My Book Review of Caddyshack: The Making of a Hollywood Cinderella Story by Chris Nashawaty
The book could’ve been a happier story about the making of the film. I walked away from it mainly sad over how unhappy and self-destructive writer and producer Doug Kenney was over losing creative control of the film and the negative reviews it received upon its initial release. He never got to see the film receive its cult status. Also, the set of the film seemed like it was a very unpleasant one to be on—whether you were clean and sober or infused with cocaine.
One of the best behind-the-scenes parts was Bill Murray’s one-page ad-libbed speeches for Carl, the groundskeeper, which were so hilarious that his role kept on getting expanded in the film. Another was Cindy Morgan (as Judge Smail’s niece, with “a zest for life,” Lacey Underall) standing up to Caddyshack‘s sexist producer, Jon Peters, and firing her equally—if not more—sexist agent at the time. She is a role-model for all women. The fight between Bill Murray and Chevy Chase over Chase’s alleged “mediocre talent” was priceless too.
The gopher should’ve been featured more in the book—how they made him and how Bill Murray interacted with the furry robot on the set. Moreover, there’s too much background information on how National Lampoon magazine got started, as well as on the making of the film, National Lampoon’s Animal House. This was just distracting. They don’t start discussing Caddyshack until page 145! You have to be very patient with this book!
I’m not feeling very generous during this time of COVID. Overall, this book was an annoying, self-infatuated, and depressing dirge. People are looking for more uplifting and enlightening reads these days. This ain’t one of them.
