Comedy
United States of America
Back to School is a 1986 comedy film directed by Alan Metter and starring Rodney Dangerfield, Sally Kellerman, Burt Young, Keith Gordon, and Robert Downey Jr. The film follows the story of Thornton Melon, a wealthy businessman who owns a chain of tall and fat shops and who never finished high school. Melon reconnects with his estranged son, Jason, who is a student at a university in California. When Thornton learns that Jason is struggling to fit in at college and is at risk of dropping out, he decides to enroll as a student and become a "college buddy" to help his son out.
As Thornton joins the university, he clashes with the academics and traditions of the college and is an instant outsider. However, he uses his wealth and business smarts to create his own niche in the college, using his influence to improve the school's struggling dive team and even learning to dive himself. He also catches the eye of a female literature professor, Diane, and begins a romantic relationship with her.
Meanwhile, Jason struggles to balance his father's dominant personality and his own journey to find his place at the college. He starts a romance with a musician named Valerie and begins to find his own passions while his father navigates the world of academia.
As the end of the semester approaches, Thornton must navigate his grades and prove to his son that he can succeed at college while helping Jason gain the confidence to follow his own dreams.
Back to School is a hilarious comedy that pokes fun at college life and tackles themes of family, success, and self-discovery. Dangerfield's performance as Thornton Melon is a standout, delivering his signature brand of irreverent humor and one-liners. The film was a commercial success, grossing over $100 million worldwide.
