Imagine turning down a role in a movie that would become a cultural phenomenon! That's exactly what Burt Reynolds did, choosing a virtually forgotten adventure film over what would become a major role in the iconic MAS*H. It's a decision that makes you wonder: what was he thinking? Let's dive into the story behind this surprising career move.
As the 1960s were winding down, Burt Reynolds was on the cusp of superstardom. His stint on the popular Western series "Gunsmoke," where he filled the void left by Dennis Weaver's potential departure, had significantly boosted his visibility. After leaving "Gunsmoke," Reynolds found himself juggling TV and movie roles, all in pursuit of that one part that would catapult him to the A-list. That opportunity seemed to arrive in the early 70s when he was offered the role of the witty and skilled chest surgeon Trapper John McIntyre in Robert Altman's darkly comedic Korean War film, "MASH." The film went on to become a massive hit, ranking as the third highest-grossing movie of 1970, only behind the tear-jerker "Love Story" and the disaster epic "Airport." But, obviously, Burt Reynolds wasn't in it. He passed on "MASH" to star in a film called "Skullduggery," an unusual adventure flick that few remember today.
For dedicated Burt Reynolds fans, "Skullduggery" is often that pre-stardom movie you actively avoid. It has a reputation for being, well, not very good – and not in a so-bad-it's-good kind of way. Reynolds plays a character searching for phosphorus deposits in New Guinea, accompanied by his sidekick, played by Roger C. Carmel. The adventure takes an unexpected turn when they join an expedition led by an archaeologist, portrayed by Susan Clark. They stumble upon a tribe of people, dubbed the Tropis, who appear to be the missing link between apes and humans. News of this discovery reaches the United States, and the expedition's financier sees the Tropis as a potential source of slave labor, aiming to breed them for exploitation. "Skullduggery" then morphs into a courtroom drama, where the expedition members argue for the Tropis' recognition as human beings.
"Skullduggery" was critically slammed and became a financial burden for Universal Pictures. So, what drew Reynolds to this project? And did he ever regret turning down the role of Trapper John, which ultimately went to Elliot Gould?
"Skullduggery" served as a crucial wake-up call for Reynolds' career. The film was based on the acclaimed French novel "Les Animaux dénaturés," also known as "You Shall Know Them, Borderline" or "The Murder of the Missing Link." Initially, Otto Preminger considered directing a film adaptation, but he eventually backed out. The rights then landed with Saul David, the producer behind genre hits like "Our Man Flint," "In Like Flint," and "Fantastic Voyage." The production of "Skullduggery" faced immediate challenges. David fired director Richard Wilson, a veteran of the Mercury Theatre, after just one day of shooting. Gordon Douglas, a seasoned studio director, replaced Wilson, but he didn't exactly impress Reynolds.
In a 1976 interview with Gene Siskel, Reynolds admitted that he initially liked the script. But he quickly realized that the production was heading for disaster. As he told Siskel, it was "Badly directed, kind of sloughed off. Susan Clark was good; she's a good actress. But nobody knew how to sell the picture. Any time you have Pat Suzuki dressed as a small ape, I think you're in trouble." That last line is a perfect example of Reynolds' self-deprecating humor!
By the time "Skullduggery" was released, Reynolds understood that he needed to be more selective about the roles he chose. He told the Chicago Tribune in 1970 that after making so many "wonderful, forgettable pictures... I suddenly realized I was as hot as Leo Gorcey." (It's unclear whether this was a joke about Gorcey's declining career or a reference to the actor's recent death.) Reynolds responded by starring in the popular crime film "Fuzz" and taking on Marlon Brando's would-be role in "Deliverance" as an outdoorsman who, along with his friends, is hunted by hostile locals. For the remainder of the 1970s, Reynolds became one of the most sought-after movie stars in Hollywood.
So, was turning down MAS*H a mistake? It's easy to say in hindsight, but Reynolds' experience with "Skullduggery" clearly helped him refine his choices and ultimately led him to greater success. It begs the question: is it better to take a chance on something different, even if it fails, or to play it safe with a more predictable project? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
