Burt Reynolds' decision to turn down a major role in the iconic comedy 'MASH' for the forgotten adventure film 'Skullduggery' has left many wondering what could have been. As his star rose in the late 1960s, Reynolds found himself at a crossroads, seeking the role that would propel him to stardom. And when the opportunity to play the iconic Trapper John McIntyre in 'MASH' came knocking, he had to make a choice. Despite the film's immense success, becoming the third highest-grossing production of 1970, Reynolds chose to embark on a different path with 'Skullduggery'.
'Skullduggery' was an unusual adventure film that took Reynolds on a journey to New Guinea in search of phosphorus deposits. Alongside his sidekick, Roger C. Carmel, they joined an expedition led by the archaeologist Susan Clark, where they made a groundbreaking discovery. This tribe of people, known as the Tropis, was believed to be the missing link between apes and humans. However, the expedition's financier had sinister plans, seeking to breed the Tropis and enslave them. The film took an unexpected turn, becoming a courtroom drama as the expedition members fought for the Tropis' rights as human beings.
Despite the intriguing premise, 'Skullduggery' was met with critical acclaim and financial losses for Universal Pictures. Reynolds, a fan of the film, found himself in a unique situation. He had to decide whether to embrace the project or regretfully turn down the iconic role of Trapper John, which went to Elliot Gould. The film's production was plagued by challenges, starting with the firing of Richard Wilson on the first day of shooting and continuing with the less-than-impressive direction of Gordon Douglas. Reynolds, in a 1976 interview, expressed his disappointment, stating that the film was 'badly directed' and that the production team struggled to sell the picture, especially with Pat Suzuki's portrayal of a small ape.
The film's release marked a turning point in Reynolds' career. He realized the need to be more selective in his choices, as he had experienced a string of 'wonderful, forgettable pictures'. Reynolds responded by taking on more challenging roles, such as starring in the crime film 'Fuzz' and playing a role in 'Deliverance' alongside Marlon Brando. These choices solidified his status as one of Hollywood's most sought-after movie stars throughout the 1970s.
'Skullduggery' remains a forgotten gem in Reynolds' filmography, a film that could have been a major hit but instead became a cautionary tale of a star's journey towards selective success. The story of 'Skullduggery' serves as a reminder that sometimes, the path less traveled can lead to unexpected outcomes, both in the world of cinema and in life.
