Hedy Starcher

Written by Hedy Starcher

Modified & Updated: 10 May 2024

Sherman Smith

Reviewed by Sherman Smith

38-facts-about-the-movie-the-kentucky-fried-movie
Source: Rottentomatoes.com

The Kentucky Fried Movie is a cult classic comedy film that was released in 1977. Directed by John Landis and written by the Zucker brothers, David and Jerry, this movie is a hilarious compilation of sketches, parodies, and satirical segments. With its offbeat humor and clever commentary on various aspects of popular culture, The Kentucky Fried Movie has gained a dedicated following over the years.

In this article, we will delve into 38 fascinating facts about The Kentucky Fried Movie, shedding light on the making of the film, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and its impact on the comedy genre. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the movie or simply curious about its intriguing history, get ready to be entertained and enlightened as we journey through the quirky world of The Kentucky Fried Movie.

Key Takeaways:

  • “The Kentucky Fried Movie” is a 1977 cult classic that launched the careers of actors and influenced sketch comedy shows, showcasing irreverent humor and memorable sketches.
  • “The Kentucky Fried Movie” fearlessly tackles taboo subjects, celebrates parody, and continues to resonate with audiences, proving that great comedy is timeless.
Table of Contents

The Kentucky Fried Movie was released in 1977.

Written by the legendary comedy team Zucker, Abrahams, and Zucker (ZAZ), this sketch comedy film parodies various aspects of American pop culture.

It was the directorial debut of John Landis.

John Landis, who went on to direct films like “Animal House” and “The Blues Brothers,” made his debut with “The Kentucky Fried Movie,” showcasing his talent for irreverent humor.

The film consists of various interconnected sketches.

From fake commercials to movie parodies, “The Kentucky Fried Movie” is a rollercoaster of humor and satire, with each sketch offering a unique take on American life.

It was inspired by the humor magazine “National Lampoon.”

ZAZ took inspiration from the irreverent and satirical tone of “National Lampoon” when creating “The Kentucky Fried Movie,” amplifying the magazine’s style onto the big screen.

“The Kentucky Fried Movie” features several memorable sketches.

From the hilarious “Catholic High School Girls in Trouble” to the outrageous “A Fistful of Yen,” audiences were treated to a wide range of comedic scenarios that have become iconic.

The film launched the careers of several actors.

Notable actors such as Bill Bixby, George Lazenby, and Donald Sutherland appeared in various sketches, and “The Kentucky Fried Movie” helped elevate their careers to new heights.

It has become a cult classic.

Despite initially receiving mixed reviews, “The Kentucky Fried Movie” has gained a loyal following over the years due to its sharp wit, boundary-pushing humor, and memorable sketches.

The film features a parody of Bruce Lee.

A Fistful of Yen” is a hilarious and over-the-top parody of Bruce Lee’s martial arts films, serving as a standout sketch from the movie.

The opening of the film features a parody of “Enter the Dragon.”

The iconic opening sequence of “The Kentucky Fried Movie” hilariously spoofs the introduction of Bruce Lee’s classic film, “Enter the Dragon.

“The Kentucky Fried Movie” has a unique pacing.

The film transitions between sketches with fast-paced editing, creating a sense of constant energy and surprise as the jokes keep coming.

It features a sketch called “Courtroom,” which mocks cheesy disaster movies.

In this sketch, a courtroom trial becomes a disaster film scenario, complete with exaggerated special effects and over-the-top performances.

The film includes a sketch called “Cleopatra Schwartz.”

This sketch parodies blaxploitation films and features a crime-fighting duo consisting of a Jewish woman and a black woman.

“The Kentucky Fried Movie” satirizes television commercials.

The film cleverly mocks the formulaic and exaggerated nature of television commercials, putting a comical spin on consumerism.

The movie’s runtime is approximately 83 minutes.

Within that short timeframe, “The Kentucky Fried Movie” manages to pack in a plethora of jokes, gags, and social commentary.

The film was initially shown at midnight screenings.

“The Kentucky Fried Movie” found its audience through late-night showings, creating a cult following as word-of-mouth spread about its outrageous humor.

ZAZ later went on to create the successful “Airplane!” and “Naked Gun” films.

The success of “The Kentucky Fried Movie” laid the foundation for the zany style of humor that ZAZ would continue to develop in their subsequent projects.

“The Kentucky Fried Movie” influenced future sketch comedy shows.

Its unique format of interconnected sketches had a lasting impact on shows like “Saturday Night Live” and “Mad TV,” which adopted a similar structure.

John Landis cameos in the film.

Look out for John Landis himself making an appearance in one of the sketches, showcasing his willingness to embrace the silliness of the film.

The film contains risqué humor.

“The Kentucky Fried Movie” isn’t afraid to push boundaries and tackle sensitive subjects with its irreverent style of humor, making it a bold and daring comedy for its time.

It features a sketch called “A.M. Today.”

This parody of morning news shows shows the absurdity and sensationalism often found in morning television programs.

“The Kentucky Fried Movie” had a modest budget.

