Upon arriving at college, Mellon quickly establishes himself as a prominent figure on campus. He hosts extravagant parties, challenges the traditional academics, engages in a romance with a professor, and famously attempts the Triple Lindy to secure victory at a significant diving competition.
The film features a dynamic cast that combines seasoned comedians with emerging talent, such as Sally Kellerman, Burt Young, Robert Downey Jr., William Zabka, Adrienne Barbeau, M. Emmet Walsh, Terry Farrell, Ned Beatty, Sam Kinison, Robert Picardo, and Edie McClurg.
Additionally, the movie includes memorable cameo appearances by Kurt Vonnegut and Danny Elfman. Unbeknownst to many at the time, Dangerfield infused more of his personal experiences into the character of Thornton than fans might have guessed.
Before achieving fame as a comedic icon known for the line “I tell ya, I get no respect,” Dangerfield had a background as an acrobatic diver in Atlantic City during the 1950s and was recognized for his swimming skills.
Much like Thornton, Dangerfield had experience as a truck driver. Furthermore, the golfing scenes in Back to School were taken from his previous success, Caddyshack.
