Major Payne
Encyclopedia
Major Payne is a 1995 comedy film
, starring Damon Wayans
. The film is a loose remake of the 1955 film The Private War of Major Benson
, starring Charlton Heston
.
While generally receiving unfavorable reviews, the movie has become a cult favorite, especially with JROTC/Civil Air Patrol
cadet programs.
), a hardened Marine, returns from a violent but successful drug raid in South America
, only to find out that he has again been denied his long-hoped-for promotion to the grade of Lieutenant Colonel
. Instead, Payne receives an honorable discharge on the grounds that "the wars of the world are no longer fought on the battlefield", and that his killing skills are no longer needed.
After leaving the military, Payne finds life as a civilian unbearable, and within days reaches his breaking point. To help adjust, he applies for a job as a police officer
. However, during the test to see how applicants handle domestic violence
disputes, he "neutralizes" the "abusive husband" by knocking him unconscious. Payne is jailed on charges of assault. His former General visits him in prison and informs Payne that he has managed to secure a military job for him.
Payne arrives at Madison Preparatory School in Virginia
, and is informed by the principal (William Hickey
) that his job is to train the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps
. These "green boys" (as the principal calls them) are a disorderly group of delinquents and outcasts who have placed last in the Virginia Military Games eight years running. When Payne sees his company, he declares his intention that they will win the Games at all costs, and immediately sets about establishing order and discipline, making no exceptions for various handicaps that the cadets have (deafness, obesity, heart conditions, etc.). His punishment methods cause him to clash with Emily Walburn (Karyn Parsons
), the School's counselor. Walburn tries to make Payne more empathetic, particularly towards six-year old orphan Tiger (Orlando Brown
), but without much success.
Chafing under Payne's iron hand, the cadets make a series of attempts to get back at Payne, or force him to leave. Some of the schemes include giving him a laxative-loaded cupcake, attempting to portray Payne in a photo sleeping with one of the boys, and hiring a biker to beat up Payne. None of the cadets' plots succeed, and many of them backfire.
Things come to a head when Payne offers to leave if they bring him the Military Games trophy. The cadets assume he means for them to steal the trophy from rival Wellington Academy, and they attempt to do so. However, Payne places an anonymous call to Wellington, leading to the boys' being ambushed by Wellington cadets before they can collect the trophy.
The next day, Payne is confronted by lead misfit Alex Stone (Steven Martini
) about the sabotaged trophy mission, but Payne tells him it was not about fair or unfair, but about achieving the objective. Payne asks Stone if he wants the trophy, and Stone replies that he does. Payne then tells Stone that he will show him how to earn it, and starts training the cadets for the games. Finding motivation in the prospect of winning the trophy and of finally being rid of Payne, the cadets throw themselves into Payne's grueling training program.
Payne begins to earn some grudging respect from the corps by saving Stone from his abusive stepfather (Michael Ironside
), and saving Tiger from his nightmares, via shooting the "boogey man" in the closet and proclaiming, "If he's still in there, he sure ain't happy"
The day before the Games, the corps is in good form and ready for the competition. However, Payne's former General arrives with a request for Payne to return to the Marines
to fight in Bosnia
. His proposed deployment means he will miss the Military Games. This has a demoralizing effect on the corps, but they decide to compete anyway.
Payne initially follows his orders and sets off for his new engagement. But as he waits for his train, he has a vision of himself with Walburn and Tiger, barbecuing in the front yard of their dream home. He realizes that his desire to be with Walburn and Tiger is greater than his desire to return to military action. Aborting his mission, Payne heads back to see the Games, as well as Walburn and Tiger.
At the Games, the Madison Corps are holding their own until one of the rival cadets intentionally trips Stone during a race, injuring Stone's leg. Stone manages to get to his feet and hobble across the finish line, finishing in second place. This foul play sparks an all-out brawl between the teams that threatens to get them disqualified. Payne arrives at the last minute and sticks up for his team. Because Stone is injured and out of the competition, Payne appoints young Tiger to lead the drill. The group executes an unorthodox but entertaining routine which wins them the trophy. Stone is personally awarded the Individual Cadet Achievement trophy.
Three months later, on the first day of the new school year, Payne has resumed being an instructor, with Stone as squad leader. When a new blind
cadet taunts Payne, Payne proceeds to shave him – and his seeing-eye dog
– bald with his field knife
. The film fades out to the sound of Payne's laughter.
has rated the film at 27 out of 100 based on 11 reviews.
