The Experts (released in theaters on Jan. 13, 1989) is a quirky, neon-hued relic of late-Cold War cinema that leans heavily into the “clash of cultures” trope. Directed by Dave Thomas, the film captures a specific moment in pop culture history where American “cool” was seen as the ultimate ideological weapon.
While it operates within the framework of a lighthearted buddy comedy, it serves as a fascinating time capsule of eighties fashion and dance trends.
Travis (John Travolta) and Wendell (Arye Gross) are two struggling New York City club promoters who dream of opening the hottest nightclub in the world.
Their luck seems to change when they are approached by a mysterious, high-paying businessman (James Keach) who offers them a fortune to revamp a town’s nightlife.
They are drugged and transported to “Indian Springs, Nebraska,” a town that appears to be a perfectly preserved slice of 1950s Americana.
However, the town is actually a top-secret Soviet training facility deep inside the USSR.
The residents are KGB spies, led by the meticulous Mr. Smith (Charles Martin Smith), who are being trained to infiltrate American society.
The Soviet leadership, including Mr. Jones played by Brian Doyle-Murray, believes that the spies lack the “edge” of modern Americans.
Travis and Wendell are brought in as “experts” to teach the locals how to be hip, cool, and contemporary.
Unaware of the deception, the duo begins teaching the townspeople how to dance, dress, and act like eighties New Yorkers.
Along the way, Travis falls for the beautiful Bonnie (Kelly Preston) and Wendell bonds with Jill (Deborah Foreman).
As the town begins to transform into a vibrant, rebellious community, while local minister Sparks, played by Rick Ducommun does not like the idea of modernizing the town.
Eventually, Travis and Wendell discover the truth and must orchestrate a daring, comedic escape across the border before the KGB realizes that their prize pupils have become a bit too American for their own good.
John Travolta and Kelly Preston in The Experts (Photo/Paramount Pictures)
Reception for The Experts
The Experts grossed $169,203 on its opening weekend, in limited release of 100 screens, and was pulled from theaters due to its poor reception.
Legacy
The legacy of The Experts is inextricably linked to the real-life romance between John Travolta and Kelly Preston, who met on the set of this film and eventually formed one of Hollywood’s most enduring partnerships.
For fans of Travolta, the movie is a celebrated showcase of his dancing ability during a period when he was transitioning between his early superstardom and his later career renaissance.
The film is also remembered for its absurd, high-concept premise that satirized the paranoia of the era while celebrating the global influence of American pop culture.
