In the early ‘80s, young National Lampoon writer John Hughes was making a name for himself. After writing two hits in 1983 in National Lampoon’s Vacation and Mr Mom, he became a hot property in Hollywood, earning a three-picture deal with Universal Pictures.

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Hughes’ directorial debut Sixteen Candles released in 1984. A coming-of-age drama, it was another big hit and production was started immediately on his next screenplay – another teen comedy-drama called The Breakfast Club.

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Despite things moving quickly, Hughes would later say getting The Breakfast Club greenlit wasn't easy as Universal complained there were no bare breasts, no parties, no guys drinking beer, or other teen movie staples. Nonetheless, a $1m budget was greenlit.

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