Respect The Classics

“Stripes” (1981)

By: Joe Suszczynski

Bill Murray is perhaps one of the best comedic actors to have graced the big screen. From “Ghostbusters” (1984) to “Groundhog Day” (1993), he has starred in great comedy movies. Disregarding “Caddyshack” (1980), one of Murray’s best is “Stripes” (1981).

“Stripes” tells the story of a man named John Winger (Murray) who, in one day, loses his job, his girlfriend and his car. Seeing life as a joke, he manages to con his best friend Russell (Harold Ramis) to join the United States Army with him. Once in the Army, they face the wrath of Sergeant Hulka (Warren Oates), the hardnosed, no-nonsense drill sergeant. Hilarity ensues in basic training, and once the recruits manage to graduate they are deployed to Italy to guard a top-secret project.

Every aspect of the film is well done.  Bill Murray does a fantastic job as the protagonist. His character’s sense of humor is astounding; he’s extremely clever, has great timing and wit and is outright hilarious. Ramis holds just as good a role playing Murray’s sidekick. Also, Oates plays a great performance as Sergeant Hulka, portraying that role to a T–along with John Candy’s performance as Dewey “Ox” Oxberger who also was in Winger’s unit.

The jokes in the film are funny–many hitting their mark. One great joke in particular was in basic training.  Ramis’ character breaks out singing Manfred Mann’s “Do Wah Diddy Diddy” and is joined by the rest of the unit as they march in lockstep. Another hysterical joke in the film was the graduation performance that Winger and others give in front of General Barnicke (Robert J. Wilke) who lauds their performance. I could go on, but I would be spoiling the greatness of this comedy for you.

The story was good as well. I liked that it followed a misfit who joins the army and is joined by other unique characters, managing to rouse them against the drill sergeant–but, in the end, pulling through to prove himself as a capable soldier. The reason the story works so well was because of Murray’s performance as the lead role, along with the supporting actors in the film.

Bill Murray has done many great comedy films, as stated before. “Stripes” is one you will remember and one to check out if you have yet to see it. The jokes are original and hilarious; Murray gives a stellar performance and it is entertaining to watch. For that, it needs to be respected.