Peter Sellers was also cast as Maj. T.J. "King" Kong, but he had trouble developing a Texas accent. When Sellers broke his ankle, Stanley Kubrick decided to cast another actor who naturally fit the role. John Wayne never responded. Bonanza (1959) star Dan Blocker declined the role because of the script's progressive political content. Kubrick cast Slim Pickens because of his work on One-Eyed Jacks (1961). Pickens was not told that the movie was a comedy and was only shown the script for scenes he was in. As a result, Pickens played the role "straight".
Several more fascinating bits about Pickens in this role at imdb
Right but you said "straight role" not "actor who didn't know he was in a comedy playing it straight" which is very few roles indeed.
Police Squad wouldn't have worked unless it was played 100% straight (and this is also why I find it better than the movies, the surrounding roles are less straight e.g. Nordberg most noticeably)....
Bonanza (1959) star Dan Blocker declined the role because of the script's progressive political content.
I admit it's been awhile since I have seen this movie, but it's hard to imagine what would have been considered 'progressive'. But I guess, shifting values and all that. Yesterday's progressives are probably farther to the right than today's conservatives. I find myself remember that quote about liberals becoming conservatives.
Well on the surface it's easy to think this movie is un-American, anti-military, commie, etc etc. Blocker's objection may have been legit in that climate/misunderstanding of the depth's of Kubrick's satire (including things like DUMBs which seemed like a hilarious exaggeration at the time)(and which given things since - like EWS - he was more than aware of a lot of all this, IMO). Bear in mind "progressive" is modern BS language....
That said, I'm pretty sure John Wayne didn't respond because he thought it was a bunch of commie crap but I don't have time to go chasing that down.
My main point though was it's hilarious Pickens had no idea and NONE of his delivery was meant to be funny, at least in his mind.
Aside:
Several more fascinating bits about Pickens in this role at imdb
The funniest straight role ever.
Right up there. I posit that Leslie Nielsen/Frank Drebin - particularly in the original 6 Police Squad TV episodes - takes the crown.
But Nielsen knew he was being comedic.
Right but you said "straight role" not "actor who didn't know he was in a comedy playing it straight" which is very few roles indeed.
Police Squad wouldn't have worked unless it was played 100% straight (and this is also why I find it better than the movies, the surrounding roles are less straight e.g. Nordberg most noticeably)....
I admit it's been awhile since I have seen this movie, but it's hard to imagine what would have been considered 'progressive'. But I guess, shifting values and all that. Yesterday's progressives are probably farther to the right than today's conservatives. I find myself remember that quote about liberals becoming conservatives.
Well on the surface it's easy to think this movie is un-American, anti-military, commie, etc etc. Blocker's objection may have been legit in that climate/misunderstanding of the depth's of Kubrick's satire (including things like DUMBs which seemed like a hilarious exaggeration at the time)(and which given things since - like EWS - he was more than aware of a lot of all this, IMO). Bear in mind "progressive" is modern BS language....
That said, I'm pretty sure John Wayne didn't respond because he thought it was a bunch of commie crap but I don't have time to go chasing that down.
My main point though was it's hilarious Pickens had no idea and NONE of his delivery was meant to be funny, at least in his mind.