The Great Outdoors (1988)

A Chicago man's hope for a peaceful family vacation in the woods is shattered when the annoying in-laws drop in.

Director:

Howard Deutch

Writer:

John Hughes

Stars:

Dan Aykroyd, John Candy, Stephanie Faracy

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Dan Aykroyd	...	Roman Craig
John Candy	...	Chet Ripley
Stephanie Faracy	...	Connie Ripley
Annette Bening	...	Kate Craig
Chris Young	...	Buck Ripley
Ian Giatti	...	Ben Ripley
Hilary Gordon	...	Cara Craig
Rebecca Gordon	...	Mara Craig
Robert Prosky	...	Wally
Zoaunne LeRoy	...	Juanita
Lucy Deakins	...	Cammie
Nancy Lenehan	...	Waitress
John Bloom	...	Jimbo
Lewis Arquette	...	Herm
Britt Leach	...	Reg

Storyline

Big-hearted Chicago family man Chet has brought his family to a lakeside resort area, and although his wife and kids aren't quite as excited as he is, Chet has high hopes for the vacation. However, his optimism is sabotaged when his obnoxious brother-in-law Roman drops in unexpectedly, along with his snooty, strange family. Chet and his family try to stay open-minded, but they find it difficult to relax and enjoy themselves because of the constant annoyance of Roman's presence.

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Plot Keywords:

twin | brother in law | lingerie slip | water skiing | raccoon | 

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Taglines:

The wildlife is wild, but his brother-in-law in unbearable.

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Genres:

Comedy

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

17 June 1988 (USA)

Also Known As:

Big Country

Filming Locations:

Bass Lake, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$24,000,000 (estimated)

Gross:

$41,455,230 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Hughes Entertainment, Universal Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

91 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The scene where Chet and Roman are trying to catch the Bat, The Bat lands on Chet's face and Roman (Dan Aykroyd) hits it with his broom weapon, the bat falls on the floor and Roman screams out: "We got it, We got it." Dan Aykroyd uses that same line in Ghostbusters after catching the Slimer in the Hotel. He comes out with the trap screaming: "We got it, We got it".

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Goofs

When Chet and Roman are drinking at the bar the bartender starts pouring a shot of vodka into a rocks glass. When the camera cuts back from Reg, he's making a dark colored mixed drink in a high ball glass.

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Quotes

[the family has just returned from a restaurant where Chet finished a 96oz steak. They find that raccoons have overturned the garbage cans]
Roman: Look at the size of the maggots on that meat!

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Crazy Credits

Subtitled conversation between two raccoons -- Raccoon #1: "Why's Jody sitting in the lake?" Raccoon #2: "You didn't hear? She got shot in the ass!" Raccoon #1: "Oh no! Don't tell me..." Raccoon #2: "Yup... She's bald on both ends now!"

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Connections

References The Yogi Bear Show (1961)

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Soundtracks

"Dragboat"
Written & Produced by Tom Scott
Performed by The Elwood Blues Revue (as Elwood Blues Revue) and Tom Scott

User Reviews

Classic

This is one of the best commedies ever made. I love the humor, comraderie, hatred, envy. everything. This is one movie that you could watch a thousand time and never get sick of it. John Candy is a true genius and I wish he were still around to make us all laugh. Great movie and if you have a problem with that dont' sing it bring it!