However Jerry Weintraub over-rode them and insisted on ads that emphasized the fact the film dealt with a debate about abortion, hoping to stir up controversy. The film's marketing was going to focus on Kirk Cameron, then at the height of his popularity. It's time to show the other side of my generation, the deeper side.' Reception It's much closer to reality than other teen pictures. They are genuinely concerned about the world we live in. The characters are intelligent and responsible. It's not a film about teenagers with half a brain running around drinking, dancing and partying. Kirk Cameron said it 'was easy for me to relate to' his character. It was financed by the Weintraub Entertainment Group from Jerry Weintraub. They're just as bright, concerned and just as passionate as anyone.'

'It's kind of the flipside of Less than Zero,' said associate producer Chuck Cooperman. The film was re-titled Talking Back when released on video in the US.

The film was originally called Mismatch and was meant to star James Garner but he had heart surgery and was replaced by Roy Scheider. Norwood Smith as Justice Goodman (Credited as Norwood Smith) Richard Lundin as Hansom Cab Driver (Credited as Rick A.Priscilla Kovary Charlie's Dancing Partner.Thomas Heinkel Miller as Columbia Debate Official.Kenneth Patterson as Garson's Grandfather (Credited as Kenneth G.Dianne Travis as Garson's Mother (Credited as Dianne Turley Travis).Julie Robb as Fountain Girl (Credited as Julie Simone).Lynn Fischer as Bobby Chin's Girlfriend.Jodi Engleman as Kenmore Cheerleader (Credited as Jodi Engelmann).Stephanie Copeland as Kenmore Cheerleader.Sean Stewart as Reform School Boy At Fence.Jamie Kantrowitz as Monica's Little Sister.The film also includes the theme song 'Listen to Me', which was written and produced by David Foster and Linda Thompson and recorded by Celine Dion and Warren Wiebe, sometime in 1988. Along the way, the students learn lessons about life, love, friendship, and politics. The team eventually wins a chance to debate the issue of abortion against Harvard in front of the Supreme Court. Both students are taken under the wing of the debate-team coach, Charlie Nichols (Scheider), who was a star debater in his youth. The two main characters, Tucker Muldowney ( Kirk Cameron) and Monica Tomanski ( Jami Gertz), come from underprivileged backgrounds and have won scholarships to Kenmont for displaying exceptional talent for debating. Listen to Me centers around a group of college students who are members of the debate team at fictional Kenmont College. The film was largely shot on location in Malibu, California, including the campus of Pepperdine University. Released on May 5, 1989, it stars Kirk Cameron, Jami Gertz, and Roy Scheider. Listen to Me is a 1989 American drama film written and directed by Douglas Day Stewart.

Listen to Me by Beth Huffman