“St. Elmo's Fire” Came Out on This Day in 1985; See Photos of the Brat Pack in Action on Set

Take a trip back in time with Rob Lowe, Demi Moore and more of the movie's stars

Following the debut of St. Elmo's Fire in 1985, PEOPLE actually picked it as one of the 10 worst movies of the year. The critic wrote that the film "comes off as an expensive edition of Let's Play Dress Up, and it unwittingly puts its stars' careers in a scary position. Time and again, these players seem to be unable to act their ages."

However, the coming of age tale has gone on to hold a special place in fans' hearts, particularly as love and intrigue around the Brat Pack — the group of young actors who starred in St. Elmo's Fire and a host of other classic '80s films — has grown with the recent release of the documentary, Brats.

As the film marks 39 years since its premiere, look back on some photos of the iconic cast — Rob Lowe, Ally Sheedy, Demi Moore, Emilio Estevez, Mare Winningham, Judd Nelson, Andie MacDowell and Andrew McCarthy — on set and the Hollywood circuit in 1985.

Cool Club

St. Elmo's Fire cast members including Rob Lowe, Ally Sheedy, Demi Moore, Emilio Estevez, Mare Winningham, Judd Nelson and Andrew McCarthy posed for a photo outside the film's namesake faux bar, St. Elmo's in Washington, D.C.

Screen Stars

Andrew McCarthy and Emilio Estevez filmed a scene for the movie. In PEOPLE's review, the critic wrote that McCarthy was one of the few actors in the film who "acquit themselves admirably."

More Moore

In Brats, Demi Moore reflected on her time filming the movie and praised director Joel Schumacher for the way he "stuck his neck out for me."

"It's not like I had any box office draw," she told costar Andrew McCarthy, per EW. "We were all just beginning. I didn't have anything to really warrant him sticking by me. They paid to have a sober companion with me 24/7 during the whole shooting."

Epic Sax

According to a 1984 PEOPLE story, Rob Lowe attended a string of Bruce Springsteen concerts to study Clarence Clemons, saxophonist for the E Street Band. The musician's advice to the star? Buy a Selmer tenor sax.

Bad Blood

Director Joel Schumacher told PEOPLE that he wasn't allowed to film at Washington, D.C.'s Georgetown University "because of the premarital sex in the movie." But, he added, "it didn't matter. The University of Maryland was only too happy to have us."

Premiere Pair

Demi Moore and Emilio Estevez — then a couple — were the epitome of cool while out promoting the film.

Bar Time

Star Judd Nelson told PEOPLE in 1984 that his state legislator mom was pleased with his part in the film — that of "an ambitious well-dressed Washington Congressional aide," the magazine reported.

"My mother doesn't understand why I get cast as derelicts and don't get to wear nice clothes," he said. "After she read the script for St. Elmo's Fire, she said, 'Your character is a bit of a s---, but at least you're going to look good.' "

Double Dip

In a 1985 sit-down with PEOPLE, Andie MacDowell recalled feeling intimidated when she arrived on set.

"Here were all these young Hollywood actors, and I'm from Gaffney, this teeny tiny little dot in South Carolina," she said. But going bowling with the cast and attending Rob Lowe's 21st birthday party helped put her at ease — as did spending time with costar Emilio Estevez.

"I told him I was frightened and he said not to worry, that acting was like dancing — you just get up and do it," she said of her "sweet" counterpart. "I don't know what it's like having a famous father and growing up in Hollywood, but I don't think Emilio was spoiled."

Baby Faced

"We were mobbed," St. Elmo's Fire co-screenwriter Carl Kurlander told PEOPLE of a 1984 car drive with Rob Lowe on set at the University of Maryland. "Everywhere Rob Lowe went, women wanted him."

Movie Magic

St. Elmo's Fire made $37 million at the box office. The film is currently available to stream on Hulu.

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