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The Blues Brothers (1980)
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Overview
User Rating:
Your Rating:
Director:
Writers:
Release Date:
20 June 1980 (USA)
See more »
Tagline:
They'll never get caught. They're on a mission from God. See more »
Plot:
Jake Blues, just out from prison, puts together his old band to save the Catholic home where he and brother Elwood were raised. Full summary » | Full synopsis »
Awards:
1 win
See more »
NewsDesk:
(389 articles)
Tsr Exclusive: ‘The Intouchables’ interview with co-director Olivier Nakache
(From Scorecard Review. 31 May 2012, 12:20 PM, PDT)
Clip joint: Heists and getaways
(From The Guardian - Film News. 30 May 2012, 5:01 AM, PDT)
‘MacGruber’ Sequel in the Works?
(From Screen Rant. 23 May 2012, 8:38 AM, PDT)
(From Scorecard Review. 31 May 2012, 12:20 PM, PDT)
Clip joint: Heists and getaways
(From The Guardian - Film News. 30 May 2012, 5:01 AM, PDT)
‘MacGruber’ Sequel in the Works?
(From Screen Rant. 23 May 2012, 8:38 AM, PDT)
User Reviews:
They're On A Mission...
See more (285 total) »
Cast
(in credits order) (verified as complete)
Directed by | |||
| John Landis | |||
Writing credits | ||
| Dan Aykroyd | (written by) & | |
| John Landis | (written by) | |
Produced by | |||
| Bernie Brillstein | .... | executive producer | |
| George Folsey Jr. | .... | associate producer | |
| David Sosna | .... | associate producer | |
| Robert K. Weiss | .... | producer | |
Cinematography by | |||
| Stephen M. Katz | |||
Film Editing by | |||
| George Folsey Jr. | |||
Casting by | |||
| Michael Chinich | |||
Production Design by | |||
| John J. Lloyd | (as John Lloyd) | ||
Art Direction by | |||
| Henry Larrecq | |||
Set Decoration by | |||
| Hal Gausman | |||
| Leslie McCarthy-Frankenheimer | |||
Costume Design by | |||
| Deborah Nadoolman | |||
Makeup Department | |||
| Layne Britton | .... | makeup artist (as Shotgun Britton) | |
| Ronald W. Smith | .... | hair stylist (as Ron Smith) | |
| Julia L. Walker | .... | hair stylist (as Julia Walker) | |
Production Management | |||
| Robert Latham Brown | .... | unit production manager | |
| Tom Joyner | .... | unit production manager | |
| Fran Roy | .... | production supervisor | |
Art Department | |||
| Ken Adachi | .... | assistant property master | |
| Aaron Holden | .... | assistant property master: Chicago (as Aaron C. Holden) | |
| Delane Lytle | .... | construction coordinator | |
| Bob Magee | .... | construction coordinator | |
| Michael Milgrom | .... | property master (as Michael C. Milgrom) | |
| Jeff Passanante | .... | construction foreman | |
| Clint Robinson | .... | assistant property master | |
| Charles William Breen | .... | set designer (uncredited) | |
| Michael Diersing | .... | construction foreman (uncredited) | |
| Robert E. Knight | .... | signwriter (uncredited) | |
| Kenneth Milfred | .... | set dresser (uncredited) | |
| Robert Misetich | .... | painter (uncredited) | |
| H. John Ramos | .... | props (uncredited) | |
| Mark Sparks | .... | propmaker (uncredited) | |
| Ted Wilson | .... | carpenter (uncredited) | |
Sound Department | |||
| George Fredrick | .... | sound editor | |
| Robert Glass | .... | sound re-recording mixer (as Bob Glass) | |
| William B. Kaplan | .... | production sound (as Bill Kaplan) | |
| Robert Knudson | .... | sound re-recording mixer (as Buzz Knudson) | |
| Don MacDougall | .... | sound re-recording mixer | |
| Greg Morton | .... | playback: Los Angeles | |
| Earl Sampson | .... | boom operator | |
| Scott D. Smith | .... | production sound | |
| John Stacy | .... | sound effects editor | |
| Roger Sword | .... | sound editor | |
| Glenn Williams | .... | playback: Chicago | |
