Somehow, I have a suspicion that when Larry Hagman was auditioning for the role of an S.O.B. like J.R. Ewing in Dallas, the casting directors must've remembered him as Harald Peterson from this movie, whereas the rest of us still thought of him as Maj. Tony Nelson from "I Dream of Jeannie."
Just a thought.
A good thought indeed ! I share your "suspicion" . Thanks . walt
shareSidney Lumet let Larry Hagman have his pick of the male roles in "The Group."
Lumet had worked with Hagman before, in "Fail-Safe" (GREAT movie!), having offered him that job, a deadly serious dramatic role, after seeing him in a Broadway comedy, "The Beauty Part" with Bert Lahr.
Hagman picked Harald because it was the biggest part. Lumet told him that Harald wasn't what he had in mind for him, but he let him do it. I wonder which role he wanted Hagman to play?
In "The Group" Larry Hagman got to play against his looks. He did in "Dallas" too, but here his youth enhanced that innocent boyish quality he had, making his behavior seem that much worse because it was unexpected. Luckily he is a good enough actor to pull it off! This is definitely one of those roles that gave a hint of what was to come!
www.idreamoflarry.com I Dream of Larry - A Larry Hagman Fan Site
Thanks so very much for your elucidative reply ! Although I'd never have guessed , I'm gladdened for all concerned that Lumet afforded such latitude to Hagman ; I can't imagine any more perfect casting for the McCarthy adaptation .
Incidentally , I echo your sentiments re "Fail Safe" ... and your "Larry" fan site is terrific !
It's too bad Lumet didn't cast Hagman in more of his films. Larry did some of his best work for him.
Your intelligent and thoughtful posts on The Group have prompted me to pick up the book. I glanced through it decades ago, but never read the whole thing. When I finish it, I will watch the movie again in it's entirety.
Glad you like my web site!
www.idreamoflarry.com I Dream of Larry - A Larry Hagman Fan Site
The final scene in the car between Hagman and Candice Bergen is pure JR in training. It's too bad that Bergen never guest starred on "Dallas" because they were good together.
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