Every so often a nude scene gets paired with a song that, for better or worse, ends up making it that much more memorable, and a timely 47th anniversary means this Tunes-day is all about going back to school. Waaaay back to the early 60s and Faber College, where the hallowed halls are filled with hooters in the 1978 classic comedy National Lampoon’s Animal House!
Though made in the 70s, the John Landis-directed hit is set in 1962, and the music reflects the pre-British Invasion temperance of the time. The tone, however, is that patented brand of risqué humor that we’d see writer Harold Ramis become famous for in the late 70s and early 80s when it was followed by Meatballs (1979), Caddyshack (1980), and others. It’s an interesting juxtaposition to say the least.
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The score itself is by Elmer Bernstein, the Broadway composer who was a family friend of Landis and ended up having a career resurgence in film because of his work here. Landis apparently wanted Bernstein to compose the music as if it were a serious film, which is how you end up with a lonely flute solo over the film’s best topless scene.
Mary Louise Weller in National Lampoon's Animal House
00:39:13 Mary removes her bra in front of peeping tom John Belushi in this lengthy look at the love buds. (56 secs)
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Fans of the 1959 film A Summer Place probably didn’t expect to see any bare boobs as the theme from the chaste teen romance played over Sarah Holcomb and Tom Hulce making out. But that’s just what they got, under a mountain of tissue, when she drunkely passes out next to him. There’s a brief moment where it looks like his darker urges might prevail, but the music doesn’t lie and Tom eventually listens to his conscience.
Sarah Holcomb in National Lampoon's Animal House
00:57:52 Check out Sarah's youthful boobage when she passes out, topless, on Tom Hulce's bed during the toga party. (45 secs)
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Then things start to get more madcap just under an hour in, when Tim Matheson goes from fondling the funbags of Lisa Baur over the smooth crooning sounds of "Shama Lama Ding Dong" by Lloyd Williams to running for cover with his pals as soon "Let’s Dance" by Chris Montez hits the air. Even though it’s a quick flash, Lisa’s lady bubbles would have anyone shama lama-ing their ding dong for sure!
Lisa Baur in National Lampoon's Animal House
01:16:34 Enjoy Lisa's sultry sackage as she fools around with Tim Matheson in the back of the Delt car. (20 secs)
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Catch Up With Previous Editions of Songs in the Key of Nudity
—Talkin' About Shaft and Superfly
