Caddyshack opened on this day in 1980


Today, July 25th, takes us back to the summer of 1980, the day the cinematic world was introduced to the chaotic, irreverent, and utterly hilarious world of Caddyshack. This film, the directorial debut of the brilliant Harold Ramis, initially received mixed reviews, but has since become one of the most beloved - and most-quoted - comedies of all time. A popular summer sport, combined with a popular summer job for many young people, turned out to be a template for a popular summer movie at air-conditioned theaters and drive-ins alike.

Caddyshack centers on the exclusive Bushwood Country Club, a bastion of WASP-y pretension and snobbery. At its heart is the ongoing battle between the working-class caddies and the wealthy, eccentric club members. Young Danny Noonan (Michael O'Keefe), a caddie trying to earn enough money for college, navigates the bizarre personalities of the club, including the pompous Judge Smails (Ted Knight), the suave and enigmatic Ty Webb (Chevy Chase), and the boorish, loud-mouthed real estate developer Al Czervik (Rodney Dangerfield).

Adding to the pandemonium is Carl Spackler (Bill Murray), the unhinged groundskeeper obsessed with eradicating a gopher that is wreaking havoc on the golf course. The film is a loose collection of vignettes and improvised moments, culminating in a climactic golf tournament where the stakes are high, and the gopher (spoiler alert!) finally meets its explosive demise.

Caddyshack opened to a modest $1.5 million box office take in its first weekend. However, propelled by word-of-mouth and its sheer quotability, the film went on to become a surprising hit, grossing nearly $40 million domestically against a budget of around $6 million. Despite those incredibly favorable financials, a sequel wouldn't hit screens for another eight years, and lacking most of the actors who were so memorable in the original. Not surprisingly, it barely made back half of its budget, winding up a total bomb.

The original endures thanks to its unbridled silliness, its unforgettable characters, and its endlessly quotable lines. It's a film that perfectly captures the anarchic spirit of early 80s comedy, and continues to entertain new generations of viewers on cable and streaming services. So, grab a putter, avoid the gopher, and celebrate the 45th anniversary of this comedic masterpiece!

Photo courtesy Warner Bros.
Location: Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA, USA

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