Leslie Neilson started with a dramatic career but soon shifted his attention to comedy with spoofs, such as “The Naked Gun,” which gave him a career boost. The Canada-born talented actor made several appearances in different live dramas and sci-fi classics, such as “Goodyear Playhouse” and “Forbidden Planet.”
However, in the 80s, he starred in a disaster movie spoof called “Airplane,” which helped him launch a 2nd career. The producers and directors of the movie were so impressed that they decided to cast him in “Police Squad” and then a decade later in “The Naked Gun.”
Leslie Neilson starred as the world’s best detective, Frank Drebin, in “The Naked Gun.” Well, his somewhat clueless excursions always turned out to be in his favor, helping him save the city time & again. The way he kept a straight face while delivering some of the funniest lines was incredible.
Whether it was the line when he said, “No, I Gaucho Irish, my father was from Wales,” when the person asked him if he wanted some Cuban cigars or when he said, “Wilma, I promise you; whatever scum did this, not one man on this force will rest one minute until he’s behind the bar,” his expressions were unique. Now, let’s grab a bite to eat.” The comic timing was brilliant. The straight-faced expression of Neilson as he stabbed the fish in the aquarium made the movie funnier.
Priscilla Presley starred as the detective’s romantic interest, and Neilson’s interaction with her involved several jokes & quick-witted responses. You would keep on laughing as the jokes got dumber. Neilson’s comic timing as a goofball detective trying to do the right thing was brilliant.
His facial expressions during the comic sequences were priceless. In addition, the twisted but funny dialogue made “The Naked Gun” one of the best cop movie spoofs of all time. Even if the material was silly, there was not one person who had ever disliked the movie.
Neilson’s straight-faced dialogues gave him a career boost. The supporting characters also gave outstanding performances. Priscilla Pressley was funny & looked gorgeous while George Kennedy played his part with ease. The characters, dialogue, and great script made this movie one of the most entertaining.
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