| Craig Woods | .... | playback: Los Angeles | |
| Robert Bradshaw | .... | sound effects editor (uncredited) | |
| Michael D. Wilhoit | .... | sound editor (uncredited) | |
Special Effects by | |||
| Arthur Brewer | .... | special effects (as Art Brewer) | |
| Roger Hansen | .... | special effects | |
| Karl G. Miller | .... | special effects crew (as Karl Miller) | |
| Jim Rollins | .... | special effects crew | |
| Leo Leoncio Solis | .... | special effects crew (as Leo Solis) | |
| Robert E. Worthington | .... | special effects crew (as Bob Worthington) | |
| Robert Cole | .... | special effects (uncredited) | |
| Wayne Rose | .... | special effects crew (uncredited) | |
Visual Effects by | |||
| Syd Dutton | .... | assistant matte painter | |
| Fred Griggs | .... | opticals supervisor | |
| Bill Taylor | .... | matte photography | |
| Albert Whitlock | .... | special visual effects | |
| Max W. Anderson | .... | visual effects (uncredited) | |
| Robert Blalack | .... | visual effects: MPI (uncredited) | |
| Henry Schoessler | .... | matte crew (uncredited) | |
| Jamie Shourt | .... | visual effects: MPI (uncredited) | |
Casting Department | |||
| Sandra Dawes | .... | casting assistant (as Sandy Dawes) | |
| Jo Doster | .... | casting assistant | |
| Lisa Gottlieb | .... | casting assistant | |
| Pemon Rami | .... | casting assistant | |
Costume and Wardrobe Department | |||
| Sue Dugan | .... | costumer: women | |
| Hugo Peña | .... | costumer: men | |
| Ervin W. Rose | .... | costumer: men | |
| Haleen K. Holt | .... | costume illustrator (uncredited) | |
Editorial Department | |||
| Donah Bassett | .... | negative cutter | |
| Malcolm Campbell | .... | associate film editor | |
| John Carbo | .... | assistant editor: Chicago | |
| Ginger Chulack | .... | apprentice editor | |
| Michael Cipriano | .... | assistant editor | |
| Vaune Kirby Frechette | .... | apprentice editor (as Vaune Kirby) | |
| Glenn Kaplan | .... | assistant editor | |
| Peck Prior | .... | apprentice editor (as Peck J. Prior) | |
| David Ramirez | .... | associate film editor | |
| Virgil A. Tanner | .... | color timer (as Virgil Tanner) | |
Music Department | |||
| Lori Hollingshead | .... | assistant music editor (as Lorinda Hollingshead) | |
| Ira Newborn | .... | conductor | |
| Ira Newborn | .... | music supervisor | |
| John Strauss | .... | music editor | |
| John Michael Weaver | .... | assistant recording engineer (uncredited) | |
Transportation Department | |||
| Dan Anglin | .... | transportation captain | |
| Byron Carter | .... | in-seat car driver | |
| Bob Cornell | .... | transportation captain | |
| Dan Loveless | .... | driver: Chapman crane (as Danny Loveless) | |
| Patrick Nallon | .... | transportation co-captain: Chicago (as Pat Nallon) | |
| James Riccio | .... | transportation co-captain: Chicago (as Jim Riccio) | |
| Frank Khoury | .... | driver (uncredited) | |
| Kathleen Long | .... | picture vehicle continuity coordinator (uncredited) | |
Other crew | |||
| John Alekna | .... | mechanic: Chicago | |
| William Bannister | .... | production assistant | |
| Dan Brewer | .... | video | |
| Joel Briskin | .... | assistant to executive producer | |
| Julie Chandler | .... | locations: Chicago | |
| Marla Cohen | .... | locations: Chicago | |
| Catherine Davis Cox | .... | secretary to producer | |
| Antonio De Leon | .... | caterer | |
| Mitchell El Mahdy | .... | medic | |
| Linda Feferman | .... | intern: AFI | |
| Ron Filbert | .... | auditor | |
| Karin Fraas | .... | assistant: Mr. Belushi | |
| Marty Fraser | .... | locations: Chicago | |
| Katterli Frauenfelder | .... | production assistant | |
| Susan Goldberg | .... | production assistant | |
