3. The films before Bueller

Before too long, Hughes began to see results. His script for National Lampoon's Vacation (adapted from a comically true short story he'd penned to get the magazine's attention) earned him major success when the film became a hit, with Mr Mom also arriving in 1983.

With Hollywood firmly interested in doing business with him, Hughes scored more writing gigs, including a host of script-doctoring work that got him zero credit but the money he needed to keep going.

Realising that the teen film market was once more exploding thanks to the likes of Fast Times At Ridgemont High and Risky Business, Ferris' creator turned his attention to the lives, loves, worries and triumphs of young people.

And he resolved to give them more of a voice than most, as he told Chicago Tribune movie expert Gene Siskel in 1985.

"Many filmmakers portray teenagers as immoral and ignorant with pursuits that are pretty base.

"They seem to think that teenagers aren't very bright. But I haven't found that to be the case.

"I listen to kids. I respect them. I don't discount anything they have to say just because they're only 16 years old."

And Hughes would make good on that promise, delivering the likes of Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, Pretty In Pink and Weird science, either as writer or director.

With a number of hit films under his belt, the writer/director could pursue one of his favourite stories. One drawn from moments in his own life.

Time for Ferris...

Next: The script