Season 7 · Episode 12 · 1999
RDWRER
19 cultural references across 8 categories.
Film
3Robin and the Seven Hoods
A 1964 musical comedy film starring Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr., a Rat Pack retelling of the Robin Hood legend set in 1920s Chicago.
“Oh, good Lord, not "Robin and the Seven Hoods" again.”— Frasier
Austin Powers
A comedy film series starring Mike Myers as a 1960s-era British spy, known for catchphrases like 'shag-a-delic' and 'oh, behave.'
“Yeah, baby, you know, that was a shag-a-delic flick!”— Martin
Mad Max (Road Warrior)
'The Road Warrior' (1981) is the second film in the Mad Max franchise starring Mel Gibson, set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Martin's license plate 'RDWRER' …
“"Road Warrior"!”— Martin
Food/Dining
3Crème brûlée
A rich French dessert consisting of a custard base topped with a layer of hard caramelized sugar.
“Apparently, Henri was caramelizing a huge crème brûlée in the shape of Puget Sound”— Niles
Chez Henri
fictionalA fictional upscale restaurant in Seattle where Frasier and Niles had planned their New Year's Eve dinner.
“Cancel the Millennium! "Chez Henri" has burned down!”— Niles
McGinty's
fictionalA fictional Irish pub frequented by Martin and his friends in the show.
“Well, you know, you can join me and the boys at McGinty's.”— Martin
Literature
3O. Henry
O. Henry (William Sydney Porter) was an American short story writer known for his surprise endings, particularly stories like 'The Gift of the Magi.'
“My God, the irony of him burning down his own restaurant with it. It's worthy of "Oh! Henry."”— Frasier
The City Mouse and the Country Mouse
One of Aesop's Fables contrasting the lifestyles of a city mouse and a country mouse, illustrating the trade-offs between comfort and safety.
“You see, I'm just a wandering city mouse, trying to get in touch with America.”— Frasier
The Grapes of Wrath
John Steinbeck's 1939 novel about displaced Oklahoma farm families migrating to California during the Dust Bowl. Niles's reference to 'Californy' echoes the dia…
“Yes, well, if you don't take this next turn we'll end up in "Californy."”— Niles
Music
2Auld Lang Syne
A Scottish poem by Robert Burns (1788), traditionally sung at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve. The wine club party name 'Auld Lang Wine' is a pun on th…
“Of course, "Auld Lang Wine!" Niles, call to see if we're still invited.”— Frasier
Auld Lang Syne (song)
The traditional Scottish song with lyrics by Robert Burns, universally sung at midnight on New Year's Eve.
“"Should auld acquaintance be forgot..." "...and never brought to mind. Should-"”— Frasier
Mythology/Religion
1Other
1Travel
4Space Needle
An iconic observation tower in Seattle, Washington, built for the 1962 World's Fair.
“a sugar spark ignited a thirty-foot paper maché "Space Needle."”— Niles
Sun Valley
A resort city in central Idaho, known as a luxury ski and vacation destination.
“at Ken Lauerbock's place in Sun Valley. Oh, it's a huge event.”— Niles
Baker City, Oregon
A city in eastern Oregon along Interstate 84, situated in the Blue Mountains.
“Well, I'm in Baker City, Oregon.”— Niles
San Francisco
A major city in California known for its cultural landmarks and tourist attractions.
“Donny and I had a devil of a time getting our flights to San Francisco.”— Daphne
Wine/Alcohol
2Vin Ordinaire
A French term meaning 'ordinary wine,' referring to inexpensive, everyday table wine. Frasier puns on this with 'Van Ordinaire.'
“Just chalk it off to whimsy, Niles. We'll call it our "Van Ordinaire!"”— Frasier
Wine country
A general term for a region known for viticulture and wine production, likely referring to California's Napa or Sonoma wine regions.
“She and her mother are taking a hot air balloon through the wine country.”— Niles