National Lampoon’s Animal House – 1978 Film

In the vast landscape of American comedy films, few have left a mark as indelible as “Animal House.”

Directed by John Landis and released in 1978, this film not only became a cult classic but also redefined what college comedies could be.

Set in the fictional Faber College, “Animal House” explores the wild antics of the Delta Tau Chi fraternity, encapsulating the spirit of rebellion against the establishment.

Animal House: Plot Overview

“Animal House” revolves around a group of misfit fraternity brothers who are constantly at odds with the dean, Dean Vernon Wormer, who wants nothing more than to expel them.

The plot follows their escapades, from the infamous toga party to the road trip to see their favorite band, the blackballing by the more prestigious fraternities, and the ultimate revenge against the college’s system.

• Key Characters:
  • John ‘Bluto’ Blutarsky (John Belushi), the epitome of the slacker who loves to party.
  • Eric ‘Otter’ Stratton (Tim Matheson), the smooth-talking, womanizing member of the fraternity.
  • Larry ‘Pinto’ Kroger (Tom Hulce), the new pledge trying to find his place.
  • Kent ‘Flounder’ Dorfman (Stephen Furst), another pledge, often the victim of pranks.

Cultural Impact

“Animal House” was more than just a comedy; it was a cultural phenomenon. Here are some ways it impacted film and society:

• Birth of the College Comedy Genre: Before “Animal House,” college comedies didn’t quite have the same anarchic, rebellious spirit. This movie set a new standard for humor, focusing on the absurdity of college life.
• Influence on Film: From scripting to acting, “Animal House” influenced how comedy was perceived. The improvisational style of John Belushi, in particular, showcased a new form of comedic acting.
• Music and Pop Culture: The film’s soundtrack, including the iconic song “Shout,” became synonymous with party scenes in movies. Phrases like “toga party” entered common parlance.
• Legacy: The movie’s legacy is seen in countless college-themed movies that followed, from “Revenge of the Nerds” to “Old School.”

Animal House: Behind the Scenes

• Casting: The film was pivotal for many actors, particularly John Belushi, whose portrayal of Bluto solidified his status as a comedy legend.
• Production: Filming in Oregon, the crew faced numerous challenges, including the local community’s initial resistance to the film’s rowdy content.
• Box Office Success: Despite mixed reviews upon release, “Animal House” became one of the highest-grossing films of 1978, proving that audiences loved its brand of humor.

“Animal House” remains a testament to the power of comedy in capturing the essence of youth, rebellion, and the quest for identity.

Its enduring popularity speaks to its universal appeal – the desire to break the rules, find one’s tribe, and have a good laugh.

Whether you’re a fan of classic films or new to the world of college comedies, “Animal House” is a must-watch for its historical significance and timeless humor.

Have you seen “Animal House”? Share your favorite scenes or quotes in the comments below!

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The director, John Landis, and writers Harold Ramis, Douglas Kenney, and Chris Miller created Bluto’s character for Saturday Night Live comedian John Belushi, hoping he would take the role.

“That boy is a P.I.G. PIG.” – BABS

From food fights to toga parties, Animal House is a disruptive and outrageous film about misfits banding together.

“As of this moment, they’re on double secret probation?” – Dean Vernon Wormer

But remember: “Don’t get mad. Get even.” – D-Day

“Great! Seven years of college down the drain. Might as well join the f*cking Peace Corps.” – Bluto

“You’re all worthless and weak. Now drop and give me twenty!” – Neidermeyer

“I’m a zit, get it?” – Bluto

Fun Facts about Animal House

1. John Belushi’s Journey to Stardom – Animal House became SNL comedian John Belushi’s big break! He was still working on SNL, flying to New York Thursday to Sunday and back on set at Animal House Monday to Wednesday. His comedy was so fun and witty that Belishi’s food fighting scene was almost entirely improvised.
2. And no, he did not *actually* chug a fifth of Jack Daniel’s Whiskey; it was iced tea.
3. Otis Day and the Knights were initially a fictional band made up for the Animal House film. However, Dewayne Jessie’s performance and Llyod William’s versions of “Shout” and “Shama Lama Ding Dong” became a hit. They have since toured as a real band across the USA. AND Dewyane Jessie legally changed his name to Otis because he liked it so much.
4. Kevin Bacon’s Debut – Animal House was Kevin Bacon’s first movie. He played an Omega pledge named Chip Diller.
5. Real Stories – Many of the pranks, nicknames, and storylines come from the writing crew’s own crazy college and fraternity stories. Writers including Harold Ramis, Doug Kenney, and Chris Miller
6. A Real Frat House – The house used for Delta Tau Chi frat was an actual fraternity house on the University of Oregon campus.
7. Rowdy in Real Life – Some cast members got in a fight with real UO students after being invited to a party at Sigma Alpha Epsilon. This drunken brawl ended with Hoover losing a few teeth and D-Day with a black eye. 

Animal House Movie Cast

• John Belushi as John “Bluto” Blutarsky
• Tim Matheson as Eric “Otter” Stratton
• Peter Riegert as Donald “Boon” Schoenstein
• Tom Hulce as Lawrence “Pinto” Kroger
• Stephen Furst as Kent “Flounder” Dorfman
• Bruce McGill as Daniel “D-Day” Simpson Day
• James Widdoes as Robert Hoover
• Karen Allen as Katy
• James Daughton as Gregory Marmalard
• Mark Metcalf as Douglas C. Neidermeyer
• Kevin Bacon as Chip Diller
• Mary Louise Weller as Mandy Pepperidge
• Martha Smith as Barbara “Babs” Sue Jansen
• John Vernon as Dean Vernon Wormer
• Verna Bloom as Mrs. Marion Wormer
• Donald Sutherland as Prof. Dave Jennings
• Cesare Danova as Mayor Carmine DePasto
• Sarah Holcomb as Clorette DePasto
• DeWayne Jessie as Otis Day
• Douglas Kenney as Dwayne “Stork” Storkman
• Christian Miller as Curtis “Hardbar” Wayne Fuller

• The movie was directed by John Landis and was based on the experiences of writer Chris Miller and producer Ivan Reitman during their time in college.
• Belushi’s famous “College” sweatshirt was actually a shirt he found in a thrift store and added the “College” lettering himself.
• The movie’s famous food fight scene was made possible with the use of real food, including mashed potatoes and jello.
• Animal House continues to be revered as a cultural touchstone and beloved comedy even over 40 years since its initial release.