Rediscovering Summer Rental (1985): A Hidden Gem of 80s Comedy

Story by Mitchell Smith

Hello everybody. Today I’m taking a look at a 1985 Gem that flew a bit under the radar. Summer Rental did not do as well at the box office as expected, but this is one of my favorite movies from my childhood. A story written by Mark Reisman and Jeremy Stevens, and directed by Carl Reiner was packed with a star studded cast and delivered one of the best eighties movies that goes unrecognized.

John Candy played Jack Chester an overworked air traffic controller, who is sent to Florida with his family to have a much needed vacation. He ends up on some funny and unlikely inspirational adventures. His wife played by Karen Austin had rolls in shows such as Chips, Night Court, and Star Trek. His daughter played by Kelli Green also starred in The Goonies and Lucas. His son is played by Joey Lawerence who among many successful endeavors was a main character on Blossom and Gimme a Break.

Chester has a run in with stuck up millionaire Al Pellet played by Richard Crenna who also played Colonel Trautman in the Rambo franchise and also played Ronald Reagan in the 2001 tv movie The Day Reagan Was Shot. Jack makes friends with restaurant owner Scully played by the late great Rip Torn who also was in Canadian Bacon along side Candy, and played Maxx in one of my all time favorite movies The Beastmaster. Other stars included Tom Blackwell, John Larroquette, Lois Hamilton, Harry Yorku, and Richard Herd who plays the unlucky hero Angus the Scotsman. This is a great classic comedy movie and if you have never watched it I suggest checking out this eighties great that may have fell down into the cracks. Have a great week everybody.