On this day May 22 1987 the comedy film Ernest Goes to Camp was released in theaters introducing movie audiences to the full-length antics of the lovable Ernest P Worrell played by Jim Varney. Known for his quirky charm and unforgettable catchphrases Ernest transitioned from commercials and TV spots into a starring role on the big screen.
In this first theatrical outing Ernest is a maintenance man at Kamp Kikakee who dreams of becoming a camp counselor. When a group of juvenile delinquents is sent to the camp Ernest gets his chance to lead them and ends up facing off against an evil mining company trying to destroy the campgrounds. Filled with slapstick humor and goofy heart it became a cult hit and launched a successful film series.
Fun fact: Ernest Goes to Camp was made on a budget of just 3 million dollars and earned over 23.5 million dollars at the box office making it a surprise success for Touchstone Pictures
In this first theatrical outing Ernest is a maintenance man at Kamp Kikakee who dreams of becoming a camp counselor. When a group of juvenile delinquents is sent to the camp Ernest gets his chance to lead them and ends up facing off against an evil mining company trying to destroy the campgrounds. Filled with slapstick humor and goofy heart it became a cult hit and launched a successful film series.
Fun fact: Ernest Goes to Camp was made on a budget of just 3 million dollars and earned over 23.5 million dollars at the box office making it a surprise success for Touchstone Pictures
