Episode 104: Semi-Tough (1977)

I revisit Semi-Tough (1977), a film that promised a lot on paper — Burt Reynolds, Kris Kristofferson, Jill Clayburgh, professional football, romance and self-help gurus. What surprised me was that the story itself wasn’t what stayed with me. Instead, it became a fascinating time capsule of late-1970s America, from the fashions and music to the changing attitudes and search for self-improvement.

While the film never quite reaches the heights its cast suggests it should, it gave me plenty to think about — especially Burt Reynolds’ movie-star persona, Michael Ritchie’s approach to satire, and the discovery that Jill Clayburgh may be the film’s biggest strength.