Time to break out the Police Squad! DVDs

[sigma7]

From a comment on Deadspin: “In high school I was (and perhaps still am) a recidivist quoter of Neilsen’s lines in Airplane! and the Police Squad/Naked Gun series. When graduation came around, I had some additional invites left over, and decided to send one to him just for shits and giggles. While he didn’t attend, he did send a nice congratulatory note and an autographed picture.

Years later I ran into him at a country club in Arizona, and I brought up the invitation and his nice response. He actually remembered it and was kind enough to spend a few minutes to chat with me. I saw him a few times after that, and each time he remembered me and took the time to talk and catch up. An awesome comedic actor and a great guy. RIP, Leslie.”

Comments

[roseneko.livejournal.com]

Friend of mine sent me that clip yesterday. I've never been familiar enough with Nielsen's work to be a fan, really, but it's a great line. :)

[sigma7.livejournal.com]

There's something about his delivery that can elevate even the corniest, most ridiculous lines into the sublime -- and good lines just turn out all the better. Airplane!, for being released 30 (!) years ago, is still a brilliant piece of comedy all the way around (though it's twice as funny if you've seen Zero Hour!). Police Squad! doesn't suit itself to watching its entirety all in one sitting, but it's still worth a viewing, if not marathon (though you could watch the entire series in about the time it takes to watch its first spin-off film)....

[manekikoneko.livejournal.com]

It's kind of touching how quickly and completely remembrances have taken over Twitter, especially considering how fake prank celebrity deaths swell up.

[candidgamera.livejournal.com]

That is my all-time favorite verbal exchange in anything.

[kadyg.livejournal.com]

This is, like, the fourth story I've heard in the last couple days about how Leslie Neilson was a true mensche in real life. I'm glad he to know we was great on and off the screen.

[samson-of-5.livejournal.com]

I couldn't help but notice how happy that cat is, too.
Thanks for sharing this. He will be missed.