Fat, Drunk, and Stupid:
The Inside Story Behind the Making of Animal House
by Matty Simmons
PN1997 .A4255 S57 2012
New Arrivals, 2nd floor
Sitting at the Reference Desk, I have the pleasure of overhearing some really interesting conversations [some of which I’d wish that I didn’t]. Based on what I’ve gathered the last few days, it would seem that finals week is a good time for people to go out and get wasted [just be safe, alright?]. Speaking of mixing academics and alcohol, this week’s featured title discusses the cult classic detailing the ‘best days of your life.’
Simmons, the founder of National Lampoon, talks about how Animal House, the 1978 film that propelled the career of John Belushi and provides the quintessential view of fraternities, came to fruition. According to the author, the screenwriters based the movie on their time in college at Dartmouth and put together a cast of unknowns to create the on-screen magic. The shoestring budget of $3 million was enough to produce a film that grossed $141 million at the box office. Simmons utilizes his intimate knowledge and access to the major contributors to its success for an unrivaled firsthand account of Hollywood serendipity.
[Sadly, there was no mention of Whitewater in the book.]
