Emily
Houston
A story about this — 43 weeks ago
WORTH CONSUMING!
Frank Sinatra was originally cast to play Harry, but because of a prior wrist injury, he couldn’t hold up the Magnum.
John Wayne, Paul Newman, and Steve McQueen were all approached next, and they all turned down the role.
It turned out well for Clint Eastwood, because after The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly, this is kind of his defining role, not to mention the quintessential 70’s movie. It’s very anti-establishment, and it really pushes the envelope with nudity and violence.
Comments
NYCinephile
New York City
Wow!
I never knew who else had been considered for the part. Thanks for sharing!
What’s prompted you to explore the films of the seventies?
Emily
Houston
I’m currently taking this fabulous class that centers on the films being made in the climate of Hollywood in the 70’s, after the establishment of the ratings system and the advent of film schools.
I’ll keep posting entries like this as the class continues. Wednesday night we’re watching The French Connection, which I’ve never particularly enjoyed to be completely honest.
NYCinephile
New York City
Sounds like a great class!
Are you reading Peter Biskin’s Easy Riders…. book?
Emily
Houston
Nope…is it good?
calypte
Edinburgh
cool
Who could now imagine anyone else apart from Clint in the role
NYCinephile
New York City
Yes. I think it's regarded as a modern primer...
...on Scorcese, DePalma, Ashby and others who “cut their teeth” in the ‘70s.
It’ll also give you a peek into Hollywood’s decadence during that period.
On a related note, have you seen the quasi-documentary The Kid Stays in the Picture?
Chris Campbell
Wolfville
I love The Kid Stays in the Picture. Robert Evans is such a larger-than-life character.
Why do you think it’s a quasi-documentary?
NYCinephile
New York City
I'm not quite sure. Perhaps because of the artistic...
...and visually arresting sequences that tie certain segments together.
I now see you taking your new glasses off, stroking your beard and scolding me in front of your “Introduction to the Documentary Tradition” class. :)
Chris Campbell
Wolfville
It’s interesting how there is a certain expectation for a documentary film and the parameters that it operates within. I really love a film that challenges the assumptions about documentary and takes a more artistic approach. Many documentaries are far too literal and there are many ways to show a deeper less-literal truth.
(Unfortunately I don’t have my new glasses yet, so I can’t take them off.)
I’d never scold you… this is what we call a “teachable moment” and a chance to start discussion. I love those moments because they are a chance to bring different opinions and insight in. But you already know that since you invariable start all sorts of great discussion out with your comments.
NYCinephile
New York City
I think that you'd make a great guest Member...
...at a future gathering of the New York Cinephiles Meetup! :)
Chris Campbell
Wolfville
If I’m in New York and there is a Cinephiles Meetup, I’ll be there!
NYCinephile
New York City
You can be assured...
...that I’ll schedule a Meetup based on your visit. :)
Chris Campbell
Wolfville
You are too kind.
Chris Campbell
Wolfville
Now I have to write some reviews of recent films I’ve seen… you’ve got me thinking about this stuff.
Chris Campbell
Wolfville
Dirty Harry was directed by Don Siegel who directed Eastwood in the odd film The Beguiled in 1971 as well. Siegel also directed the original Invasion of the Body Snatchers.
Emily
Houston
God, we're all movie nerds. It's so great.
Don Siegel is the reason Eastwood got his chance to direct his first movie, Play Misty for Me, in which he also plays a bartender.
Chris Campbell
Wolfville
It is great to have fellow movie nerds to share this important information with!
It’s great that Eastwood got the chance to direct as it’s a whole other side to his career that is fascinating and different from many of his acting roles.