks for posting this tv movie.

[@user-oh5uq8kg1l]

"Blair's mother"....You're talking about the Golden Globe Award winning Stella Stevens. 🙂

[@colleenmccracken828]

I got a Tiffany Taylor doll for my birthday in the 70s

[@a.y.7738]

@@colleenmccracken828 me too!

[@a.y.7738]

@@user-oh5uq8kg1l Stella Stevens is an attractive actress, no wonder they chose her for L.W. “Blair’s” mother.

[@andevil777]

Man when you hit that twirling sweet spot you are just in the zone!! 😮😅😂

[@donnavemich9]

This was a very good movie. Well done.

[@lmusima3275]

This was a childhood movie. In 1981 I was in nursery ❤

[@blossom1643]

My youngest Son was 1 !! Check out the girls Big hair!!😂

[@lisadempsey9259]

57 here!! Wow this took me back! Thank you!!

[@lilwinged5291]

15 minutes in ... I'm laughing at her dream... Bonnie Lee is a perfect friend..😆.. We as humans know we can sometimes be so rotten.. love her honesty..

[@karenhall2926]

I’ve never seen this movie before. The judge in the white jacket played Vince Fontaine in Grease

[@hatednyc]

I wish movies about all matter of subjects are still made today. Network TV Movies of the week are the best.

[@laynedoon7437]

what a great little film,with great actors,loved it

[@Stephen_A.]

Rest in Peace Stella Stevens. 💝

[@Denise_Suzanne]

This debuted exactly one month before I turned 10 years old. ❤

[@williamsiyanko4631]

A classic movie. “ Twirl . Erin Moran Rip ,

[@Mister_Listener]

Donna Mackechnie is in this?!! Tracey Scoggins?! Heather locklear, Missy Gold, Sharon Spelman?? Wow. I cant wait to watch this. Rosalind Chao and Jamie Rose, too?! WOW!!

[@theresagilliland159]

I love this movie I'm so glad I came across it again ❤️🙂

[@jaimeemattingly1745]

This is quintessential Texas in th 80's..things like cheer nd baton twirling nd tumbling competitions where everything to th teenage girl as much as football was to th boys.

[@69fenderstratdan]

lisa Whelchel beauty outclasses them all.

[@cathymartin6085]

I saw this movie when I was a kid… had a baton, we all did! I tried the moves and ended up in pain! Lol🤣

[@Wisdom-Nuggets-Tid-Bits]

You are correct - we all did.

[@jdog34505]

Lisa is the only reason i'm watching this lol

[@fwdthinker]

She's about 60 now and STILL gorgeous!

[@wisperrr.]

Me too lol she’s so hottttt in the 80s

[@janetpitts7302]

Me too

[@Theaddora]

Beautiful!!

[@evelynbeveraggi8724]

Both cuties..

[@timothyhall3545]

The title song, was written and performed by Kinky Friedman. Made it all worthwhile.

[@csf7773]

The drama with this one I just can't take it anymore

[@kelliep.8514]

I forgot how cool batons were in 1981, when I was five😂

[@nataliegallegos9755]

I never even heard of this movie, it was a nice surprise.

[@hollylynn9322]

I still have my baton from a kid, luv twirling💫

[@yessumyessum6624]

I had no idea that Lisa Whelchel and Erin Moran could twirl. Wonder if they had prior experience with it, or if they were novices and trained intensely for this movie.

[@lorrainemeyer9067]

You do realize there were stand ins for the real twirling, right?

[@ja403]

I don’t think it was actually them doing the twirling.

[@ladennayoung2939]

Me neither. I am surprised that I have never heard of this movie before.

[@aatb7]

Lisa & Erin probably did some twirling themselves when it was close up. The faraway shots were standins, I’m sure. TURN THE STICK AROUND!!!

[@SolaScriptura-n-cats]

My Mom was a majorette in high school and college. I had her original baton while growing up, and I got really good at twirling! I’d give anything now to still have it. 💗

[@kellyanne7225]

I remember watching this movie when I was little, with my sister and my mom, who knew how to twirl a baton. I remember how it ends too! 😉 I met Lisa at a Christian based mom’s conference several years ago.

[@tammyhollandsworth6783]

1981 was the year I had my first child a daughter. Hard to believe that this movie was out and never saw it. Of course didn’t have television either. 😮

[@elizabethmcnamara6548]

Bonnie Lee is so kind and Genuine and I would love to be like her.

[@aneshiadixon8762]

I remember the say this aired. The day after my 9th birthday and I got a baton that year. Great times.

