Three years before they teamed up for Ghostbusters, Bill Murray and Harold Ramis starred in Stripes, a comedy about two losers who decide to better their positions by joining the US Army. For very different reasons, neither of them are cut out to be soldiers. And besides, the Army aren't ready for recruits like these!
Three years before they teamed up for Ghostbusters, Bill Murray and Harold Ramis starred in Stripes, a comedy about two losers who decide to better their positions by joining the US Army. For very different reasons, neither of them are cut out to be soldiers. And besides, the Army aren't ready for recruits like these!
Russell is going nowhere. Literally. He's reached a dead-end, trying to teach English to immigrants on the poor side of town. But how bad can it really be?
Russell
Okay, I know you're anxious to jump right in and start speaking English but there are just a couple of things I need to know first because... I've never done this before. So, how many of you would say you speak English fairly well but with some difficulty?
[His students gaze back at him uncomprehendingly]
A little English?
[A student raises his hand]
Yes, you speak some English?
Student
Son of b**ch. Sh*t!
[The entire class copy this phrase parrot-fashion]
Clip 2
A wealthy Dowager is causing John a major headache from the back seat of his cab. But there's more than one way to exact revenge when you literally don't care about the consequences.
Dowager
I've never gone this way before.
John
Well, I'm sure there's a lot of ways I've gone that you haven't.
Dowager
What is your name? John... Wringer? What kind of a name is Wringer?
John
Winger. I'm adopted. I spent most of my life in institutions.
Dowager
Doesn't surprise me. You look like a typical low-life character to me.
John
Actually, I'm a photographer. I took this job because I love people. There's nothing I like more than meeting someone like yourself and getting to know you and then taking a few action photos of you while I drive.
[John grabs his SLR, turns in his seat and starts taking action photos of the Dowager who is, frankly, terrified]
Dowager
You stop! Turn around, watch the road! Turn around, stop with the pictures. FACE THE ROAD!
John
Thank you so much.
Dowager
Aren't you going too fast?
John
Oh, it's not the speed really, so much. I just wish I hadn't drunk all that cough syrup this morning, you know? Oh, no...
Dowager
Just keep your eyes on the road and slow down.
John
No. Not killed!
Clip 3
John's only hope of getting in shape and living to the age of thirty is to join the Army. He knows that. Russell has another suggestion but there's a good reason why it's not possible.
John
The Army is my only chance.
Russell
You could join a monastery.
John
Did you ever see a monk get wildly fu*ked by some teenage girls?
Russell
Never.
John
So much for the monastery.
Clip 4
In the dark old days, this was a question you were asked before you joined the military. Like your sexual orientation had any bearing on your ability to fight for your country. Good answer, Russell!
Recruiter
Are either of you, uh... homosexuals?
John
You mean, like flaming, or...
Recruiter
Well, it's a... it's a standard question we have to ask.
Russell
No. We're not homosexual but we're willing to learn.
Clip 5
Your first uniform issue included underwear. And there were two choices. Boxer or jockey. Neither of them were comfortable. Or flattering. Or sexy. But John wants to do something about that.
Storesman
Boxer or Jockey?
John
Got something in a low-rise? Bikini? Mesh, if possible.
Clip 6
It's introductions time. Francis Sawyer is next up and he has some warnings for his fellow recruits. Warnings which make him about as popular as a ham sandwich at a Bar mitzvah.
Psycho
The name's Francis Sawyer. But everybody calls me psycho. Any of you guys call me Francis, and I'll kill you.
John
Oooooh!
Psycho
You just made the list, buddy. And I don't like nobody touching my stuff. So just keep your meat-hooks off. If I catch any of you guys in my stuff, I'll kill you. Also, I don't like nobody touching me. Now, any of you homos touch me, and I'll kill you.
Sergeant Hulka
Lighten up, Francis! You're all in this together. One of these men may save your life one of these days, you understand that?
John
Then again, maybe one of us won't.
[The BCT recruits laugh]
Clip 7
Captain Stillman is watching female recruits showering through a pair of binoculars from his office window. I mean, did the US Army never hear of frosted glass or blinds?
Captain Stillman
[Chuckling]
Oh... oh, God... look at that. Wash off the soap, that's right. Wash... oh. Look at that. Bend over... drop the soap... God, that's good. Oh God, I wish I was a loofa. Look at that, that's... those muscles. Oh. Ohhh! I didn't know they could do that!
Clip 8
Russell is having a dream. It involves someone he doesn't want to stop doing what they're doing, that he's reassuring he'll still respect and encouraging to use more whipped cream. Hmmm...
Russell
No. No, don't stop. Don't stop. I'll still respect you. I'll respect you even more. Just use more whipped cream.
Clip 9
Russell is quitting. John can't have that. So he comes up with a scenario which promptly backfires. Apparently, Russell's sister is ... easy.
John
Russell, what if the Russians were raping your sister?
Russell
Come on, you know my sister. You practically raped her one night. The Russians wouldn't have to force her, they'd just have to buy her dinner.
Clip 10
In order to escape from Czechoslovakia, the platoon must bust through a blockade. With Sergeant Hulka clinging on to the roof of the EM-50 for dear life. It's FUBAR.