Given its low budget, the film relied on clever writing and imaginative storytelling to deliver laughs, proving that humor doesn’t always require a big budget.

The soundtrack of “The Kentucky Fried Movie” is eclectic.

The film incorporates a mix of original music and popular songs to enhance the comedic moments and provide a dynamic atmosphere.

“The Kentucky Fried Movie” features a variety of humor styles.

From slapstick comedy to witty wordplay, the film blends different comedic techniques to cater to a wide range of tastes.

The film’s logo is a parody of the Paramount Pictures logo.

The logo cleverly mimics the iconic Paramount mountain, but instead, it features a bucket of fried chicken, perfectly capturing the film’s irreverent tone.

“The Kentucky Fried Movie” is a celebration of humor without boundaries.

This film fearlessly tackles taboo subjects and breaks conventions, showcasing the power of comedy to challenge and entertain audiences.

It was the precursor to sketch comedy shows like “Saturday Night Live.”

“The Kentucky Fried Movie” paved the way for the format of sketch comedy shows, which became a staple of television comedy in the following decades.

The film was a collaborative effort.

With contributions from various comedic talents, including the writers and directors, “The Kentucky Fried Movie” embodies the spirit of collaboration and collective creativity.

“The Kentucky Fried Movie” has a dedicated fanbase.

Even over four decades after its release, the film maintains a loyal following of fans who appreciate its offbeat humor and its role in shaping comedy cinema.

The film showcases satirical advertisements.

Throughout the movie, you’ll find hilarious parodies of commercials, revealing the absurdity and manipulation behind advertising.

“The Kentucky Fried Movie” is a time capsule of 1970s pop culture.

From its references to blaxploitation films to its depiction of disco culture, the film encapsulates the spirit and quirks of the ’70s.

It features a sketch called “A.M. Newswatch.”

This sketch takes a humorous look at news reporting, highlighting the sensationalism and absurdity often found in media coverage.

The film’s humor stands the test of time.

Despite being released over 40 years ago, “The Kentucky Fried Movie” continues to resonate with audiences, proving that great comedy is timeless.

The film’s title is a play on the term “Kentucky Fried Chicken.”

By referencing the popular fast-food chain, the film immediately grabs attention and sets the tone for its irreverent humor.

“The Kentucky Fried Movie” is unapologetically silly.

From its outrageous sketches to its over-the-top performances, the film embraces its absurdity and revels in creating laughter through absurd situations.

The film celebrates parody

“The Kentucky Fried Movie” pays tribute to various film genres by parodying their tropes and conventions, providing a fresh and comedic take on familiar themes.

It features a sketch called “Danger Seekers.”

This sketch parodies action-adventure shows, following a group of thrill-seekers as they embark on absurd and dangerous escapades.

“The Kentucky Fried Movie” has a fast-paced structure.

The rapid-fire succession of sketches keeps the audience engaged and ensures that there’s never a dull moment.

The film’s success led to the creation of other sketch comedy films.

Movies like “Amazon Women on the Moon” and “Kentucky Fried Movie 2” were inspired by the success and format of “The Kentucky Fried Movie,” continuing the legacy of sketch comedy in cinema.

With its irreverent humor, unforgettable sketches, and impact on sketch comedy as a whole, “The Kentucky Fried Movie” remains a beloved and influential part of comedy cinema. Whether you’re a devoted fan or discovering it for the first time, this classic film guarantees laughter in every scene.

Conclusion

The Kentucky Fried Movie is a cult classic that has left a lasting impact on the world of comedy films. With its unique blend of humor, satire, and outrageous sketches, this movie continues to entertain and amuse audiences even decades after its release.

From its humble beginnings as a low-budget independent film to its success as a cult phenomenon, The Kentucky Fried Movie has become a beloved favorite among comedy enthusiasts. With its clever parodies, memorable characters, and quotable one-liners, it has secured its place in the halls of comedy greatness.

So, whether you’re a die-hard fan of the movie or are discovering it for the first time, The Kentucky Fried Movie is sure to leave you laughing and wanting more.

FAQs

1. When was The Kentucky Fried Movie released?
The Kentucky Fried Movie was released on August 10, 1977.

2. Who directed The Kentucky Fried Movie?
The movie was directed by John Landis, who later went on to direct films like Animal House and The Blues Brothers.

3. Is The Kentucky Fried Movie a parody film?
Yes, The Kentucky Fried Movie is a parody film that parodies various genres and popular movies of the time.

4. Who stars in The Kentucky Fried Movie?
The movie features a relatively unknown cast at the time, including Bill Bixby, Donald Sutherland, and George Lazenby.

5. What is the running time of The Kentucky Fried Movie?
The running time of The Kentucky Fried Movie is approximately 83 minutes.

6. Is The Kentucky Fried Movie appropriate for all audiences?
The movie is rated R for its adult content and language, so it may not be suitable for younger viewers.

7. Does The Kentucky Fried Movie have any sequels?
No, The Kentucky Fried Movie does not have any official sequels. However, it has influenced the creation of other sketch comedy films like The Naked Gun series.

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