National Lampoon’s Animal House Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A bunch of rowdy college guys throw a party so hard the dean tries to kick them out, but they’re too busy partying to care, and then they win.

🍿 National Lampoon’s Animal House: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Freshmen Pledges and Fraternity Life

In 1962, freshmen Larry Kroger and Kent Dorfman seek a fraternity at Faber College. Deemed undesirable by the prestigious Omega Theta Pi, they find themselves at the raucous Delta Tau Chi. Quickly initiated and renamed ‘Pinto’ and ‘Flounder,’ they dive into the world of parties, pranks, and rebellion against the college’s strict rules. They are in way over their heads. The Delta House is a haven for misfits, led by characters like Bluto, Otter, and Boon, all united by their disdain for authority. This contrast sets the stage for the conflict with Dean Wormer and the Omegas, establishing the core themes of the movie.

Dean Wormer’s Vendetta

Dean Vernon Wormer, determined to rid Faber College of the Delta Tau Chi fraternity, views them as a disruptive influence. Enlisting the help of the snobbish Omega Theta Pi fraternity, he intensifies his efforts to expel the Deltas. He places them on “double secret probation”, setting a trap for their inevitable expulsion. This plot creates a clear antagonist and raises the stakes, driving the narrative forward as the Deltas continuously find themselves in increasingly outrageous situations, escalating the conflict to new heights.

Escalating Chaos and Misadventures

The Deltas’ escapades become increasingly outrageous. From sneaking a horse into Dean Wormer’s office to an all-out food fight in the cafeteria, they push the boundaries of acceptable behavior. A wild toga party results in further scandal, including an underage encounter for Pinto. This culminates in the revocation of the Delta’s charter. These events highlight the Deltas’ rebellious nature and their complete disregard for authority, emphasizing the film’s anarchic spirit and leading to the ultimate showdown.

Road Trip and Rising Tensions

In an attempt to escape their troubles, Otter, Boon, Flounder, and Pinto embark on a disastrous road trip. A series of mishaps include a run-in with an intimidating crowd at a roadhouse and personal conflicts arising amongst the group. Tensions escalate when the Dean reveals the Deltas’ midterm grades, leading to their expulsion and draft eligibility. This section reveals the characters’ vulnerabilities and sets the stage for their final act of defiance, highlighting the consequences of their actions and the growing animosity between the Deltas and the college establishment.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• John Blutarsky (John Belushi): Bluto is the outrageous and perpetually drunk Delta House member with a zero GPA, embodying the film’s anarchic spirit.
• Eric Stratton (Tim Matheson): Otter is the smooth-talking, charismatic Delta who orchestrates many of the fraternity’s schemes.
• Larry Kroger (Tom Hulce): Pinto is the initially awkward freshman who finds a place among the Deltas and embraces their rebellious lifestyle.
• Kent Dorfman (Stephen Furst): Flounder is the initially timid freshman who is humiliated throughout the film.
• Vernon Wormer (John Vernon): Dean Wormer is the uptight and beleaguered dean determined to shut down the Delta House and maintain order at Faber College.
• Doug Neidermeyer (Mark Metcalf): Neidermeyer is the stern and humorless ROTC cadet and Omega member who serves as a foil to the Deltas’ antics.
• Donald Schoenstein (Peter Riegert): Boon is the one of the Deltas, often found alongside Otter in their escapades.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Bluto: “Toga! Toga!” – Bluto chants this repeatedly at the suggestion of a toga party, becoming one of the film’s most iconic and oft-repeated lines.
• Otter: “We’re on a mission from God.” – Said during the parade scene as an homage to The Blues Brothers, also directed by John Landis and starring John Belushi.
• Bluto: “Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no!” – Bluto’s rousing, factually incorrect speech to inspire his fraternity brothers to fight back after being expelled.
• Dean Wormer: “Fat, drunk, and stupid is no way to go through life, son.” – Dean Wormer’s disapproving comment to Flounder, encapsulating the Dean’s disdain for the Delta House members.
• Otter: “Road trip!?” – Otter exclaims this enthusiastically at the prospect of a road trip after the Delta house gets shut down.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $3,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $141,600,000
• Worldwide Gross: $141,607,219

