The Role That Changed Burt Reynolds' Destiny
In the late 1960s, Burt Reynolds' career was on an upward trajectory, and he was ready to take on the world. His time on the CBS Western series 'Gunsmoke' had given him a taste of stardom, and he was eager to find that one iconic role. Little did he know, a decision he made would shape his entire career path.
Reynolds was offered a part in the highly anticipated Korean War comedy 'MAS*H,' directed by Robert Altman. This film went on to become a massive success, but Reynolds surprisingly turned it down. Instead, he chose to star in an obscure adventure film titled 'Skullduggery.'
As a Reynolds enthusiast, I must admit that 'Skullduggery' is often overlooked in his filmography. It's one of those pre-stardom projects that fans tend to skip, but the story behind it is fascinating. In this film, Reynolds plays a phosphorus hunter in New Guinea, who, alongside his sidekick, makes a groundbreaking discovery - a tribe of people called the Tropis, potentially the missing link between apes and humans. However, the expedition's financier has other plans, leading to a courtroom drama where the fate of the Tropis hangs in the balance.
But here's where it gets controversial... 'Skullduggery' was critically panned and a financial disaster for Universal Pictures. So, why did Reynolds take this risky move? And did he ever regret passing on the iconic 'MAS*H' role, which went to Elliot Gould?
'Skullduggery' served as a pivotal moment in Reynolds' career. Based on the French novel 'Les Animaux dénaturés,' the film had an intriguing premise. However, behind the scenes, it faced production challenges. The original director, Otto Preminger, dropped out, and the project fell into the hands of Saul David, known for genre hits like 'Our Man Flint.' The production started on a sour note when David fired Richard Wilson after just one day of shooting, replacing him with Gordon Douglas.
In a 1976 interview, Reynolds admitted that he liked the script but soon realized the production was heading in the wrong direction. He described it as 'badly directed' and expressed his disappointment in the marketing, especially with Pat Suzuki's ape costume. At that moment, Reynolds knew he had to be more selective with his roles.
And this is the part most people miss... Reynolds' decision to star in 'Skullduggery' ultimately led to his rise as one of Hollywood's most sought-after stars in the 1970s. He went on to star in popular films like 'Fuzz' and 'Deliverance,' solidifying his status as a leading man. So, was 'Skullduggery' a mistake, or a necessary step towards his success?
What do you think? Was Reynolds' choice justified, or did he miss out on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with 'MAS*H'? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's discuss this intriguing chapter in Hollywood history!
