“Tootsie”

Dustin Hoffman in “Tootsie” (Columbia, 1982)

“Tootsie” (Columbia, 1982). This classic 1980s romantic comedy is still as great as ever. Dustin Hoffman plays Michael Dorsey, an out of work actor with a reputation for being difficult. In an act of desperation, Michael decides to audition for a role in a soap opera dressed in drag using the name Dorothy Michaels. He (well, Dorothy) not only gets the role, “she” becomes a national sensation. Things get even more complicated when Michael/Dorothy begins to fall in love with his/her beautiful co-worker Julie (played by Jessica Lange) and Julie’s father begins to fall in love with Dorothy. The hilarious supporting cast includes Bill Murray, Teri Garr, Dabney Coleman, Charles Durning, Sydney Pollack (who also directed the film), and Geena Davis (her first feature film). Written by Larry Gelbart and Murray Schisgal. Directed by Sydney Pollack. “I was a better man with you as a woman than I ever was with a woman as a man.”

“Ghostbusters”

The Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man attacks New York City in “Ghostbusters” (Columbia, 1984)

“Ghostbusters” (Columbia, 1984). Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis play three New York City-based “paranormal investigators” who start their own ghost capturing and disposal firm. Business is booming because, unbeknownst to the team, a long-dead demon is planning a comeback. This classic 80‘s horror/comedy film is a lot of fun, due in part to the hilarious and never-ending one-liners from Bill Murray. Also stars Sigourney Weaver, Rick Moranis, Annie Potts and William Atherton. Written by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis. Directed by Ivan Reitman. “Back off, man. I’m a scientist.”

“Rushmore”

Jason Schwartzman in “Rushmore” (Touchstone, 1998)

“Rushmore” (Touchstone, 1998). A one-of-a-kind coming-of-age comedy. Jason Schwartzman plays Max Fisher, Rushmore Academy’s most involved yet worst student. When he and Mr. Blume (brilliantly played by the great Bill Murray), who is a parent of two of his classmates, both fall in love with the Academy’s first grade teacher, the fallout forces Max to rethink his life. If you haven’t seen a Wes Anderson film before, this is an excellent place to start. Definitely a film for grown ups, but really good stuff. Also stars Olivia Williams and Seymour Cassel. Written by Wes Anderson and Owen Wilson. Directed by Wes Anderson. “I saved Latin. What did you ever do?”

“What About Bob?”

Bob (Bill Murray) goes “sailing” in “What About Bob?” (Touchstone, 1991)

“What About Bob?” (Touchstone, 1991). Bob (played by Bill Murray), an ultra-needy psych patient with a tradition of burning out his doctors, finds renewed hope with his new shrink Dr. Leo Marvin (played by Richard Dreyfuss)–so much so that he follows him along with his family on their month-long vacation to New Hampshire. A terrific comedy with a great script and hilarious performances by Richard Dreyfuss and Bill Murray. “I’m sailing!” Written by Alvin Sargent. Directed by Frank Oz. “There are two types of people in this world–those who like Neil Diamond and those who don’t.”