Comedy film
Comedy film is a genre of film in which the main emphasis is on humour. They are designed to elicit laughter from the audience. Comedies are mostly light-hearted dramas and are made to amuse and entertain the audiences...
, starring Damon Wayans
Damon Wayans
Damon Kyle Wayans is an American stand-up comedian, writer and actor, one of the Wayans brothers.-Early life:Wayans was born in New York City, New York, the son of Elvira, a homemaker and social worker, and Howell Wayans, a supermarket manager...
. The film is a loose remake of the 1955 film The Private War of Major Benson
The Private War of Major Benson
The Private War of Major Benson is 1955 comedy film starring Charlton Heston, Julie Adams, Sal Mineo and Tim Hovey, about a tough-talking U.S. Army Officer who must shape up the ROTC program at Sheridan Academy, a Catholic boys' military school, or be forced out of the Army.The movie was filmed on St...
, starring Charlton Heston
Charlton Heston
Charlton Heston was an American actor of film, theatre and television. Heston is known for heroic roles in films such as The Ten Commandments, Ben-Hur for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor, El Cid, and Planet of the Apes...
.
While generally receiving unfavorable reviews, the movie has become a cult favorite, especially with JROTC/Civil Air Patrol
Civil Air Patrol
Civil Air Patrol is a Congressionally chartered, federally supported, non-profit corporation that serves as the official civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force . CAP is a volunteer organization with an aviation-minded membership that includes people from all backgrounds, lifestyles, and...
cadet programs.
Plot
United States Marine Corps Major Benson Winifred Payne (Damon WayansDamon Wayans
Damon Kyle Wayans is an American stand-up comedian, writer and actor, one of the Wayans brothers.-Early life:Wayans was born in New York City, New York, the son of Elvira, a homemaker and social worker, and Howell Wayans, a supermarket manager...
), a hardened Marine, returns from a violent but successful drug raid in South America
South America
South America is a continent situated in the Western Hemisphere, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a relatively small portion in the Northern Hemisphere. The continent is also considered a subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the north and east...
, only to find out that he has again been denied his long-hoped-for promotion to the grade of Lieutenant Colonel
Lieutenant Colonel (United States)
In the United States Army, United States Air Force, and United States Marine Corps, a lieutenant colonel is a field grade military officer rank just above the rank of major and just below the rank of colonel. It is equivalent to the naval rank of commander in the other uniformed services.The pay...
. Instead, Payne receives an honorable discharge on the grounds that "the wars of the world are no longer fought on the battlefield", and that his killing skills are no longer needed.
After leaving the military, Payne finds life as a civilian unbearable, and within days reaches his breaking point. To help adjust, he applies for a job as a police officer
Police officer
A police officer is a warranted employee of a police force...
. However, during the test to see how applicants handle domestic violence
Domestic violence
Domestic violence, also known as domestic abuse, spousal abuse, battering, family violence, and intimate partner violence , is broadly defined as a pattern of abusive behaviors by one or both partners in an intimate relationship such as marriage, dating, family, or cohabitation...
disputes, he "neutralizes" the "abusive husband" by knocking him unconscious. Payne is jailed on charges of assault. His former General visits him in prison and informs Payne that he has managed to secure a military job for him.
Payne arrives at Madison Preparatory School in Virginia
Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia , is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and sometimes the "Mother of Presidents" after the eight U.S. presidents born there...
, and is informed by the principal (William Hickey
William Hickey (actor)
William Edward Hickey was an American actor. He was best known for his Oscar-nominated role as Don Corrado Prizzi in the John Huston 1985 film Prizzi's Honor, as well as the voice of Dr...
) that his job is to train the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps
Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps
The Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps is a Federal program sponsored by the United States Armed Forces in high schools across the United States...
. These "green boys" (as the principal calls them) are a disorderly group of delinquents and outcasts who have placed last in the Virginia Military Games eight years running. When Payne sees his company, he declares his intention that they will win the Games at all costs, and immediately sets about establishing order and discipline, making no exceptions for various handicaps that the cadets have (deafness, obesity, heart conditions, etc.). His punishment methods cause him to clash with Emily Walburn (Karyn Parsons
Karyn Parsons
Karyn Parsons is an American television and film actress and model best known for the role of Hilary Banks on the NBC sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.-Early life:...
), the School's counselor. Walburn tries to make Payne more empathetic, particularly towards six-year old orphan Tiger (Orlando Brown
Orlando Brown
Orlando Brown is an American actor and musician. A child actor, his early roles included 3J in Family Matters, Eddie Thomas in That's So Raven, Tiger in Major Payne, and Nelson in The Jamie Foxx Show. He was also the voice of Sticky Web on the animated TV series The Proud Family...
