Gone for good: The 80s family comedy you can't watch anywhere anymore!
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A beloved 80s family comedy featuring an unforgettable, goofy character has mysteriously disappeared from view.
What happened to this gem, and why has it vanished without a trace?
The film followed the misadventures of Ernest, a well-meaning but clumsy maintenance man at Kamp Kikakee, as he and a group of misfit kids, the Second Chancers, took on an evil industrialist intent on destroying their beloved camp.
The film's blend of humor, heart, and the late Jim Varney's earnest performance made it an instant classic.
But today, you won't find Ernest Goes to Camp on any streaming service or even on DVD.
The film's absence is a puzzle to many fans who grew up watching Ernest's antics.
The reason for its disappearance ties back to a broader issue in Hollywood's past: the portrayal and casting of Native American characters.
However, the actor who portrayed him, Iron Eyes Cody, was not Native American but Italian-American.
For decades, Cody had been the face of the “noble Indian” in Hollywood, even starring in the iconic “Crying Indian” anti-littering PSA.
Source: Youtube/Reelblack One
His true heritage was revealed in the late 90s, causing a reevaluation of his roles and the authenticity of Hollywood's representation of Native Americans.
This revelation, combined with the industry's growing sensitivity to cultural representation, has led to Ernest Goes to Camp being locked away, much like the controversial Song of the South.
Disney, which produced the film under its Touchstone label, has since distanced itself from the movie, despite its initial success and the innocence of Jim Varney's involvement.
Other films in the franchise, such as Ernest Goes to Jail and Ernest Saves Christmas, are still available for viewing and continue to entertain new generations.
These films showcase Varney's comedic evolution, transforming Ernest into the exaggerated character that many fans remember fondly.
The disappearance of Ernest Goes to Camp from our screens raises important questions about how we reconcile the entertainment of the past with the values of the present.
While it's crucial to acknowledge and learn from the mistakes of history, it's also important to remember the joy that these films brought to many.
In the absence of Ernest Goes to Camp, fans can still share their love for the character and the actor who brought him to life.
Jim Varney's portrayal of Ernest was a testament to his talent and the power of comedy to bring people together.
As we reflect on the vanished film, we can also celebrate the laughter and memories that Ernest P. Worrell gave us.
Remember, while some films may fade into obscurity, the laughter and lessons they provided can continue to resonate with us.
Let's cherish the good, learn from the not-so-good, and keep the spirit of Ernest P. Worrell alive in our hearts!
Source: Youtube/Ernest P. Worrell (Ernest P. Worrell)
Do you have fond memories of watching Ernest Goes to Camp or other Ernest movies? How do you think we should handle films from the past that contain outdated or insensitive portrayals? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
What happened to this gem, and why has it vanished without a trace?
The rise and fall of an 80s Icon
Ernest Goes to Camp was more than just a movie; it was a cultural phenomenon.The film followed the misadventures of Ernest, a well-meaning but clumsy maintenance man at Kamp Kikakee, as he and a group of misfit kids, the Second Chancers, took on an evil industrialist intent on destroying their beloved camp.
The film's blend of humor, heart, and the late Jim Varney's earnest performance made it an instant classic.
But today, you won't find Ernest Goes to Camp on any streaming service or even on DVD.
The film Ernest Goes to Camp, which launched a successful comedy franchise starring late Jim Varney in the 80s, has been erased from availability due to controversies. Image source: Classic Hollywood Legend via Youtube.
The film's absence is a puzzle to many fans who grew up watching Ernest's antics.
The reason for its disappearance ties back to a broader issue in Hollywood's past: the portrayal and casting of Native American characters.
The controversy behind the comedy
The character of Chief St. Cloud, a Plains Indian and the camp's owner, is central to the film's plot.However, the actor who portrayed him, Iron Eyes Cody, was not Native American but Italian-American.
For decades, Cody had been the face of the “noble Indian” in Hollywood, even starring in the iconic “Crying Indian” anti-littering PSA.
Source: Youtube/Reelblack One
His true heritage was revealed in the late 90s, causing a reevaluation of his roles and the authenticity of Hollywood's representation of Native Americans.
This revelation, combined with the industry's growing sensitivity to cultural representation, has led to Ernest Goes to Camp being locked away, much like the controversial Song of the South.
Disney, which produced the film under its Touchstone label, has since distanced itself from the movie, despite its initial success and the innocence of Jim Varney's involvement.
The legacy of Ernest P. Worrell
Despite the disappearance of Ernest Goes to Camp, the legacy of Ernest P. Worrell lives on.Other films in the franchise, such as Ernest Goes to Jail and Ernest Saves Christmas, are still available for viewing and continue to entertain new generations.
These films showcase Varney's comedic evolution, transforming Ernest into the exaggerated character that many fans remember fondly.
Despite the popularity of the Ernest franchise and other movies being accessible, this particular film is hard to find today after brief availability on DVD and Blu-Ray. Image source: IMDb.
The disappearance of Ernest Goes to Camp from our screens raises important questions about how we reconcile the entertainment of the past with the values of the present.
While it's crucial to acknowledge and learn from the mistakes of history, it's also important to remember the joy that these films brought to many.
In the absence of Ernest Goes to Camp, fans can still share their love for the character and the actor who brought him to life.
Jim Varney's portrayal of Ernest was a testament to his talent and the power of comedy to bring people together.
As we reflect on the vanished film, we can also celebrate the laughter and memories that Ernest P. Worrell gave us.
Remember, while some films may fade into obscurity, the laughter and lessons they provided can continue to resonate with us.
Let's cherish the good, learn from the not-so-good, and keep the spirit of Ernest P. Worrell alive in our hearts!
Source: Youtube/Ernest P. Worrell (Ernest P. Worrell)
