The world lost Rodney Dangerfield 14 years ago today (October 5.)  He was one of the most iconic stand-up comedians of all time, but let us not forget the magic he brought to the silver screen, particularly in 1986’s Back To School.

For those that haven’t seen Back To School (and shame on you if you haven’t), Dangerfield plays Thornton Melon, an over-the-top businessman that enrolls in his son’s university to help him achieve success, both in and out of class.  Many may look to Caddyshack and Al Czervik as Dangerfield’s most iconic role, but when you look at the reasons below, you’ll realize that Thornton Melon is not only Dangerfield’s best role, but one of the best comedic roles, period.

(Warning:  NSFW language ahead.)

He wasn’t afraid to face off against the most insane professor on campus

Due to serving in Vietnam, Professor Tergeson (played by the late Sam Kinnison in one of the best casting decisions ever) had more than a few issues, but even when he lost his cool, Thornton Melon fired back.

Back to School (5/12) Movie CLIP - Professor Terguson Loses It (1986) HD

Back to School movie clips: http://j.mp/1L7bZU4 BUY THE MOVIE: http://j.mp/12O3ynQ Don't miss the HOTTEST NEW TRAILERS: http://bit.ly/1u2y6pr CLIP DESCRIPTION: During a discussion of the Vietnam War, Professor Terguson (Sam Kinison) yells at a student, inspiring Thornton (Rodney Dangerfield) to speak up.

 

 

He hired Kurt Vonnegut to write his paper on Kurt Vonnegut

This is so brilliant and really requires no further elaboration.

Back to School (7/12) Movie CLIP - I'm Kurt Vonnegut (1986) HD

Back to School movie clips: http://j.mp/1L7bZU4 BUY THE MOVIE: http://j.mp/12O3ynQ Don't miss the HOTTEST NEW TRAILERS: http://bit.ly/1u2y6pr CLIP DESCRIPTION: Thornton (Rodney Dangerfield) takes his relationship with Diane (Sally Kellerman) to the next level, but with no time to write his paper, he hires Kurt Vonnegut.

 

 

He got Oingo Boingo to play his dorm party

It’s a college dorm party in the 80s with Oingo Boingo performing live! Who could ask for more?!

 

 

He helped introduce more people to Dylan Thomas

Some people (including this blogger) were first introduced to Dylan Thomas’s famous poem “Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night” via Thornton Melon, and they were never the same after his passionate reciting.

Back to School (11/12) Movie CLIP - Oral Exam (1986) HD

Back to School movie clips: http://j.mp/1L7bZU4 BUY THE MOVIE: http://j.mp/12O3ynQ Don't miss the HOTTEST NEW TRAILERS: http://bit.ly/1u2y6pr CLIP DESCRIPTION: Diane (Sally Kellerman) helps Thornton (Rodney Dangerfield) remember and interpret a poem during his oral exam. FILM DESCRIPTION: Self-made wealthy guy Thornton Melon (Rodney Dangerfield) decides he needs a better education -- and also to spend some time away from his cheating new wife.

 

 

He made diving cool

Greg Louganis, who?  Could he ever do the Triple Lindy?  Don’t think so!

Back to School (12/12) Movie CLIP - The Triple Lindy (1986) HD

Back to School movie clips: http://j.mp/1L7bZU4 BUY THE MOVIE: http://j.mp/12O3ynQ Don't miss the HOTTEST NEW TRAILERS: http://bit.ly/1u2y6pr CLIP DESCRIPTION: Thornton (Rodney Dangerfield) pulls off the impossible dive when he nails the Triple Lindy. FILM DESCRIPTION: Self-made wealthy guy Thornton Melon (Rodney Dangerfield) decides he needs a better education -- and also to spend some time away from his cheating new wife.

Erica Banas is a rock/classic rock blogger that loves the smell of old vinyl in the morning.

Erica Banas is a rock/classic rock news blogger who's well-versed in etiquette and extraordinarily nice. #TransRightsAreHumanRights

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