Animal House Deathmobile: A Legendary Movie Prop
The Animal House Deathmobile is one of the most iconic movie props in history, and its legend has endured long after the release of the 1978 film National Lampoon's Animal House. The Deathmobile, a converted 1966 Lincoln Continental, played a pivotal role in the movie's climactic finale, leaving an indelible mark on pop culture.
The Film's Impact on Comedy
National Lampoon's Animal House was a groundbreaking film that revolutionized the comedy genre. Directed by John Landis and written by Harold Ramis, Douglas Kenney, and Chris Miller, the movie follows the misadventures of the Delta Tau Chi fraternity at the fictional Faber College. The film's irreverent humor, outrageous antics, and memorable characters captivated audiences and helped establish the National Lampoon brand as a household name.
The Deathmobile: A Prop Born from Chaos
The Deathmobile was born out of chaos and creativity. The film's production team, led by property master, Peter Landsdown Smith, scoured local junkyards to find the perfect vehicle for the infamous toga party scene. After acquiring a 1966 Lincoln Continental, the team set to work modifying the car to fit the film's requirements.
The Deathmobile's design was a collaborative effort between the production team and the film's director, John Landis. The car's distinctive features, including its sleek black paint job, chromed-out wheels, and menacing grille, were carefully crafted to make the vehicle look like a cross between a hearse and a Cadillac.
The Deathmobile's Legendary Status
The Deathmobile's legendary status can be attributed to its memorable appearance in the film's climactic finale. As the Delta Tau Chi fraternity wreaks havoc on the Faber College homecoming parade, the Deathmobile makes its grand entrance, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
The Deathmobile's impact on popular culture extends far beyond its appearance in Animal House. The car has been referenced and parodied in countless films, TV shows, and music videos, cementing its status as an cultural icon.
Preserving the Deathmobile's Legacy
In 2011, the Deathmobile was restored to its former glory by a team of enthusiasts, who painstakingly recreated the car's original design. The restored Deathmobile has since been showcased at various film festivals and car shows, allowing fans to get up close and personal with the legendary vehicle.
Conclusion
The Animal House Deathmobile is a testament to the power of creativity and innovation in filmmaking. From its humble beginnings as a discarded Lincoln Continental to its current status as a cultural icon, the Deathmobile's legacy continues to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.
As we look back on the film's enduring impact on comedy and popular culture, it's clear that the Deathmobile will remain an integral part of our shared cultural heritage. Whether you're a fan of the film or simply appreciate the art of movie prop-making, the Deathmobile is a true Hollywood legend that continues to captivate and inspire us to this day.
Behind the Scenes: Creating the Deathmobile
Creating the Deathmobile was a complex process that required the collaboration of the film's production team, led by property master, Peter Landsdown Smith. Here are some interesting facts about the creation of the Deathmobile:
- The Deathmobile was built on a 1966 Lincoln Continental chassis, which was acquired from a local junkyard.
- The car's sleek black paint job was applied by a team of skilled painters, who worked tirelessly to achieve the perfect finish.
- The Deathmobile's chromed-out wheels were custom-made by a specialist company, which added to the car's menacing appearance.
- The car's distinctive grille was designed by the film's production team, who drew inspiration from various sources, including hearse and Cadillac designs.
Gallery of Animal House Props
What is the Deathmobile?
+The Deathmobile is a legendary movie prop from the 1978 film National Lampoon's Animal House. It is a converted 1966 Lincoln Continental that plays a pivotal role in the film's climactic finale.
Who designed the Deathmobile?
+The Deathmobile was designed by the film's production team, led by property master, Peter Landsdown Smith. The car's design was a collaborative effort between the production team and the film's director, John Landis.
What is the significance of the Deathmobile?
+The Deathmobile is a cultural icon that has become synonymous with the film Animal House. Its legendary status can be attributed to its memorable appearance in the film's climactic finale, which has been referenced and parodied in countless films, TV shows, and music videos.