Joe Maloney (Brad Pitt) is an all-star runner on his high school track team. Billy Maloney (Rick Schroder) is a troubled youth who is in with the law, and about to be kicked out of the family. Trying to be a good older brother, Joe asks Billy if he wants to run with him in the mornings before school. Billy gives it a shot, and much to everyone's surprise turns out to be quite a little runner. Joe convinces Billy to try out for his schools track team (Billy is in a different school because he's caused too much trouble in previous ones) and it's a good thing he does, because that sets up the rest of the movie. It's a pretty cliché tale of everyone struggling but overcoming their inner demons at just the right moment. Carrie Snodgress does do a great job as the mom who refuses to move on from the point where her husband died. Overall, I'd say it is worth a shot; you won't learn anything new but you will feel better about yourself and life around you. As a last thought, the only problem I had was that as soon as the protagonist made the decision to change they didn't have to face the past. So the movie was a little fantastical that way, but that can be pretty easily overlooked. Rating: 24/40
20 Reviews
He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother Runner
wes-connors8 September 2011
In what looks like the Los Angeles area, pot-smoking hot blond Rick Schroder (as William "Billy" Maloney) steals a car and gets caught by the cops, while skuzzy pal David Anthony Marshall (as Louie) escapes by dumpster diving. After a year in reform school, Mr. Schroder is granted probation. He goes home to live with poor widowed mother Carrie Snodgress (as Rosemary) and older brother Brad Pitt (as Joe "Joey" Maloney), a high school track star aching for a Stanford scholarship...
Screw-up Schroder is enrolled in a (nicer) high school on the other side of town, due to some program set up with the reformatory. This sets up the storyline as the brothers may eventually face-off "Across the Tracks" on opposing track teams. Apparently, Mr. Pitt did not get long well with his kid brother, and gives him a really hard time. Schroder has sweaty nightmares and must resist strong lures to return to his delinquent lifestyle. Mother Snodgress loves both of her sons with all of her heart...
This story of sibling rivalry takes a long time to get off the ground as the opening acts do little to make it convincing. Schroder and Pitt do not initially impress as brothers. Pitt employs some obvious "high school gosh" for his characterization; with a good tail wind, his bangs threaten to win the race on their own. Surprisingly, considering their subsequent acting reputations, Schroder is the one who builds-up some believability, minus the partying. Turnabout is fair play, in brotherly love and acting.
****** Across the Tracks (1991) Sandy Tung ~ Rick Schroder, Brad Pitt, Carrie Snodgress, David Anthony Marshall
Screw-up Schroder is enrolled in a (nicer) high school on the other side of town, due to some program set up with the reformatory. This sets up the storyline as the brothers may eventually face-off "Across the Tracks" on opposing track teams. Apparently, Mr. Pitt did not get long well with his kid brother, and gives him a really hard time. Schroder has sweaty nightmares and must resist strong lures to return to his delinquent lifestyle. Mother Snodgress loves both of her sons with all of her heart...
This story of sibling rivalry takes a long time to get off the ground as the opening acts do little to make it convincing. Schroder and Pitt do not initially impress as brothers. Pitt employs some obvious "high school gosh" for his characterization; with a good tail wind, his bangs threaten to win the race on their own. Surprisingly, considering their subsequent acting reputations, Schroder is the one who builds-up some believability, minus the partying. Turnabout is fair play, in brotherly love and acting.
****** Across the Tracks (1991) Sandy Tung ~ Rick Schroder, Brad Pitt, Carrie Snodgress, David Anthony Marshall
Running brothers
bkoganbing15 December 2018
Across The Tracks stars Rick Schroder and Brad Pitt as a pair of brothers with
Carrie Snodgrass as their put upon mom. Schroder is on probation and recently
released from reform school where he took a rap for joy riding in a stolen car
for David Anthony Marshall his drug dealing buddy. Pitt is an aspiring track
star and a straight arrow if there ever was one.
Schroder has to attend another high school and he discovers that he too has a skill in running. That's encouraged by Pitt until Schroder shows he just might have more ability than Pitt. After that Pitt starts straying over to the dark side.
This was a no frills type film which is carried by the good chemistry shown by Snodgrass, Schroder, and Pitt as the Maloney family. It plays like one of those after school special films, but it's much better than that.
Anyway it's a good chance for his fans to see Brad Pitt in his salad days.
Schroder has to attend another high school and he discovers that he too has a skill in running. That's encouraged by Pitt until Schroder shows he just might have more ability than Pitt. After that Pitt starts straying over to the dark side.
