On this day June 13, 1986, Back to School premiered in theaters. Starring Rodney Dangerfield, the film followed the story of a wealthy but uneducated father who enrolls in college to help motivate his struggling son. What followed was a fast paced comedy packed with outrageous moments, one liners and Dangerfield’s signature style of delivering laughs with perfect timing.
Back to School became a surprise box office hit, earning strong reviews and climbing to number 1 during its opening weekend. The cast also featured Keith Gordon, Sally Kellerman, Robert Downey Jr and Sam Kinison in a memorable role as an unhinged history professor. The film’s mix of heart, humor and anti establishment spirit struck a chord with audiences across generations.
It also featured one of the most memorable fictional college diving routines ever filmed, with Dangerfield performing the legendary Triple Lindy.
80s insight: Back to School captured the decade’s love of wild comedies with heart. It celebrated the idea that it is never too late to change your life, all while flipping traditional college movie clichés on their head.
Back to School became a surprise box office hit, earning strong reviews and climbing to number 1 during its opening weekend. The cast also featured Keith Gordon, Sally Kellerman, Robert Downey Jr and Sam Kinison in a memorable role as an unhinged history professor. The film’s mix of heart, humor and anti establishment spirit struck a chord with audiences across generations.
It also featured one of the most memorable fictional college diving routines ever filmed, with Dangerfield performing the legendary Triple Lindy.
80s insight: Back to School captured the decade’s love of wild comedies with heart. It celebrated the idea that it is never too late to change your life, all while flipping traditional college movie clichés on their head.