| Andrew Goodman | .... | production assistant | |
| Ron Gwynne | .... | story consultant | |
| Nikol Hegarty | .... | production assistant | |
| Richard Holley | .... | helicopter pilot (as Rick Holley) | |
| Deborah Hwang-Marriott | .... | associate to producer (as Deborah Hwang) | |
| Lih Janowitz | .... | production assistant (as Linda Horwitz) | |
| Gordon Jernberg | .... | mechanic: Los Angeles | |
| Carlton Johnson | .... | choreographer | |
| Ercelle Johnson | .... | assistant to choreographer | |
| J. David Jones | .... | helicopter pilot (as David Jones) | |
| Saul Kahan | .... | publicist | |
| Richard Kawecki | .... | production assistant | |
| Leroy Kerr | .... | assistant road manager: Blues Brothers band | |
| Tony Kerum | .... | caterer | |
| John Kochian | .... | assistant auditor: Chicago | |
| George Koopman | .... | special operations: Chicago | |
| Jeff Leith | .... | production assistant | |
| Stinky Levitsky | .... | title designer | |
| Morris Lyda | .... | road manager: Blues Brothers band | |
| Amy McElhenney | .... | production secretary | |
| Tim Meeks | .... | mechanic: Los Angeles | |
| Eddie Olmstead | .... | mechanic: Los Angeles | |
| Sherrill Patten | .... | auditor: Chicago | |
| Mark Pearson | .... | helicopter pilot | |
| Suzan Reed-Sosna | .... | production assistant | |
| Bob Tischler | .... | producer and supervisor: Blues Brothers recordings | |
| Marvin Towns Jr. | .... | production assistant (as Marvin Townes) | |
| Urban 'Spark' Ullman | .... | production assistant (as Urban Ullman) | |
| Chrisann Verges | .... | assistant to publicist | |
| Linda Veugeler | .... | production assistant (as Linda Veugler) | |
| Lou Volpano | .... | assistant road manager: Blues Brothers band | |
| Danae Walczak | .... | locations: Chicago | |
| Katherine Wooten | .... | script supervisor | |
| Michael Goi | .... | production assistant (uncredited) | |
| Mark Mamalakis | .... | production assistant (uncredited) | |
| Jeff Winn | .... | daily craft service (uncredited) | |
Production Companies
- Universal Pictures (presents)
- Universal Pictures (1980) (USA) (theatrical)
- Cinema International Corp. (1980) (UK) (theatrical) (as CIC)
- Cinema International Corporation (CIC) (1980) (Finland) (theatrical)
- Cinema International Corporation (CIC) (1980) (France) (theatrical)
- Cinema International Corporation (CIC) (1980) (Netherlands) (theatrical)
- Cinema Internazional Corporation (198?) (West Germany) (theatrical)
- Mac Mahon Distribution (2001) (France) (theatrical) (re-release)
- American Broadcasting Company (ABC) (1982) (USA) (TV)
- Argentina Video Home (Argentina) (VHS)
- CIC Vídeo (Brazil) (VHS)
- Cinema International (19??) (Netherlands) (VHS)
- Egmont Entertainment (2001) (Finland) (DVD)
- Esselte Video (1980s) (Finland) (VHS)
- Mainostelevisio (MTV3) (1995) (2010) (Finland) (TV)
- Nelonen (2008) (Finland) (TV)
- TV3 (1987) (1988) (Finland) (TV)
- Universal Home Video (2004) (Brazil) (DVD)
- Universal Pictures Benelux (2001) (Netherlands) (DVD)
- Universal Pictures Benelux (2006) (Netherlands) (DVD) (25th Anniversary edition)
- Universal Pictures Finland Oy (2006) (Finland) (DVD)
- Universal Studios Home Entertainment (2011) (USA) (DVD) (Blu-ray)
- Universal Studios Home Entertainment (2012) (USA) (DVD) (Blu-ray) (Universal's 100th Anniversary)
- Universal Studios Home Video (2003) (USA) (DVD) (collector's edition)
- Yleisradio (YLE) (1998) (2003) (2004) (Finland) (TV)
- Motion Pictures (MPI) (uncredited)
- Atlantic Records soundtrack published by
- Creative Film Arts opticals
- Fantasound mobile recording
- KMET-FM concert promotion
- Michelson Food Services catering
- Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra music performed by: "Ride of the Valkyries"
- Solters & Digney publicity
- Todd-AO Studios re-recording (as Todd-AO Scoring Stage)
- Universal Recording Studios Inc. music recorded at
- Wally Heider Sound mobile recording
Additional Details
Also Known As:
See more »
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
133 min | USA:148 min (extended version)
Country:
Language:
Color:
Color (Technicolor)
Aspect Ratio:
1.33 : 1 See more »
Sound Mix:
4-Track Stereo (magnetic prints) | Mono (optical prints)
Certification:
UK:AA (original rating) | South Korea:12 | Brazil:12 | Argentina:13 | Australia:M | Canada:14A | Chile:14 | Finland:K-12 | France:U | Ireland:15 | Netherlands:AL | New Zealand:M | Norway:11 | Singapore:PG | Spain:T | Sweden:15 | UK:15 | USA:R (Approved No. 26015) | West Germany:12 | Iceland:L
Filming Locations:
Company:
Did You Know?
Trivia:
Carrie Fisher became engaged to co-star Dan Aykroyd during this shoot shortly after he saved her from choking by applying the Heimlich maneuver.See more »
Goofs:
Continuity: At the end, when the Blues Brothers arrive at Daley Plaza, the weather changes drastically while the police and military gather outside between shots.See more »
Quotes:
[first lines]
Prison Guard #1:Yeah, the Assistant Warden wants this one out of the block early. Wants to get it over with fast.
Prison Guard #2:Okay, let's do it.
[rattling the bars with his baton]
Prison Guard #1:Hey come on, it's time to wake up.
Prison Guard #2:Wake up. Let's go, it's time.
[striking the sleeping Jake with his baton]
See more »
Prison Guard #1:Yeah, the Assistant Warden wants this one out of the block early. Wants to get it over with fast.
Prison Guard #2:Okay, let's do it.
[rattling the bars with his baton]
Prison Guard #1:Hey come on, it's time to wake up.
Prison Guard #2:Wake up. Let's go, it's time.
[striking the sleeping Jake with his baton]
See more »
Movie Connections:
Referenced in "Rizzoli & Isles: Burning Down the House (#2.15)" (2011)See more »
Soundtrack:
SHAKE A TAIL FEATHERSee more »
FAQ
What is the music playing in this scene?Aren't church properties exempt from taxes?
What is an orange whip?
See more »
See more (285 total) »
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company.
It started out as a bit on Saturday Night Live, and grew into probably THE most successful movie ever to have had it's genesis in that particular medium. And who would've thought that a couple of character actor/comedians would emerge from an innovative four-or-five minute act as `legendary' bluesmen of their era? Which is exactly what John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd did after first taking their show on the road as an opening act for the likes of Steve Martin, and then parlaying it into a feature length motion picture, `The Blues Brothers,' directed by John Landis. When Joliet Jake Blues (Belushi) is released from prison, his brother Elwood (Aykroyd) is there to pick him up, in-- of all things-- a used police car. And it doesn't bode well for this particular pair of out-of-work musicians, who on a visit to the orphanage in which they grew up discover that it is about to be shut down unless some taxes are paid on it, and soon. But what can Jake and Elwood do to help? They're broke. Well, after a bit of pondering and a couple of good production numbers later, Jake sees the light (literally), and it all becomes perfectly clear: They have to put their band back together and stage a concert, the proceeds of which should more than pay for the taxes on the orphanage. It's a tough job, but somebody's got to do it, and don't tell Jake and Elwood it's not possible, because they're on a mission from God...