), but without much success.
Chafing under Payne's iron hand, the cadets make a series of attempts to get back at Payne, or force him to leave. Some of the schemes include giving him a laxative-loaded cupcake, attempting to portray Payne in a photo sleeping with one of the boys, and hiring a biker to beat up Payne. None of the cadets' plots succeed, and many of them backfire.
Things come to a head when Payne offers to leave if they bring him the Military Games trophy. The cadets assume he means for them to steal the trophy from rival Wellington Academy, and they attempt to do so. However, Payne places an anonymous call to Wellington, leading to the boys' being ambushed by Wellington cadets before they can collect the trophy.
The next day, Payne is confronted by lead misfit Alex Stone (Steven Martini
Steven Martini
Steven Martini is a writer, actor, composer, editor, and singer/songwriter who with his brother Derick Martini wrote the film Lymelife. Based on experiences from the Martini's childhood, Lymelife won the FIPRESCI award at the 2008 Toronto International Film Festival, and premiered at the 2009...
) about the sabotaged trophy mission, but Payne tells him it was not about fair or unfair, but about achieving the objective. Payne asks Stone if he wants the trophy, and Stone replies that he does. Payne then tells Stone that he will show him how to earn it, and starts training the cadets for the games. Finding motivation in the prospect of winning the trophy and of finally being rid of Payne, the cadets throw themselves into Payne's grueling training program.
Payne begins to earn some grudging respect from the corps by saving Stone from his abusive stepfather (Michael Ironside
Michael Ironside
Michael Ironside is a Canadian-born actor. He has also worked as a voice actor, producer, film director, and screenwriter in movie and television series in various Canadian and American productions. He is best known for playing villains and "tough guy" heroes, though he has also portrayed...
), and saving Tiger from his nightmares, via shooting the "boogey man" in the closet and proclaiming, "If he's still in there, he sure ain't happy"
The day before the Games, the corps is in good form and ready for the competition. However, Payne's former General arrives with a request for Payne to return to the Marines
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
to fight in Bosnia
Bosnian War
The Bosnian War or the War in Bosnia and Herzegovina was an international armed conflict that took place in Bosnia and Herzegovina between April 1992 and December 1995. The war involved several sides...
. His proposed deployment means he will miss the Military Games. This has a demoralizing effect on the corps, but they decide to compete anyway.
Payne initially follows his orders and sets off for his new engagement. But as he waits for his train, he has a vision of himself with Walburn and Tiger, barbecuing in the front yard of their dream home. He realizes that his desire to be with Walburn and Tiger is greater than his desire to return to military action. Aborting his mission, Payne heads back to see the Games, as well as Walburn and Tiger.
At the Games, the Madison Corps are holding their own until one of the rival cadets intentionally trips Stone during a race, injuring Stone's leg. Stone manages to get to his feet and hobble across the finish line, finishing in second place. This foul play sparks an all-out brawl between the teams that threatens to get them disqualified. Payne arrives at the last minute and sticks up for his team. Because Stone is injured and out of the competition, Payne appoints young Tiger to lead the drill. The group executes an unorthodox but entertaining routine which wins them the trophy. Stone is personally awarded the Individual Cadet Achievement trophy.
Three months later, on the first day of the new school year, Payne has resumed being an instructor, with Stone as squad leader. When a new blind
Blindness
Blindness is the condition of lacking visual perception due to physiological or neurological factors.Various scales have been developed to describe the extent of vision loss and define blindness...
cadet taunts Payne, Payne proceeds to shave him – and his seeing-eye dog
Guide dog
Guide dogs are assistance dogs trained to lead blind and visually impaired people around obstacles.Although the dogs can be trained to navigate various obstacles, they are partially color blind and are not capable of interpreting street signs...
– bald with his field knife
KA-BAR
KA-BAR is the contemporary popular name for the combat knife first adopted by the United States Marine Corps in November 1942 as the 1219C2 Combat Knife , and subsequently adopted by the United States Navy as the U.S. Navy Utility Knife, Mark 2...
. The film fades out to the sound of Payne's laughter.
Production
- The exterior scenes of the boarding school in Major Payne were filmed at The Miller School of AlbemarleThe Miller School of AlbemarleThe Miller School of Albemarle is a coeducational day and boarding college preparatory school outside Charlottesville, Virginia for students in grades 8 - PG. It first opened its doors in 1878 with 33 students. One of the nation's oldest coeducational boarding schools, girls first enrolled in...
