Buck Russell, a lovable but slovenly bachelor, suddenly becomes the temporary caretaker of his nephew and nieces after a family emergency. His freewheeling attitude soon causes tension with his older niece Tia, loyal girlfriend Chanice, and just about everyone else who crosses his path.
Acting
Candy's improvised breakfast monologue is masterclass physical comedy.
Writing
Hughes' rare adult lead script, written specifically for Candy.
Practical Effects
The beater car and garbage-can hat, iconic costume design.
Director
John Hughes
John Candy
Buck Russell
Jean Louisa Kelly
Tia Russell
Gaby Hoffmann
Maizy Russell
Macaulay Culkin
Miles Russell
Amy Madigan
Chanice Kobolowski
Elaine Bromka
Cindy Russell
Garrett M. Brown
Bob Russell
Laurie Metcalf
Marcie Dahlgren-Frost
Jay Underwood
Bug
Brian Tarantina
E. Roger Coswell
Mike Starr
Pooter-the-Clown
Suzanne Shepherd
Mrs. Hogarth
William Windom
Mr. Hatfield (voice)
Dennis Cockrum
Pal
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Candy's 'I'm a kid, that's my job' speech was entirely improvised in one take.
The film quietly launched Macaulay Culkin's stardom; Hughes cast him in Home Alone next. Buck's car was a 1977 Mercury Marquis that production bought for $400 and deliberately destroyed.
US
