Semi-Tough is a 1977 film directed by Michael Ritchie and starring Burt Reynolds, Kris Kristofferson, Jill Clayburgh, Lotte Lenya, Bert Convy, and Brian Dennehy. The plot involves a love triangle between the characters portrayed by Reynolds, Kristofferson and Clayburgh. Semi-Tough also includes a parody of Werner Erhard's Erhard Seminars Training , depicted in the film as an organization called "B.E.A.T." The film is based on the novel Semi-Tough, by Dan Jenkins, and was adapted for the screen by writer Walter Bernstein and director Michael Ritchie. Ritchie and Bernstein added a new storyline... which included a satire of the self-help movement and new religions. Semi-Tough follows the story of pro-football friends Billy Clyde Puckett, and Marvin 'Shake' Tiller, who also have a third roommate, Barbara Jane Bookman. The two men vie for her affection throughout the film, but Shake becomes self-confident after completing a self awareness course called "B.E.A.T." Bert Convy plays the role of Friedrich Bismark, the leader of B.E.A.T. Barbara Jane enrolls in B.E.A.T. training in order to "get it" and be closer to Shake, but does not have a good experience in the training.
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| Release date: | 1977 |
| Directed by: | Michael Ritchie |
| Rated: |  |
| Runtime: | 108 Minutes |
| Producer: | David Merrick |
| Music by: | Jerry Fielding |
| Screenplay by: | Walter Bernstein |
| Adapted from: | Semi-Tough |
| Genre: | Comedy |