Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead, released in theaters on June 7, 1991, is a quintessential piece of early ’90s cinema that combines a high-concept premise with a chaotic and charming execution. The film stars Christina Applegate as Sue Ellen Crandell, the eldest of five rebellious siblings whose plans for a carefree summer are derailed when their mom leaves town for an Australian vacation.
The catch?
The overbearing babysitter their mother hired dies in her sleep just as she arrives, leaving the kids to fend for themselves.
In a panic, they dump the body at a funeral home and set out to enjoy their newfound freedom, only to realize that with freedom comes responsibility—and a serious need for money.
The plot follows Sue Ellen’s frantic and often hilarious attempts to secure a job and a paycheck. She fabricates a résumé and lands a position as a senior fashion executive at a major Los Angeles company, and her siblings, led by the perpetually scheming Kenny (Keith Coogan), wreak havoc at home.
The film’s humor stems from the outlandish situations Sue Ellen finds herself in, as she applies her teenage sensibilities to the corporate world, managing to stay one step ahead of her suspicious boss, Rose Lindsey (Joanna Cassidy).
The film is a lighthearted exploration of what happens when a teenager is forced to grow up overnight.
Josh Charles, David Duchovny and John Getz round out the cast.
Christina Applegate in Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead (Photo/Warner Bros.)
Reception for Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead
Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead grossed $4.2 million on its opening weekend, finishing in sixth place at the box office. The top film of the week was City Slickers, which earned $13 million on its debut week.
The film would gross $25.2 million in its theatrical run.
Roger Ebert gave the film two out of four stars in his review.
Legacy
The legacy of Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead is a testament to its enduring cult status. While it received mixed reviews upon its release, it has since become a beloved classic of the era.
The film is remembered for its catchy title, its quotable dialogue, and Applegate’s standout performance as the resourceful Sue Ellen.
It captures the fashion and aesthetic of the early ’90s and has resonated with a generation that grew up on its blend of humor and heart and is a nostalgic time capsule that proves that a little bit of confidence and a lot of chaos can go a long way.