. - Most of the indoor scenes were filmed in a warehouse that was turned into a soundstage owned by 84 Lumber located in Chesterfield County just off of US RT 1, about 2 miles south of the Richmond City line.
- The opening scene was filmed just outside of the makeshift soundstage.
- The fantasy scene at the train station was filmed at the Ashland Train Station, in Ashland, Virginia.
- Orlando Brown had an onset teacher/tutor during production. She was also the onset teacher for Benji Gregory as Brian Tanner of the TV Show Alf.
- During production, filming had to be stopped throughout the day due to CSX trains passing the soundstage.
- The Military Games Scenes were filmed at Berkley Plantation in Charles City, Virginia.
- There was an alternate ending for the movie. During the Military Games, Cadet Stone's drunken father gets into a fight with Payne. Somehow, he takes 4 cadets from another school hostage. Stone and the cadets (one of whom was named Cadet Rachmil after one of the producers, and was played by Ryan Scarbrough) were taken to a small building that was used to shoot at the cadets and onlookers.
- Dean Lorey (co-wrote the screenplay) stated on deanlorey.com that to his knowledge there is no Special Edition in the works.
Cast
- Damon WayansDamon WayansDamon Kyle Wayans is an American stand-up comedian, writer and actor, one of the Wayans brothers.-Early life:Wayans was born in New York City, New York, the son of Elvira, a homemaker and social worker, and Howell Wayans, a supermarket manager...
as MajorMajorMajor is a rank of commissioned officer, with corresponding ranks existing in almost every military in the world.When used unhyphenated, in conjunction with no other indicator of rank, the term refers to the rank just senior to that of an Army captain and just below the rank of lieutenant colonel. ...
Benson Winifred Payne - Karyn ParsonsKaryn ParsonsKaryn Parsons is an American television and film actress and model best known for the role of Hilary Banks on the NBC sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.-Early life:...
as Emily Walburn - Steven MartiniSteven MartiniSteven Martini is a writer, actor, composer, editor, and singer/songwriter who with his brother Derick Martini wrote the film Lymelife. Based on experiences from the Martini's childhood, Lymelife won the FIPRESCI award at the 2008 Toronto International Film Festival, and premiered at the 2009...
as CadetOfficer CadetOfficer cadet is a rank held by military and merchant navy cadets during their training to become commissioned officers and merchant navy officers, respectively. The term officer trainee is used interchangeably in some countries...
Alex J. Stone - Michael IronsideMichael IronsideMichael Ironside is a Canadian-born actor. He has also worked as a voice actor, producer, film director, and screenwriter in movie and television series in various Canadian and American productions. He is best known for playing villains and "tough guy" heroes, though he has also portrayed...
as Lt. Col. Stone - Orlando BrownOrlando BrownOrlando Brown is an American actor and musician. A child actor, his early roles included 3J in Family Matters, Eddie Thomas in That's So Raven, Tiger in Major Payne, and Nelson in The Jamie Foxx Show. He was also the voice of Sticky Web on the animated TV series The Proud Family...
as Cadet Kevin "Tiger" Dunn - Albert Hall as GeneralGeneralA general officer is an officer of high military rank, usually in the army, and in some nations, the air force. The term is widely used by many nations of the world, and when a country uses a different term, there is an equivalent title given....
Decker - Andrew Harrison Leeds as Cadet Dotson
- Damien Wayans as Cadet Dwight "D." Williams
- Chris OwenChris Owen (actor)Chris Owen is an American actor. He is best known for his role in the American Pie movies as Chuck Sherman . He reprised this role in American Pie 2, American Pie: Band Camp and American Reunion...
as Cadet Wuligar - Stephen ColemanStephen ColemanStephen Coleman is an American film orchestrator and conductor. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Composition from the Manhattan School of Music, in New York...
as Cadet Leland - Mark Madison as Cadet Fox
- Peyton Chesson-Fohl as Cadet Sgt.SergeantSergeant is a rank used in some form by most militaries, police forces, and other uniformed organizations around the world. Its origins are the Latin serviens, "one who serves", through the French term Sergent....
Johnson - Bam Bam Bigelow as a Biker (credited as Scott Bigelow)
Reception
Movie review aggregator Rotten TomatoesRotten Tomatoes
Rotten Tomatoes is a website devoted to reviews, information, and news of films—widely known as a film review aggregator. Its name derives from the cliché of audiences throwing tomatoes and other vegetables at a poor stage performance...
has rated the film at 27 out of 100 based on 11 reviews.