This was a no frills type film which is carried by the good chemistry shown by Snodgrass, Schroder, and Pitt as the Maloney family. It plays like one of those after school special films, but it's much better than that.
Anyway it's a good chance for his fans to see Brad Pitt in his salad days.
Run, Ricky, Run
culwin17 September 2001
So-so movie featuring Ricky - oops, I mean "Rick" - Schroder and a 27 year old Brad Pitt playing high school students. There isn't too much of a story here, and I'm not really sure what the point is. It is good in a way, but the plot just didn't interest me too much. Maybe they should have just released this as a TV-movie instead of a feature film. I guess it is OK if you are bored, but I'd only recommend renting it if you are a fan of Brad Pitt, Rick Schroder, or track. Oh, and the kid who plays Blossom's older brother is in it. Why did this movie receive an "R" rating??
Two brothers race for the finish line.
michaelRokeefe26 July 2002
Not much to rave about unless you happen to be a Brad Pitt fan or a follower of Rick Schroder. The two play high school brothers that find some success on the track field. Pitt is trying to walk the straight and narrow; while Schroder is a reform school refugee. Otherwise this movie does good to hold interest against an after school TV movie. Carrie Snodgress plays the passive mother still grieving her husbands death. Thomas Mikal Ford is the "meaning well" track coach. Unrealistic casting hurts.
Forgettable junk
jjnxn-130 April 2013
Terribly directed and acted family conflict drama that would be rightly and completely forgotten if it did not contain Brad Pitt in the cast. He is extremely callow and still has a lot to learn here but at least his bland performance can be put down to the fact that he was still a beginner. Rick Schroder on the other hand is too old to be believable as a high school student and is awful and overwrought. Carrie Snodgrass is okay as the mom, unlike the rest of the dreadful supporting cast, but the script really doesn't give her much too work with. Speaking of the script it is full of huge holes of plausibility and lacks any kind of common sense. To top it all off the score is full of horrid ersatz hard rock. Don't bother.
Brad Pitt Vehicle
michaeltrivedi7 May 2019
So it's obvious no one would watch this movie for any other reason than to see a young Brad Pitt climb from the depths of the Hollywood industry that is this film.
Generally, I am a fan of Brad for his motion pictures. And this one is actually fairly good.
It's about two brothers on the opposite sides of life. One is studious and smart, the other is the troublemaker. As the brothers compete in high school track, we are caught between the struggle of good and evil, and contemplate it's real meaning at the end of things.
Great vehicle for Pitt, though probably will not appeal to most.
5 Stars
Generally, I am a fan of Brad for his motion pictures. And this one is actually fairly good.
It's about two brothers on the opposite sides of life. One is studious and smart, the other is the troublemaker. As the brothers compete in high school track, we are caught between the struggle of good and evil, and contemplate it's real meaning at the end of things.
Great vehicle for Pitt, though probably will not appeal to most.
5 Stars
Watching Across the Tracks 25 years later
margolis-8961920 January 2019
I recommend this movie as one that stands up 25 years later. It is written and directed by Sandy Tung and done so with great empathy for two brothers who both suffer from the loss of their father and the struggles of their mothers, yet do so in two completely different ways. The film being actually shot in Compton gives it a very real feel, rather than a cliched setting. The class issue is one that resonates today, as does the story of why a struggling adolescent can so easily fall victim to the criminal justice system, and how hard it can be for the single working mom. Considering the opiod epidemic, the growing struggles of working people, the hardship for so many to attend college, I found this film to be an intense viewing experience in 2019. Ricky Schroder was captivating. The tale was timeless.
Cliche ridden brother flick.
Ian-1006 September 1999
All the characters are cheap and hackneyed, from the concerned and confused, loving mother to the bad boy friend of the kid fresh from jail. Peer pressure, cod-psychology, simplistic relationships, poor characterisation, it's all here. It's not too offensive - what would one expect from a 1991 Ricky Schroeder/Brad Pitt film based around the adventures of two boys involved in running? A few "important" races, some shouting and a predictable yet ridiculously hole-ridden plot. Great stuff.
Cool for Pitt fans.
tim. jones5 September 1999
The snappiest thing about this film is the title. Two American teenage brothers, one a swat and a goody two shoes on the athletic track, and the other a rebellious delinquent (born on the wrong side of the tracks, get it?), end up at the same school after bad boy Billy (Rick Schroder) gets a second chance after a spell at a Borstal.
Members of Billy's delinquent melee try to reclaim him for the bad side, but we all know that is not going to happen. Joe, the elder brother (Brad Pitt), is trying for a scholarship to a prestigious university by running a faster race than anyone else. This is where the story falls apart.
