Tilt is the story of a precocious young girl who is a pinball wizard. Because she does not get on with her parents, Tilt is contemplating running away from home. Skipping school one day, she decides to go to to Mickey's Bar. Mickey, who is Tilt's good friend, helps her set up a gambler for a pinball game. Because the gambler is unaware of Tilt's pinball wizardry, he is easily hustled out of his money. While watching the confrontation, a young man named Neil Gallagher, who is an aspiring musician, is impressed with Tilt's ability, congratulating her after the win. Neil invites Tilt to watch him sing at a rock concert, and after his performance she believes he can become a great singer. Because Neil needs money for a demo tape of his songs, he has an idea of taking Tilt with him and having her hustle would-be gamblers.
Acting
Brooke Shields' surprisingly raw performance at age 14
Production
Authentic dive-bar seediness and vintage pinball culture
Costume
Peak 1979 fashion disasters worn with tragic sincerity
Director
Rudy Durand
Brooke Shields
Tilt (Brenda Louise Davenport)
Ken Marshall
Neil Gallagher
Charles Durning
Harold 'The Whale' Remmens
Lorenzo Lamas
Casey Silverwater
John Crawford
Mickey
Karen Lamm
Hype
Gregory Walcott
Mr. Davenport
Geoffrey Lewis
Truck Driver
Don Stark
Gary Laswitz
Gary Mule Deer
Felix
Frank Pesce
Rock Manager (Carrots)
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This was Brooke Shields' film debut at age 13, shot before her controversial role in Pretty Baby but released after.
The film captures the dying era of mechanical pinball before video games dominated, making it an accidental documentary of 1970s arcade culture.
US
