Peter and Joey are conspicuous by their absences; I know the background on why Lawford doesn't appear. Does anyone know what role he was supposed to play before being banished from the pack?
And why was Bishop not included? I know he had his own sitcom at the time.
"May I bone your kipper, Mademoiselle?"
[deleted]
He was supposed to play Bing Crosby's part and Joey Bishop was to play Falk's. I don't know either why Bishop does not appear. Maybe out of solidarity to Lawford ? Or was he just busy ?
" You ain't running this place, Bert, WILLIAMS is!" Sgt Harris
This whole film would have been different with those two. You wouldn't have the magic of three of the greatest singers performing "Style" and "Mr. Booze", along with Sammy. Lawford could never have pulled off "Do Badder", either singing or the endearingly awkward dancing style of Crosby. Falk's performance was classic. I just couldn't picture Joey Bishop as Guy. Falk had the perfect persona for the hapless gangster. He was nasty in a funny kind of way and of course, totally inept. Bishop wouldn't have been believable as a leader. The early tough guy scenes where Falk takes control of the syndicate wouldn't play well with Bishop's "hapless victim" persona.
share
Agree with you: I can't imagine any other actor doing better than Falk in this film. The guy could do anything !
" You ain't running this place, Bert, WILLIAMS is!" Sgt Harris
Cosby elevated some of the songs.
Its that man again!!