Stripes (1981)

Two friends who are dissatisfied with their jobs decide to join the army for a bit of fun.

Director:

Ivan Reitman

Writers:

Len Blum, Daniel Goldberg,

Stars:

Bill Murray, Harold Ramis, Warren Oates

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Bill Murray	...	John
Harold Ramis	...	Russell Ziskey
Warren Oates	...	Sgt. Hulka
P.J. Soles	...	Stella
Sean Young	...	Louise
John Candy	...	Ox
John Larroquette	...	Capt. Stillman
John Voldstad	...	Stillman's Aide
John Diehl	...	Cruiser
Lance LeGault	...	Col. Glass
Roberta Leighton	...	Anita
Conrad Dunn	...	Francis 'Psycho' Soyer
Judge Reinhold	...	Elmo
Antone Pagan	...	Hector
Glenn-Michael Jones	...	Leon

Storyline

Thanks to a run of bad luck and go-nowhere jobs, John convinces Russell to join the army so they can get in shape, likening it to a health spa. Once in boot camp, wiseguy John tangles with his by-the-book Sgt. and becomes the unofficial leader for his platoon, made up mostly of other misfits and assorted losers. After somehow making it through graduation, they are given a special assignment but, thanks to John's romantic interest in a pretty MPO, the other men wind up behind the Iron Curtain until John, Russell, their dates and Sgt. Hulka make a daring rescue attempt in explosive style.

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Plot Keywords:

army | boot camp | graduation | rescue | american soldier | 

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Taglines:

The story of a man who wanted to keep the world safe for democracy...and meet girls

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Genres:

Comedy | War

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for sexuality/nudity, language and some drug use

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Russian Polish

Release Date:

26 June 1981 (USA)

Also Known As:

El pelotón chiflado

Filming Locations:

Elizabethtown, Kentucky, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$10,000,000 (estimated)

Gross:

$85,300,000 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Columbia Pictures Corporation

Technical Specs

Runtime:

106 min 126 min (extended) 117 min (extended)

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color (Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Fort Knox is also near the U.S. Bullion Depository.

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Goofs

In the end scene at the airfield, Bill Murray and Harold Ramis' characters (and others) are welcomed as heroes. Ramis's character is speaking to reporters but what he's saying doesn't match up to his lips talking.

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Quotes

John Winger: My philosophy: a hundred-dollar shine on a three-dollar pair of shoes.

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Connections

Referenced in The Jay Leno Show: Episode #1.87 (2010)

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Soundtracks

"Do Wah Diddy Diddy"
(uncredited)
Written by Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich
Performed by Cast memebers during marching maneuvers

User Reviews

Best Comedy of all times.

This is by far one of Bill Murray's best comedy efforts. John Winger the character played by Murray is the best one liner character I have ever seen. Harold Ramis and John Larroquette bring up the levels of character acting to above par for any comedy lover. John Candy and Warren Oates are also very good in there roles that they played. The visuals, and directing were superb for the time frame the movie was made. A great movie, plenty of action, one liners. The commencement scene is by far on of the best directed and acted scenes in a comedy in a long time. I love the movie and recommend seeing it, some scenes may not be suitable for all ages, the TV version takes away from the classic comedy, get the DVD and enjoy the extras and commentary that are available. A MUST HAVE for any movie fan. Comedy lovers must see this one. GREAT! GREAT! GREAT!