By Michael Lyons
The late ‘70’s and early ‘80’s were somewhat of a Golden Age for comedians. The success of “Saturday Night Live” at this time was huge, there was a proliferation of variety shows on which comedians appeared and comedy record albums were topping the Billboard charts.
Additionally, some of the biggest movies during this period were comedies, many of which have become classics. Stand-up comedians were true all-stars at the time.
And, if that’s the case, “Caddyshack” was the All-Star Game.
Four of the biggest names in comedy, at that time (or really, any time) - Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, Ted Knight and Bill Murray - all starred together in the film, which was released on July 25, 1980 and celebrates its 40th this summer.
As “Caddyshack” hits this milestone, its the perfect time to “tee off” and take a look back at this movie comedy that’s become a favorite among fans who never tire of watching it and can instantly and constantly quote the film’s now iconic dialogue.
At its center, “Caddyshack” is a coming of age story about caddy Danny Noonan (Michael O’Keefe) who works at the exclusive Bushwood Country Club and finds himself at a crossroad in his life. Influencing him are club members Ty Webb (Chase), a rich, eccentric golfer, Judge Smails (Knight) an uptight snob and Al Czervick (Dangerfield) a loud, crude millionaire. In the middle of it all is groundskeeper Carl Spackler (Murray) who is obsessed with catching a gopher who is tearing up the course.
The film really exists for opportunities for these comedy icons to do their thing.
Chase is at his cool-sarcastic best here, replying to the insanity going on around him. And, of course, his “Be the ball” speech to Danny has become a humorous, calming mantra for an entire generation.
Knight, with his familiar, deep voice is the perfect victim for his fellow comedians. He doesn’t get many of the best lines, but he gets all of the best reactions, particularly in his scenes with Dangerfield and the now memorable “golf ball to the crotch” scene.
Dangerfield is...well...Dangerfield...brashly commenting on the proceedings with his great, one-liner style (“You must’ve been something before electricity,” he says to Smails’ wife).
As Carl, Murray creates an indelible, off-the-wall character, with his slack-jaw and slurred speech. His “Cinderella story” scene (mainly improvised) and his obsessive, militaristic attitude toward the gopher is a comedic wonder to behold.
As Danny, O’Keefe turns in a low-key performance that could have faded into the background, but instead becomes the surrogate for the audience. There’s also great support from a cast of solid, character actors, like Cindy Morgan, as sexy Lacy Underall, Scott Columby as tough-guy Tony and Bill’s brother, Brian Doyle-Murray, as manager Lou.
Doyle-Murray co-wrote the screenplay, which was based on his experiences working as a caddy, when he was younger. He collaborated with producer Douglas Kenny and director Harold Ramos on the script.
Ramis, who would go on to co-star in 1984’s “Ghosbusters” and direct other well-loved comedies like “National Lampoon’s Vacation” (1983) and “Groundhog Day” (1993), made his directorial debut with “Caddyshack” and showed a great knack for staging and executing crowd pleasing comedy.
From the scenes of the Gopher’s lair (pulled off with great, cartoon-ish puppetry and effects) to the infamous “Baby Ruth in the pool” scene as well as the “explosive” finale, Ramis proved he could helm visual, film comedy, but also allowed his cast the ability to bounce off and “riff” in many, quieter scenes in the film.
When it debuted, “Caddyshack” was a mild success at the box-office and critics were underwhelmed. However, it came along at a time when cable TV was starting to become a part of every home. Many caught up with the film through cable and enjoyed viewing after viewing, allowing “Caddyshack” to develop a unique, cult following through the years.
Additionally, singer Kenny Loggins’ song “I’m Alright,” written as the film’s theme, has become an “ear worm” through the years, that still plays on the radio and has contributed to “Caddyshack’s” non-stop appeal.
Through it’s seemingly juvenile exterior, “Caddyshack” also slyly comments on the different layers in society (the “snobs vs. the slobs” as movie posters stated at the time) and the impact that different mentors can have on our lives.
While it’s not for everyone (some feel it’s slow and uneven), “Caddyshack” has held a secure place in the heart and funny bone of many in the four decades since its debut. Golf courses around the world echo the lines from the film each day, from the ever growing number of fans, as many consider “Caddyshack” their go-to comedy that they never tire of watching and laughing with.
In fact, ESPN calls “Caddyshack” “perhaps the funniest sports movie ever made.” Not a bad legacy for this All-Star Game of movie comedies.
Sources:
IMDb
Wikipedia
