<P> Hughes wrote the screenplay in less than a week . Filming began in September 1985 and finished in November . Featuring many landmarks, including the then Sears Tower and the Art Institute of Chicago, the film was Hughes' love letter to Chicago: "I really wanted to capture as much of Chicago as I could . Not just in the architecture and landscape, but the spirit ." </P> <P> Released by Paramount Pictures on June 11, 1986, the film became one of the top - grossing films of the year, receiving $70.1 million over a $5.8 million budget, and was enthusiastically acclaimed by critics and audiences alike . In 2014, the film was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress, being deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant ." In 2016, Paramount, Turner Classic Movies, and Fathom Events re-released the film and Pretty in Pink to celebrate their 30th anniversary . </P> <P> In suburban Chicago, Illinois, near the end of the school year, high school senior Ferris Bueller fakes being sick to stay home . Throughout the film, Ferris frequently breaks the fourth wall to talk about his friends and give the audience advice on how to skip school . His parents believe him, though his sister Jeanie is not convinced . Dean of Students Edward R. Rooney suspects Ferris is being truant again and commits to catching him . Ferris convinces his friend Cameron Frye, who really is absent due to illness, to help get Ferris' girlfriend Sloane Peterson out of school by reporting that her grandmother has died . To trick Rooney, Ferris sways Cameron to let them use his father's prized 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder to collect Sloane . Cameron is dismayed when Ferris continues to use the car to drive them into downtown Chicago to spend the day, but Ferris promises they will return it as it was . </P> <P> The trio leave the car with parking garage attendants who immediately take the car for a joy ride after they leave . Ferris, Cameron, and Sloane sightsee around the city, including the Art Institute of Chicago, Sears Tower, Chicago Mercantile Exchange, and Wrigley Field, while narrowly dodging Mr. Bueller . Cameron remains disinterested, and Ferris attempts to cheer him up by impromptu joining a parade float during the Von Steuben Day parade and lip - syncing Wayne Newton's cover of "Danke Schoen", as well as a rendition of The Beatles' "Twist and Shout" that excites the gathered crowds . </P>

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