The Great Outdoors, released in theaters on June 17, 1988, directed by Howard Deutch and written by the legendary John Hughes, is a boisterous comedy of contrasts centered on a disastrous family summer vacation. The film stars John Candy as Chet Ripley, a lovable, slightly boisterous family man who takes his wife, Connie (Stephanie Faracy), and their two children, Buck (Chris Young) and Ben (Ian Michael Giatti), to a rustic cabin in the woods of Wisconsin for some quality time.
Chet’s idyllic, nature-filled plans are instantly ruined by the unannounced arrival of his brother-in-law, Roman Craig (Dan Aykroyd), a sharp-witted, insufferably wealthy, and highly competitive bond broker from Chicago. Roman brings his wife, Kate (Annette Bening, in her feature film debut), and their twin daughters.
Lucy Deakins shines as Cammie, a local girl and A&W waitress.
The plot quickly devolves into a hilarious, escalating competition between the two men, fueled by Chet’s envy of Roman’s apparent success and Roman’s thinly veiled contempt for Chet’s laid-back, middle-class life.
The forced proximity and conflicting personalities lead to classic comedy setups involving water-skiing mishaps, close encounters with a bald-headed bear, and disastrous attempts at fine dining.
The main dramatic tension revolves around Roman’s desperate attempts to hide the truth about his failing financial status from his family, while Chet’s attempts to enjoy his vacation are constantly sabotaged by Roman’s smug interference.
Supporting performances from Robert Prosky as the park owner, and bit parts from John Bloom, Lewis Arquette, and Britt Leach, solidify the local, quirky charm of the resort town.
The film was shot under the working title Big Country, but was changed to avoid confusion with Big. which was due to be released just prior to The Great Outdoors.
Luck Deakins as Cammie in The Great Outdoors (Photo/Universal Pictures)
Reception for The Great Outdoors
The Great Outdoors grossed $6.1 million on its opening weekend, finishing third at the box office behind Red Heat ($8.1 million) and Big ($6.6 million).
The film would gross $41.5 million in its theatrical run.
Legacy
The Great Outdoors‘ legacy is twofold: it is a beloved entry in the Hughes cinematic canon, relying on the humor of domestic conflict and exaggerated characters.
Crucially, it stands as one of the best showcases for the comedic partnership between the naturally warm Candy and the expertly manic Aykroyd, whose contrasting styles perfectly anchor the film’s humor, ensuring the film remains a highly rewatchable slice of late-80s nostalgia.
