Mr. Hand (Fast Times)
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Mr. Hand is a fictional character portrayed by Ray Walston in the film Fast Times at Ridgemont High and the followup television series Fast Times.
Mr. Hand is a high school teacher with an adversarial relationship with his students. In particular, he serves as a foil to stoner Jeff Spicoli (played by Sean Penn in the movie version). In one of the film's most famous scenes, Spicoli has a pizza delivered to himself while in Mr. Hand's class.
The role was originally offered to Fred Gwynne. Due to what he perceived as objectionable content in the script, Gwynne declined, and Walston got the part instead ([link]).
Impact
As noted in Walston's A&E Biography, the character of Mr. Hand as well as the film made an impact on audiences. Walston was recognized by youths in the streets, who called out to him and called him "Mr. Hand." Walston was grateful for this, as until then he felt he was too closely associated with his old character in the television series My Favorite Martian.Memorable quotes
- "What are you, people? On dope?"
- "Food will be eaten on your time. Why are you continually late for this class, Mr. Spicoli? Why do you shamelessly waste my time like this?"
External links
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