On this day June 5, 1985, Ferris Bueller called in sick with a phony stomach cramp, licked his palms for dramatic effect, and convinced nearly everyone he was on death’s door. In reality, he was out living every teen’s dream—cruising through Chicago in a borrowed Ferrari, crashing a fancy restaurant, catching a Cubs game, and somehow leading a parade while lip-syncing to Twist and Shout.
His best friend Cameron? Nervous wreck. His girlfriend Sloane? All in. His sister Jeanie? Fuming. His principal Mr. Rooney? On a one-man mission to prove Ferris was faking. Meanwhile, Ferris was too busy enjoying his freedom to care.
It wasn’t a national holiday, but maybe it should’ve been.
80s insight: According to John Hughes, the entire movie takes place on June 5, 1985. So if you’re not at work or school today, don’t worry. You’re just celebrating in spirit.