Go Lamar.

Revenge of the Nerds was an 80's teen comedy with a difference. This time, the nerds kicked the jocks' asses instead of the other way around. It's a movie about stereotypes - some might say the film exploits them, while others might say the film ironically toys with them.

Within the pack of nerds is a young man named Lamar. Though not really a nerd himself, he is accepted by the nerds because he, too, is an outsider. He is, in the world of sweaty white college jocks, a flaming black fag.

Many uptight homos such as Celluloid Closet author Vito Russo are offended by Lamar because of his flamboyancy. They consider him to be just another offensive gay stereotype. But we at the House of Diabolique beg to differ; after all, many people consider us to be offensive gay stereotypes.

We know we are more than that. Therefore, we consider Lamar a hero.

The movie builds up to the homecoming carnival, where the different fraternities compete to see who will rule the Greek Council. The jock house, Alpha Beta, is pitted against the nerdy house, Lambda Lambda Lambda.

By using their nerdy powers the nerds begin to pose a real threat to the jock's stranglehold on the competition. One of the key events that the tri-Lambs win is the javelin throw, won by - you guessed it - Lamar.


Listen to Lamar's first triumph .

Lamar, stylish beyond hell in purple leg warmers, parachute shorts and a Lambda Lambda Lambda t-shirt teaches a lesson.

By winning this event, Lamar gives the nerds a fighting chance to win, but they remain 2nd to the jocks until the final competition, when Lamar finally lets all of his mighty fierceness loose. Until this point, he had been holding back. Welcome, my friends, to Lamar.


The final competition is the musical/skit variety show. The jocks go first and put on a lame act - ironically - by dancing around dressed up in drag as their own cheerleaders. Its a hopelessly amateur performance, greatly impeded by the notable absence of any choreography, well thought out make-up, wardrobe or style.

Enter Lamar.


Clap your hands, everybody.

Dressed in a red leather vest, his hair freshly sheened, Lamar wows the crowd with his rap as well as his untouchable break- and robot-dancing.

They triumph because of him!

Where is this actor who played Lamar?

If anyone knows, please tell him that he has a group of devoted fans in who live in a run-down apartment on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Tell him that we watch his moves, his fierceness, and repeat every one of his witty rejoinders incessantly. Tell him that though his role in Revenge of the Nerds was small, his role in our lives is great.

Tell him that he is now
an honorary member
of the House of Diabolique!

Margot Kidder Eddie Furlong Bea Arthur Dudley Lamar Dolly