They Sent Me to Detroit...And I Liked It? The Origins of a Cult Classic Quote
The internet is a strange and glorious place. You can find cat videos, deep dives into historical mysteries, and, of course, existential debates about the meaning of life. But every now and then, a phrase pops up that leaves you scratching your head and snorting with laughter. Enter: "Take him to Detroit!"
A Fistful of Fear: The Birthplace of the Quote
This now-legendary line comes from the 1977 comedy film, The Kentucky Fried Movie. This wasn't your average popcorn flick. The Kentucky Fried Movie was a wild, satirical rollercoaster ride, a collection of absurd sketches lampooning everything from blaxploitation films to kung fu movies.
But within this comedic chaos lies a scene that transcends the film itself. In a parody titled "A Fistful of Yen," a CIA agent (with nerves of steel, apparently) faces off against the villainous Dr. Klahn. Our hero throws some serious shade Dr. Klahn's way, only to be met with a chilling, "Take him to Detroit!" The agent crumbles faster than a stale croissant, begging for mercy. Detroit – a fate worse than death?
Why Detroit? A Conspiracy Theory (Not Really)
This is the beauty of the quote. It's open to interpretation. Maybe 1970s Detroit was a rough and tumble place (it wasn't exactly sunshine and rainbows). Perhaps Dr. Klahn was a hipster villain with a vendetta against bad fashion sense (hey, shoulder pads were a thing back then). Or, maybe, just maybe, Detroit was a hilarious code word for some form of unspeakable torture.
The truth? Probably a combination of these. The filmmakers likely wanted a place that sounded unpleasant and vaguely threatening, and Detroit fit the bill perfectly.
The Legacy of "Take Him to Detroit"
This short, sharp sentence has become a pop culture touchstone. You'll find it referenced in memes, parodied on YouTube [YouTube], and even quoted by celebrities (because, let's face it, celebrities also find Detroit jokes funny).
"Take him to Detroit" is a reminder that humor can be found in the unexpected. It's a silly phrase, but it taps into a universal fear – being sent somewhere uncomfortable and unfamiliar.
So, what movie is "Take him to Detroit" from?
The Kentucky Fried Movie (1977), folks. Now you know, and knowing is half the battle...or something like that.
FAQ: Detroit Dread Edition
How to use "Take him to Detroit" in a sentence?
- "That cafeteria food was so bad, it was a fate worse than being sent to Detroit."
- When your friend makes you watch a terrible movie, you can dramatically say, "Take me to Detroit!"
How to avoid being sent to Detroit (hypothetically)?
- Develop a good sense of humor.
- Learn to appreciate shoulder pads (just kidding...kind of).
How to survive a trip to Detroit (again, hypothetically)?
- Pack some good snacks, just in case the cafeteria food is questionable.
- Brush up on your Motown knowledge – it's a great conversation starter.
How to tell if someone is quoting a movie?
- If they follow up the quote with a deep philosophical discussion about the urban planning of Detroit, they're probably just messing with you.
How to make your own cult classic movie quote?
- Embrace the absurd! Let your imagination run wild. The world needs more laughter, even if it comes at the expense of Detroit (sorry, Detroit).