[@sheriheffner2098]

Erin Moran was such a good actress. And I always liked Lisa Whelchel the best on The Facts Of Life. We didn't have a Baton Twirling team in school. Just the Band and Cherrleaders and the Football and Basketball and Baseball and Softball teams. Later on they had Tennis. But that was after I graduated, and also the Runners and Golf

[@Mitzi73]

I saw this movie at 8 years old when it first premiered on TV. And I had a baton that I loved but growing up in an apartment in NYC meant I couldn’t throw it up in the air.

[@janetjohnson7279]

Awesome Show! It's Worth Watching!! 👍🏻

[@dannij7081]

I truly enjoyed this movie!

[@rac4437]

RIP Erin Moran 😢

[@MsWiseiswise-kz6wz]

Lisa Welchel was my fave in the facts of life. She played Blair Warner. She's sooooo pretteeee!

[@superamanda]

Pray and think your thoughts for Heather Locklear everyone. She is much more talented than she’s ever been given credit for.❤

[@catmccabe400]

Beautiful girls and women! Yes Erin is missed 💜

[@TnseWlms]

So afterwards, Jill went to college with her baton scholarship, threw away her baton, graduated sumna, and went on to get a PhD in classics, and is currently on the Harvard faculty.

[@moonraker30]

I was 4 when this aired, but I still remember these types of movies being on tv.

[@mariekatherine5238]

I love these old films. It shows what I DIDN’T do in school. Watching at age 73 gives an interesting perspective. I don’t regret my choices at all, but it would have been nice, perhaps, to have a group of friends at school if that could have been had without being in a clique. I still operate the same way. I have a few friends, but cannot be in a clique. That means I’d have to choose certain friends over others. I still cannot invite all my friends together because they don’t like one another! One would think in old age, the Jr. High mentality would be outgrown, but no!

[@jaminova_1969]

Classic Americana! 🤠 I just love the casting!

[@mountaingirl6479]

This was a fun movie altho I can’t believe a twirling competition would include a separate talent and an evening gown component like it was Miss America 😂😂😂. Also times have sure changed- every girl was called honey and sweetheart. Still, I really enjoyed it!

[@theirmom4723]

They still get called that in Texas

[@ghostdoodles]

Very sweet movie!

[@shorthorrorstories123]

I was so in love with Lisa Whelchel. I think like a lot of people, I believed that in "real life" she was much like her character, Blair, which is unfair. Probably because she was so beautiful that I believed she had to be stuck up. Come to find out years later how religious she is/was and that she was uncomfortable with a lot of the subject matter. She seems to be a really sweet person.

[@cici2562]

Somewhat cheesy movie, but the friendship between the girls really warmed my heart. The hug at the end when Jill consoled Bonnie Lee was so sweet. Hope her father learned his lesson in time to not pressure the little sister. And I guess they leave it up in the air whether that judge was biased and that’s why Jill won?

[@Wisdom-Nuggets-Tid-Bits]

I think it was DISGUSTING how he insulted his wife!! I felt like I was watching my ex husband!!!!!!!!

[@user-oh5uq8kg1l]

For a second, I thought Ralph Malph was playing Bonnie Lee's dad. 😅

[@ihaveinsomnia1]

😂

[@Robinbonds]

Oh i did too

[@bonniepurins1027]

Nope he was a cop in Hill Street Blues

[@skyeorange-k8w]

They made better movies back than! And also actors who had talent!

[@rcg1111]

Now they copy oaste the plot, diversify the cast and use tech to try to fill in the gaps where there should be talent and creativity. That's why modern films are 95% dumpster fires.

[@Cookiebutterspunk]

The misogyny in this movie is so cringe. The messages this movie sends is so dated. It’s what I was looking for though…campy.

[@victoriadunnett4745]

This was my favourite film as a child!!!

[@caverlady]

I was a champion twirler. To this day, if I have something in my hand that's the right shape and size, I'll absent-mindedly twirl it.

[@afewfigs]

Love this!

[@superamanda]

This is a really under rated film. I’m really surprised at how they didn’t do the standard plot devices in trajectories.

[@MisstyG]

I love Lisa Whelchel's Hallmark movies, and especially the Christian movies that she has done, and especially the one with Randy Travis.

[@tommy2times75]

Is that Vince Fontaine, once again grooming HS girls??

[@tangerinerose3724]

Damn! That dad's just waaay too much...

[@flight101]

My daughter won the uk Miss Mace 5 times. She was tiny and threw that thing that was a metre taller than her almost, so high it would go out of sight.

[@BarbaraPerkins-dq3cu]

My Mom was a baton twiler, too. R,I.P.Mp Mama and Erin Moran,❤❤

[@TXHobbyFarm]

Great movie great nostalgia

[@joseyeastwood]

Wow i have never heard of this movie a lot of faces i recognize from my childhood watching television.