Brad Pitt has by far the more convincing physique. Rick Schroder is good looking enough, provided he stops slicking his blond locks back with a cartload of grease, but he is no athlete. The clever cinematic device of dressing him in black shorts and shirt for the running sequences cannot hide the flab. The slow motion sections (a la Chariots of Fire) only accentuate this.
Watch this if you want to see obviously twenty-something year olds trying to be school kids; if you enjoy folk belting round the running track; if you want to remind yourself of what Brad Pitt looked liked before he became a real actor.
Two redeeming quotations from the film are "The only thing personal is the size of your d**k" and "I thought you were as straight as a virgin's d**k". Memorable because, as I remember, at the age the characters are supposed to be, these comments pepper every day conversation. That there are only two during the 1 hour 40 minutes is an indictment of authenticity.
Members of Billy's delinquent melee try to reclaim him for the bad side, but we all know that is not going to happen. Joe, the elder brother (Brad Pitt), is trying for a scholarship to a prestigious university by running a faster race than anyone else. This is where the story falls apart.
Brad Pitt has by far the more convincing physique. Rick Schroder is good looking enough, provided he stops slicking his blond locks back with a cartload of grease, but he is no athlete. The clever cinematic device of dressing him in black shorts and shirt for the running sequences cannot hide the flab. The slow motion sections (a la Chariots of Fire) only accentuate this.
Watch this if you want to see obviously twenty-something year olds trying to be school kids; if you enjoy folk belting round the running track; if you want to remind yourself of what Brad Pitt looked liked before he became a real actor.
Two redeeming quotations from the film are "The only thing personal is the size of your d**k" and "I thought you were as straight as a virgin's d**k". Memorable because, as I remember, at the age the characters are supposed to be, these comments pepper every day conversation. That there are only two during the 1 hour 40 minutes is an indictment of authenticity.
Decently Executed Version Of The Old Story
boblipton11 January 2024
Ricky Schroeder gets out of reform school and returns home to mother Carrie Snodgrass and brother Brad Pitt. Pitt is a model teenager, hard-working. He hopes to get into college on a track scholarship. Schroeder looks to be falling back into bad habits, hanging with his shoplifting buddy. Then Schroeder joins his high school's track team and seems to be better than Pitt, who promptly falls to pieces.
Schroeder was coming off a great career as a child actor, while Pitt was still a promising young performer; later in the year, THELMA AND LOUISE would turn him into eye candy, obscuring the fact he can also act. Here, in this junior-league version of True West, it all comes down to the big race.
Which is pretty much the story of lots of movies and almost certainly children's series books for the last century and a half. It's a decent version of the tale, and the actors are interesting for their histories, but little more.
Schroeder was coming off a great career as a child actor, while Pitt was still a promising young performer; later in the year, THELMA AND LOUISE would turn him into eye candy, obscuring the fact he can also act. Here, in this junior-league version of True West, it all comes down to the big race.
Which is pretty much the story of lots of movies and almost certainly children's series books for the last century and a half. It's a decent version of the tale, and the actors are interesting for their histories, but little more.
Great Film
jartt-0864522 August 2020
I am not sure why a lot of people gave this film such a low score. Frankly, that really bothers me. The film is a low budget movie that covers everything that needs to be in a story; and it did that very well. The characters were very real and true to their identities. I sincerely believed in the characters' behavior. The story and plot was simple and straight to the point. The status quo was nailed perfectly. The themes that were explored in this film is seen in epic Hollywood films. One brother is considered good; the other brother is considered bad. The subtle journey that these characters take exposes some deep rooted skeletons that soon rocks the status quo of both of their inner-worlds. The theme of good and bad was explored throughout this entire film. And the theme of what seems to be good or bad was left up to the audience to decide. But really, another theme that came up, was sacrificing for the greater good... More importantly, the film exposes the truth of why one should not judge a book by its cover. And how family can win any race in life if they stick together. That's only covering a little bit about this film. A masterpiece.
Greatest Film Ever Made...
QulkSiLvR16 February 2003
...okay, not really. But still, this Ricky Schroder/Brad Pitt production (made when Schroder was the bigger name) has all the after-school special charm of...all those after-school specials that I forget the names of. The story is cliched and the characters are simplistic, but if you don't take it too seriously and pretend your high school track team is watching it on the way back from state championships or something silly like that, you might actually have a great time with this movie. If you actually want to see a real movie and not something that is just fun to laugh at, I wouldn't recommend it. Great for bigger, slightly intoxicated audiences, especially if they are runners. Also great for people who love incredibly sappy stories of brotherly love.
