User blog:ARTaylor/40 Years of Animal House

Today marks the fortieth anniversary of the premiere of Animal House. Based on the real life college experiences of the writers, the film follows a dysfunctional fraternity who challenge the social norms of their school as well as the authoritarian rule of the college dean. The film received mixed reviews upon its initial release but has since gained a cult following and is now considered one of the greatest comedies ever made. Because it was produced on a relatively small budget, it has become one of the highest grossing films ever made. It was the breakout role for numerous actors and helped launch the gross-out comedy genre.

The film features the talents of John Vernon as the villainous Dean Vernon Wormer who seeks the expel the protagonists.