On this day March 25 1988 Biloxi Blues premiered in theaters. Directed by Mike Nichols and based on Neil Simon’s semi autobiographical play the film starred Matthew Broderick as Eugene Morris Jerome a young army recruit from Brooklyn sent to basic training in Mississippi during World War II. The cast also included Christopher Walken Park Overall and Penelope Ann Miller. The story followed Eugene as he adjusted to military life met eccentric fellow soldiers and clashed with the intense and unpredictable Sergeant Toomey played by Walken. With a blend of humor honesty and heart Biloxi Blues became a hit with audiences and critics alike.
The film was made on a $20 million budget and earned $51.7 million at the box office. It was the second part of Neil Simon’s Eugene Trilogy and brought Broderick back to a role he originally played on Broadway.
80s insight: Matthew Broderick was the only cast member to reprise his role from the Broadway version of Biloxi Blues in the film adaptation.
The film was made on a $20 million budget and earned $51.7 million at the box office. It was the second part of Neil Simon’s Eugene Trilogy and brought Broderick back to a role he originally played on Broadway.
80s insight: Matthew Broderick was the only cast member to reprise his role from the Broadway version of Biloxi Blues in the film adaptation.
