Back to School

The 1986 American comedy film directed by Alan Metter follows Thornton Melon (Rodney Dangerfield), a successful yet uneducated owner of a plus-size clothing chain, who enrolls in college to support his son Jason (Keith Gordon), who is struggling academically and socially. Accustomed to solving problems with money, Thornton faces academic and social challenges, including clashes with the pompous economics professor Phillip Barbay (Paxton Whitehead) and attempts to win over literature professor Diane Turner (Sally Kellerman). While trying to help his son and enjoy college life, Thornton hires others to complete his assignments, leading to conflict with Dean David Martin (Ned Beatty). The situation escalates when Thornton must prove his ability to study independently to avoid expulsion. The film is filled with humor, satire of academic life, and showcases the protagonist's transformation as he recognizes the value of education and personal growth. The cast also includes Robert Downey Jr. as Derek Lutz, Sam Kinison as Professor Terguson, and Burt Young as Lou, Thornton's bodyguard. The soundtrack was composed by Danny Elfman, and author Kurt Vonnegut makes a cameo appearance. The film was a commercial success, grossing over $91 million at the box office, and received positive reviews for Dangerfield's charisma and witty script.​