💥 National Lampoon’s Animal House Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, Animal House is a classic for a reason. I remember watching it for the first time and just being blown away by how outrageous and hilarious it was. The toga party scene is legendary! It’s definitely not for everyone, but if you’re into silly, over-the-top humor, you’ll love it. Bluto’s food fight is iconic and still cracks me up every time.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic comedies”
  • “Viewers who enjoy college-themed movies”
  • “Those who appreciate irreverent humor”
  • “People interested in 1970s cinema”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Crude humor and language”
  • “Alcohol abuse”
  • “Suggestive content”
  • “Brief nudity”
  • “Underage drinking”

Professional Reviews

• Roger Ebert: “Animal House is not great art, but it’s a very funny movie. It captures the spirit of rebellion and the absurdities of college life with a raw, energetic style. The performances are excellent, and the film remains remarkably rewatchable.
• Variety: “A raucous and irreverent comedy, Animal House delivers on its promise of outrageous humor. While not for the faint of heart, its high-energy performances and relentless gags make it a memorable and influential film.

Audience Reactions

The food fight scene is the ultimate chaos and comedy gold!: Viewers consistently praise the film’s outrageous humor, memorable characters, and its lasting impact on comedy.

Overall Consensus: A highly influential comedy that’s remembered for its raunchy humor and iconic scenes, though it’s not for everyone.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Many of John Belushi’s lines and actions were ad-libbed, including the entire cafeteria scene where he piles food onto his tray. The reactions of the other actors are genuine surprise and amusement.”
• “The film was originally conceived as a darker comedy about Charles Manson called ‘Laser Orgy Girls’. Douglas Kenney changed the concept to a college comedy.”
• “The role of Dean Wormer was initially offered to several actors, including Bob Newhart, before John Vernon was cast. Vernon brought a perfect blend of comedic frustration and stern authority to the role.”
• “The location used for the Delta House exterior was a real house in Eugene, Oregon, which was demolished shortly after filming.”

🖥️ How to Watch National Lampoon’s Animal House?

National Lampoon’s Animal House is widely available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service or digital retailer for availability and rental/purchase options. Some services may require a subscription.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed National Lampoon’s Animal House, you might like these similar films:

• Porky’s (1981): Similar raunchy teen comedy with a focus on rebellious youth vs. authority figures.
• Revenge of the Nerds (1984): Features a group of misfits clashing with a more privileged and conventional fraternity.
• Animal House (1978): Features rowdy behaviour and a group of misfits against a structured environment.
• Old School (2003): Modern comedy about adults reliving their college years, creating similar chaos and humor.
• The Kentucky Fried Movie (1977): Sketch comedy with irreverent humor and a similar anything-goes attitude.

🛒 National Lampoon’s Animal House Related Products

• National Lampoon’s Animal House: Collector’s Edition [Blu-ray]: The definitive edition of the film, featuring behind-the-scenes content, deleted scenes, and a restored picture. A must-have for any serious fan.
• National Lampoon’s Animal House Toga! Toga! Toga! T-Shirt: Officially licensed t-shirt featuring the iconic ‘Toga! Toga! Toga!’ quote from the movie. Made from comfortable, high-quality material.
• Animal House Movie Poster: Reproduction of the original movie poster, capturing the classic imagery of the film. High-quality print suitable for framing.
• Animal House: The Complete Yearbook: A satirical and humorous ‘yearbook’ companion to the film, filled with fake profiles, inside jokes, and behind-the-scenes anecdotes.

🎧 Soundtrack

National Lampoon’s Animal House features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Louie Louie” – performed by The Kingsmen
• “Shout” – performed by The Isley Brothers
• “Twist and Shout” – performed by The Isley Brothers
• “Animal House” – performed by Stephen Bishop

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Animal House (1978): 20 Things You Never Knew!

Get ready to uncover 20 fascinating secrets about the iconic comedy Animal House! This video is packed with trivia that will make you appreciate the film even more.

Tim Matheson on John Belushi in “Animal House”

Join Tim Matheson, the beloved Otter from Animal House, as he reminisces about his experiences working alongside the unforgettable John Belushi. This clip offers a glimpse into their on-screen chemistry and the camaraderie behind the scenes.

Donald Sutherland talks about his butt joke in Animal House 1978

Prepare to laugh as Donald Sutherland recounts a hilarious joke he cracked on the set of Animal House. This short clip offers a glimpse into the film’s off-screen antics and the playful spirit of its cast.

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