I LOVE ACROSS THE TRACKS
sjkalinich21 January 2019
I highly recommend this Movie.
I think it is a classic.
I loved the movie
the directing was spot on .
Sandy Tung wrote an engaging script relevant in the world today
that resonated with me .
Powerful touching Shakespearean Themes
I was very moved .
The acting was superb .
The brothers the competition all the elements .
Ricky is an Amazing actor . Brad Pitt
was wonderful.
The whole cast was very good
Everyone should know about this Movie.
Can one buy copies or a Dvd ? .. I really felt a poetic sweep and flow
of this movie .
I see so many movies and videos
i think this one Across Th Tracks should be rereleased
Stephen John Kalinich Beach Boy Lyric writer and Poet
Stephen John Kalinich Beach Boy Lyric writer and Poet
Ricky Schroeder is the stand out!!! It's official
ylopez-237944 September 2023
Okay this is coming from a biiiiiiiiig Brad Pitt Fan. I love brad always have but this movie Ricky Schroeder owns it. And yea so cute!!!! Always has been. Ever since Silver spoons he's just a cutie.
This is an oldie but goodie movie As you see the plot, you can tell Ricky Schroeder in this movie is superior than the acting skills of Brad . Of course Ricky has been acting since he was super young prior to silver spoons he was in another movie. I forgot the name.
Now yea Brad is more toned so he certainly does have that runner physique Meanwhile while Ricky, is not that he's fat he's not , but he doesn't come across as an athlete as another commentator mentioned. But it's the acting that I liked from Ricky. It's a good movie that deals with heart and brotherly love. Sacrifices one brother does for the other. I loved it.
I recommend.
This is an oldie but goodie movie As you see the plot, you can tell Ricky Schroeder in this movie is superior than the acting skills of Brad . Of course Ricky has been acting since he was super young prior to silver spoons he was in another movie. I forgot the name.
Now yea Brad is more toned so he certainly does have that runner physique Meanwhile while Ricky, is not that he's fat he's not , but he doesn't come across as an athlete as another commentator mentioned. But it's the acting that I liked from Ricky. It's a good movie that deals with heart and brotherly love. Sacrifices one brother does for the other. I loved it.
I recommend.
A 'worth the watch' movie for all you Brad Pitt or Rick Schroder fans!
gurl_amy18 October 2003
I thought this film was great, it is a simple and emotional story based on two brothers, who both happen to be good looking and great actors. I really like Rick's performance in this and think he looks gorgeous!
Overall a great film and of course not forgetting Brad Pitt, who is always excellent! I definitely recommend this film if you are a fan of either Pitt or Schroder, or just want to chill out with a nice film (especially if you are female).
Overall a great film and of course not forgetting Brad Pitt, who is always excellent! I definitely recommend this film if you are a fan of either Pitt or Schroder, or just want to chill out with a nice film (especially if you are female).
Yes
bevo-136781 April 2020
One of my favorite movies of all time
jbarrett574 February 2014
Warning: Spoilers
I probably like this more a lot more than most people but this is definitely one of my favorite movies of all time. The plot i simple and heart warming. One brother makes a mistake and this is his story of him trying to escape his troubled past and fit back in with his family. The two brothers billy and Joe each find comfort from their tragic home life in the track team at their respective schools and this tears the brothers further apart. In the end one of the brothers throws the race in order to save his relationship with his brother which is truly hart warming. Again like cutting class I don't think Brad Pitt was the stand out actor in this movie but I do think Ricky Schroeder was. He played his part really well. I f you want to be entertained by a truly heartwarming tale in my opinion this is definitely one for you. I could probably watch this movie day after day and still really enjoy it and that is why this gets 10/10 in my opinion.
Academy Awards? Oscar? Riviting, Raw, Powerful, Emotional
s00016201211 May 2009
This is the most amazing movie in the world. Being a runner myself, this movie puts you into the emotional roller coaster that is high school running. There are many times when you feel like you will not or cannot accomplish the county championship but if you have someone like your brother to lean on then anything is possible. This movie has inspired me more than Chariots of Fire, PRE, and Without Limits combined. The acting and raw emotions that these characters experience will live on for ever. Where is the Academy Award for GREATEST FILM EVER MADE? By the way Pitt looks JACKED and he is the man in this move. Best performance of his life. PS if those are the standards to get into Standford then my whole XC team from junior year should be there. But that doesn't matter.
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