It's a fairly simple plot, told in a straightforward manner by Landis, who creates a visually stimulating and aurally satisfying movie that follows the adventures of the Brothers Blues as they travel around the good state of Illinois, seeking out the members of their former band and formulating their plan to save the orphanage. Along the way they run afoul of a country/western band, incite the ire of some Illinois Nazis, ingratiate themselves to the diners in a classy restaurant, wreck an entire mall and generally wreak havoc wherever they go. It's a total rush of excitement, backed with a blur of real blues, served up by some of the truly legendary performers of our time, like Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Ray Charles, Cab Calloway (doing his trademark `Minnie the Moocher') and John Lee Hooker. Not to mention the `band' itself, comprised of Steve `The Colonel' Cropper, Donald `Duck' Dunn, Murphy Dunne, Willie Hall, Tom `Bones' Malone, Lou `Blue Lou' Marini, Matt `Guitar' Murphy and `Mr. Fabulous' himself, Alan Rubin, all there to back the incomparable vocal stylings of Joliet Jake and Elwood Blues, who are determined to save their old home, now under the auspices of `The Penguin,' Sister Mary Stigmata (Kathleen Freeman). But one question remains to be answered: Who is Camille Ztdetelik (Carrie Fisher), and just what is she trying to do to Jake?
Without question, this was a great gig for Belushi and Aykroyd, who to millions of people ARE, and will forever be, the `Blues Brothers.' And forevermore shall they be linked in the memories of anyone who has seen this movie, heard their records or caught their act on SNL. Dan Aykroyd has gone on to have a successful and varied career in movies, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor (for `Driving Miss Daisy' in 1989), while John Belushi, of course, left us quite suddenly and way too soon, just as his career was on the rise. Were they great singers? Of course not; but they were accomplished performers who sagely surrounded themselves with the best of the best, a `band's' band that really made this gig work, because the music worked. Add to that the energy, excitement and passion they themselves brought to it, and you have their formula for success, which can be measured by the strong following they still enjoy to this day. And what a pity that Belushi isn't around to realize it.
Memorable in supporting roles are John Candy as Burton Mercer (who uttered the unforgettable line, `Orange whip? Orange whip?--); Henry Gibson as the steel-eyed head Nazi; Steve Lawrence, as agent Maury Sline; Charles Napier as Tucker McElroy, `Lead singer and driver of the Winnebago'; and Jeff Morris, who will always be remembered as Bob, owner of `Bob's Country Bunker,' the place with `both' kinds of music, Country `and' Western.
The additional supporting cast includes Steven Williams (Trooper Mount), Armand Cerami (Trooper Daniel), Layne Britton (The `Cheese Whiz'), Ralph Foody (Police Dispatcher) and John Landis (Trooper La Fong). Also, watch for cameos by Paul Reubens (Waiter), Frank Oz (Corrections Officer), Twiggy Lawson (Chic Lady) and Steven Spielberg as the County Clerk. A thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable movie, filled with memorable scenes and lines you'll be quoting for years to come (Aykroyd, in that `clipped' Elwood Blues delivery, to Tucker McElroy: `We'll, ah-- we'll talk to Bob--'), `The Blues Brothers' is a great film-- not in the sense of a film that should have walked away with a bagful of Oscars, but great for what it is and for the special place it holds in the history of the cinema. And, yes, it does have a place all it's own. Because a movie doesn't have to be `Citizen Kane,' or `Gone With the Wind' to be `great.' It's the ones that make you feel something for whatever reason, or make you laugh; the ones you remember because they're unique or have left their imprint on our culture in some way. So, check `All of the above,' or add your own reasons. For all that it's worth, this is the magic of the movies. I rate this one 9/10.