Caddyshack (1980)
Every time Harold Ramis and Bill Murray get together it seems to spark creative magic. With other hits like Stripes (1981) Groundhogs Day (1993) and Ghostbusters (1984) it’s easy to see why. This was written by Brian Doyle-Murray who is Bill Murray’s brother along with Harold Ramis and Douglas Kenney. The initial story idea was based on the Murray brothers working as caddies in real life at the Indian Hill Golf Club in Winnetka, Ill. Harold Ramis directed this as his very first feature film, and brought a classic comedy about the golf world to the screen.
The cast is loaded with talent, and the story centers around an exclusive golf club. The main character Danny is played by actor Michael O’Keefe. He meets all types of people during his summer working as a caddy. Chevy Chase plays Ty Webb a rich playboy who gives him advice and chases after the ladies. The late Rodney Dangerfield is a wealthy over the top, larger than life character named Al Czervik, this movie helped his career. The late Ted Knight from the television series “Too Close for Comfort” plays Judge Elihu Smails. He enjoys getting people’s attention and despises Al Czervik which leads to some hilarious moments throughout the film. Bill Murray plays Carl Spackler who is an unusual groundskeeper, fighting gophers with explosives while staying around the golf course talking to Danny and to himself.
Sarah Holcomb plays Danny’s Irish girlfriend in this movie, and has appeared in another classic cult film Animal House (1978) which was co-written by Harold Ramis as well. Her brief Hollywood career lasted for only four years, but during that time she appeared in two big hit features. She left the industry due to personal issues associated with drugs. Scott Colomby portrays Tony D’Annunzio, Cindy Morgan is Lacey Underall, Dan Resin is Dr. Beeper, Henry Wilcoxon is The Bishop, Elaine Aiken plays Mrs. Noonan, Albert Salmi is Mr. Noonan, Ann Ryerson is Grace, Hamilton Mitchell is Motormouth, and Brian Doyle-Murray is Lou Loomis.
Danny must figure out which direction he wants to go in life. His career direction choices will be reached based upon the influences of Judge Elihu Smails and Ty Webb, this leads him to various situations throughout the movie, and by the end he reaches his decision in an over the top finish. I don’t think anyone will ever forget the famous candy bar scene with Bill Murray’s character Carl. I highly recommend this movie; it is loaded with funny and amusing moments. If you like golf, you will probably enjoy this even more.
Tags: Al Czervik, Albert Salmi, Ann Ryerson, Bill Murray, Brian Doyle-Murray, Caddyshack, Carl Spackler, Chevy Chase, Cindy Morgan, Dan Resin, Danny, Douglas Kenney, Dr. Beeper, Elaine Aiken, Grace, Hamilton Mitchell, Harold Ramis, Henry Wilcoxon, Indian Hill Golf Club, Judge Elihu Smails, Lacey Underall, Lou Loomis, Michael O'Keefe, Motormouth, Mr. Noonan, Mrs. Noonan, Rodney Dangerfield, Sarah Holcomb, Scott Colomby, Ted Knight, The Bishop, Tony D'Annunzio, Ty Webb
