Celebrating Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Its Alleged Inspiration

John Hughes’ classic film, “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” marks its 40th anniversary. This milestone is an opportunity to examine the intriguing claim by comic writer Ferris Butler, who alleges he inspired the character Ferris Bueller. A new documentary titled “Saving Ferris Butler” explores this claim in detail.

The film premiered to a sold-out audience at New York City’s Quad Cinema and is set to screen in its setting city, Chicago, daily from September 18 to 24 at the Pickwick Theatre, located at 5 S. Prospect Avenue, Park Ridge. Tickets are available at pickwicktheatre.com/movie/saving-ferris-butler.

D. B. Frick serves as the executive producer and host of the documentary. He believes people would find Butler’s story compelling since he has ties to Saturday Night Live and claims a connection to the Ferris Bueller character. Frick met Butler 15 years ago and learned about his assertion immediately.

Frick said, “Ferris Butler is the story of a former Saturday Night Live writer and cable access player and a man who married Beverly Ross.”

Beverly Ross is a songwriter, best known for “Lollipop.” Butler recounted an experience with Del Close, an actor and teacher, who suggested Butler’s personality would make a great film character. This strengthened Butler’s belief that he inspired the Bueller character.

Frick noted that the documentary’s deeper narrative explores themes of authorship, recognition, and how popular culture remembers the work but often forgets the muse. Frick finds bringing the documentary to Park Ridge fitting since “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” was filmed in Chicago, tying into the story’s origin.

Notably, Butler isn’t the only person who has claimed to be the inspiration for Ferris Bueller. Frick remarked that writers often draw from their surroundings.

After select showings, there will be Q&A sessions with those involved in the documentary. Attendees will also enjoy giveaways like hotel nights, meal vouchers, and more. Frick thrives on sharing stories of forgotten figures in comedy history.

Andy Hoglund, a “Saturday Night Live” historian and writer for “Entertainment Weekly,” contributed as a producer and writer for the documentary. He expressed interest in lesser-known stories from SNL’s past, particularly the show’s sixth season following the departure of the original cast and producer Lorne Michaels.

Julius Olivas, at age 26, was chosen to direct “Saving Ferris Butler.” Frick selected Olivas after viewing his film “Inky” at a New York City film festival. Olivas found Butler’s journey of interpreting life through art compelling.

Olivas recognized the enduring interest in a decades-old movie, attributing this to its storytelling quality. He noted that, in addition to being a documentary, “Saving Ferris Butler” holds elements of mystery.

The film includes interviews with Patrick Weathers, an SNL cast member during the challenging 1980-81 season. Weathers recalls both the excitement and difficulty of replacing the original iconic SNL cast. Despite challenges, Weathers cherishes memories from that period, including a memorable sketch portraying Bob Dylan.

Butler expressed excitement when he learned about the documentary focused on him, envisioning it as a complement to his planned autobiography.