Classic Movie Pick: ‘Groundhog Day’ Is Among Greatest Comedies Of All Time

“I like to say a prayer and drink to world peace.” Those are the words of Phil Connor, the main character in this week’s “Classic Movie Pick,” which might give you déjà vu because the film is “Groundhog Day.”

The film was released in 1993 and stars Bill Murray who plays the aforementioned Phil Connor, an egotistical Pittsburgh weatherman who can’t stop himself from insulting everybody around him. Andie McDowell plays Rita Phil’s producer — a sharp, hardworking, eternal optimistic. The main cast is completed with the hilarious Chris Elliot, who plays Larry the cameraman and the butt of many of Connor’s insults. 

The trio heads to Punxsutawney, Pa., to cover the town’s annual Groundhog Day ceremonies. It’s the last place Connor wants to be as he feels as though it’s a stupid custom and that he’s better than the small-town locals. Folksy people seem to make Phil Connors skin crawl! Things get worse when bad weather rolls in preventing the three-person news crew from getting back to Pittsburgh as they become snowed in. Phil is not happy, but the situation gets worse when the town becomes his personal hell as he has forced to live the same day over and over until he learns the meaning of life, in hilarious fashion.

At first, he takes advantage of his circumstances for self gain and or amusement. He tries to seduce Rita by learning something about her every day. But something isn’t clicking as Phil doesn’t quite get it. 

The vain weather man finally comes to the realization, possibly after just being bored of being a jerk, that he can do good. So he resets, and starts to use his every-day knowledge to save lives, learns how to play the piano and helps those in need, ultimately, becoming a decent human being, which gives him a better shot of earning Rita’s attention, love and respect. 

The film is a perfect combination of excellent acting, great character-based situational comedy, romance and a nice message that is 100 times more subtle than a cuddly Hallmark movie. “Groundhog Day” is also shot beautifully and, primarily in close by Woodstock, Ill., which provided the right amount of charm and perfect, small-town backdrop for a guy trying to find his soul.

“Groundhog Day” also has a score and some great songs that perfectly complement the story. The film is directed by the legendary Harold Ramis, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Danny Rubin. The two won in the Best Original Screenplay category at the BAFTA Awards in 1994 and the film is recognized as one of the top 50 comedies of all time. 

Fun fact: The scene where Bill Murray’s Connor hugs and asks “Needle Nose” Ned to call in sick was improvised. There are hilarious moments like this throughout the film with excellent actors in the ensemble, including a young Michael Shannon, Brian Doyle Murray and Rick Overton, who plays one of the town drunks and was a guest on “Nite Lite” this past week, where he discussed his experience making the film.

“Groundhog Day” is one of my all-time favorite films and if you haven’t seen it, give it a chance. It also might become one of yours.

Editor’s note: For more movie and entertainment talk, join Pete Schwaba weeknights from 6 p.m. to 8 p .m. for “Nite Lite” on the Civic Media radio network.