[newfreep]

What really made the movie a classic was the insistence by the Zucker bros and Abrahams the dialogue be delivered straight in total seriousness.

They were getting a LOT of pressure from the studio to do it as a “normal” comedy but they stuck to their guns and the rest is history.

[IrishBrigade]

‘What really made the movie a classic was the insistence by the Zucker bros and Abrahams the dialogue be delivered straight in total seriousness.’

Nielson made this movie with his unique ability to utter the most ridiculous lines of dialogue with a perfect deadpan look...

[SamAdams76]

The studio wanted the movie to be cast with well known comedians, if I recall. I believe they wanted "J.J. Walker" (from "Good Times) to play the role that Kareem played, for instance. But when he was sent to the movie set and insisted he be used, the producers had him be the guy that cleaned the windshield of the plane and sent him home. Even that was a brilliant scene.

Having the cast be well-known comedians wouldn't have worked quite as well. Having actors otherwise known for nothing but straight roles in a comedy like that was genius.