July 5: Weekend at Bernie’s (1989)

Milestone Years

• 35th Anniversary: July 5, 2024
• 40th Anniversary: July 5, 2029
• 50th Anniversary: July 5, 2039

Inspiration Behind the Movie

Writer Robert Klane and director Ted Kotcheff created this black comedy inspired by the absurd premise of propping up a corpse to fool others. The tone draws from dark farce traditions, and the corpse’s comedic life owes to a concept reportedly inspired by the Indian spoof Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro.

You Might Not Know

• A stuntman broke ribs during the famous boat-dragging scene while handling Terry Kiser’s corpse body double.
• Bernie’s house set on Figure Eight Island was dismantled post-filming to leave no trace.
• Andrew McCarthy was initially eyed for Richard but chose Larry after reading the script.
• Terry Kiser adjusted his performance to be “funny dead” not simply dead, even underwater shots required no scuba gear for realism.
• The film grossed over $30 million on a $15 million budget and became a cult classic despite poor initial reviews.

Food Ideas

• Mini lobster rolls – nod to the Hamptons beach setting
• Corpse‑like white chocolate-dipped pretzels with black sprinkles
• “Dead man’s punch” – pale citrus punch with edible dry ice effect
• Beach-themed finger foods: shrimp cocktails and cucumber sandwiches
• Brain gummies or jello molded like a skull for macabre fun

Ways to Celebrate

• Recreate the iconic Bernie prop-rigging photoshoot with friends acting as “lifeless hosts.”
• Host a beach-deck party with lounge chairs and play the movie soundtrack.
• Organize a “Movin’ Like Bernie” dance-off mimicking his floppy corpse moves.
• Include a dead-pan quote competition: who can deliver Bernie’s lines most blandly?
• Play the sequel and compare its Voodoo twist, deciding which corpse is more animated.

Filming Locations

Main photography occurred in Wilmington, North Carolina and a custom-built beach house on private Figure Eight Island. The house was fully removed after filming, leaving no set behind.