Harold Ramis was probably one of the greatest comedic talents who ever lived. It’s because of him that we have comedy classics like Ghostbusters, Stripes, and Meatballs. Prior to this, he worked for Playboy as the magazine’s joke editor and reviewer. Eventually, he worked with the famous Second City Improv Troupe and The National Lampoon Show. He worked alongside other people from Second City like John Belushi, Gilda Radner, and Bill Murray. His first major break was penning the script for 1978’s Animal House. On a budget of $3 million, the movie went on to make over $140 million. Following that film’s success, Ramis not only wrote but also worked as a first-time director on the cult comedy classic Caddyshack. The film not only helped cement Ramis as a comedy genius, but also helped Rodney Dangerfield become a comedy superstar.
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It’s somewhat difficult to discuss the plot of the film since it doesn’t really have a straightforward narrative. The film plays more of a series of sketches that’re somewhat interconnected with one another. Essentially, the main plot has to do a young caddy named Danny Noonan, played by Michael O’Keefe. He’s down-on-his luck and has aspirations to go to college, but he can’t afford it. His best bet is to get in good with Judge Smails, played by Ted Knight, for a chance at a caddy scholarship. At the same time, Smails is dealing with newcomer Al Czervik, played by Rodney Dangerfield, an eccentric real estate developer who likes to party and have fun. Also, the local groundskeeper Carl Spackler, played by Bill Murray, is hired to kill a troublesome gopher. And there’s Chevy Chase as Ty Webb, more or less the straight man in all of this.
As mentioned before, this movie doesn’t so much have a plot so much as it’s stuff happening that’s somewhat connected. Plus, while you could argue that there is a central plot, there are several different subplots that come and go. There’s Danny trying to get the scholarship, Carl trying to get the gopher, and Smails trying to get rid of Czervik. Because of that, it can sometimes be hard to follow how one scene relates to another. However, what makes it work as well is the writing and especially the cast. The way it’s written, it feels less like you’re watching a movie and more like you’re watching the daily goings-on at a country club. While dominated by Dangerfield, Knight, Murray, and Chase, the rest still do a great job. O’Keefe is very likable, his relationship with Sarah Holcombe is sweet, and Cindy Morgan is a knock-out.
Most of you reading this have already seen this movie several times over and can quote the most memorable lines. For those who haven’t, I won’t spoil any of the gags or lines here. Suffice to say, this is probably one of the best comedies ever made. Also, shoutout to Kenny Loggins, who’s title song I’m Alright is instantly catchy. It’s no wonder why the song is so popular even to this day. Regardless of whether or not you’ve already seen it, Caddyshack is the sort of movie you can watch over and over and still find hilarious. And, the less said about the sequel, the better…
