Caddyshack was a fine showcase for Chase, Murray, Knight, and Dangerfield

Rating: 9/10 (29 June 2010)

So after watching Animal House and Meatballs again after so many years, I decided to rewatch this third consecutive movie co-written by Harold Ramis of which this time he also directed. I'm talking, of course, about Caddyshack which is also the third movie I'm reviewing in order that stars a member-or in this case two-of "Saturday Night Live". They are Chevy Chase and Bill Murray with the latter stealing many scenes as the groundskeeper who is constantly trying to rid the golf course of a gopher who likes to dance. He also fantasizes about being in the tournament and has dreams about old ladies. There's also a great scene with a bishop played by Henry Wilcoxon as he and Murray play while the rain falls down and music from The Ten Commandments (1956) is heard as the score. (Incidentally, that music not only links Wilcoxon to his previous role in that C. B. DeMille epic but that score's composer, Elmer Bernstein, links him to the previous movies I mentioned at the start of this review.) Anyway, Chase is himself witty whether counseling caddy Danny (Michael O'Keefe) on his golf swing, seducing Lacey Underall (Cindy Morgan), sharing grass with Murray, or subtly insulting Judge Smails (Ted Knight in an excellent slow burn role). Then there's the lovably obnoxious Rodney Dangerfield with his brash insults that light up every scene he's in. It's hard to believe this was only the second time he's appeared in a feature film as he's a delight throughout especially when pitted against Knight. And besides Ramis, his co-scripter from Animal House-Douglas Kenney, and Brian Doyle-Murray-Bill's brother-contributed many funny scenes and lines. By the way, Doyle-Murray, another SNL alum, also appears as an employer of the country club. And there's one more connection to Animal House: Sarah Holcomb, who was the 13-year-old cashier there, became the Irish-accented waitress who almost got pregnant by Danny here. Perhaps the weakest subplot but at least it got short shrift here. Anyway, while not perfect, Caddyshack is still one of the most hilarious comedies to come out from former SNL players during this era. P.S. I feel honored to mention fellow Chicago natives Harold Ramis, Brian Doyle-Murray and Cindy Morgan, not to mention Brian's brother Bill from nearby Wilmette, in my review. And that animatronic gopher is actually credited as being played by a "Chuck Rodent"!