Mark Harmon

Kirstie Alley

Robert Vaughn

Don Swayze

Patrick Labyorteaux

Bart Braverman

Deborah Harmon

Katherine Moffat

Jonathan Stark

Sherry Hursey

Lisanne Falk

Dean Cameron

Barbara Crampton

John Otrin

Terri Hanauer

Karen Lorre

Michael Horton

Leslie Winston

Susan Isaacs

Norman Merrill

Neil Bagg

Max G. Braverman

Scott Getlin

Charles Braverman

Leonard Hill

Joseph Akerman

Marc Reid Rubel

Daniel T. Cahn

Dori Pierson

Joann Wabisca

Albert J. Salzer

Dick Dinman

Julie Fehl

Hanania Baer

Bryan Ryman

Robert Folk

Comedy

Romance

TV Movie

Prince of Bel Air

Leonard Hill Films

United States of America

_**Quality Southern Cal drama with Mark Harmon and Kirstie Alley**_

Robin Prince (Mark Harmon) owns a pool maintenance business that serves the well-to-do citizens of Bel Air, California. He’s handsome, charismatic, in his early 30s and enjoys the side-fruits of his labors, i.e. attractive housewives desperate for attention. While mentoring the teen (Patrick Labyorteaux) of a rich client (Robert Vaughn), he meets their stunning relative who challenges his playboy lifestyle (Kirstie Alley).  

Although “Prince of Bel Air” debuted on ABC in the USA in January, 1986, it was released theatrically in Europe with the extra inclusion of a top nudity scene, as well as a little cussing. The ensuing video version is the R-rated Euro version, not the TV version. I point this out because “Prince of Bel Air” shouldn’t be written off as "just a TV movie.”

It’s actually a quality drama/romance about coming of age, not just for the kid (Labyorteaux), but for Harmon’s character too. He’s 32-33, but still living like a freestyle frat boy and needs to grow up. In addition, the script throws in some insightful bits, like how Robin (Harmon) wisely changes his approach towards his unprofessional employees.

Sharp Kirstie Alley was certainly in her voluptuous prime; she has a stunning scene at the pool in a one-piece bathing suit. There are a handful of other beauties, including Katherine Moffat as Kelli and Deborah Harmon as a desperate housewife.

Four of the cast members (Harmon, Alley, Labyorteaux  and Dean Cameron) would appear in “Summer School” the following year. It features the same general locations (the coastal Los Angeles area) and a romance between Harmon and Alley, but the stories are very different. This one came first and is a drama akin to "Lifeguard" (1976) whereas "Summer School" is more of a high school dramedy in the mold of "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" (1982).

Lastly, this movie has nothing to do with the ensuing 1990-1996 sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, but I’m sure the creators of that show were inspired by the title.

The film runs 1 hour, 35 minutes, and was shot in Los Angeles. The Bel Air district, by the way, is located just north of UCLA and northwest of Beverly Hills.

GRADE: B

English

Prince Of Bel Air Trailer 1986