Description
Book Synopsis: Surely You Can't Be Serious is an in-depth and hysterical look at the making of 1980's comedy classic Airplane! by the legendary writers and directors of the hit film.
Airplane! premiered on July 2nd, 1980. With a budget of $3.5 million it went on to make nearly $200 million in sales and has influenced a multitude of comedians on both sides of the camera.
Surely You Can’t Be Serious is the first-ever oral history of the making of Airplane! by the creators, and of the beginnings of the ZAZ trio (Zucker, Abrahams, Zucker) – charting the rise of their comedy troupe Kentucky Fried Theater in Madison, Wisconsin all the way to premiere night. The directors explain what drew them to filmmaking and in particular, comedy. With anecdotes, behind the scenes trivia, and never-before-revealed factoids – these titans of comedy filmmaking unpack everything from how they persuaded Peter Graves to be in the movie after he thought the script was a piece of garbage, how Lorna Patterson auditioned for the stewardess role in the back seat of Jerry’s Volvo, and how Leslie Nielsen’s pranks got the entire crew into trouble, to who really wrote the jive talk.
The book also features testimonials and personal anecdotes from well-known faces in the film, television, and comedy sphere – proving how influential Airplane! has been from day one.
Four decades after its release, Airplane! continues to make new generations laugh. Its many one-liners and visual gags have worked their way into the mainstream culture. This fully organic expansion of the ZAZ trio’s fan-base, prompted solely by word-of-mouth, comes as no surprise to longtime fans. When all around us is in flux – laughter is priceless.
Details
Get ready for a wild ride down memory lane with Surely You Can't Be Serious: The True Story of Airplane! This hilarious and captivating book takes you behind the scenes of the making of the iconic 1980's comedy classic. Discover the untold stories, juicy anecdotes, and never-before-revealed facts about the film that had audiences rolling in the aisles.
What sets this book apart is that it's an oral history told directly by the creators themselves – the brilliant minds behind Airplane! Experience the journey of the ZAZ trio (Zucker, Abrahams, Zucker) as they share their rise from the comedy scene in Madison, Wisconsin to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Learn how they turned a shoestring budget of $3.5 million into a box office sensation that grossed nearly $200 million in sales.
But surely you're wondering, what makes this book a must-read for any comedy enthusiast? Well, aside from the hilarious behind-the-scenes stories, Surely You Can't Be Serious features testimonials and anecdotes from the film, television, and comedy industry. Dive into the world of Airplane! and see how it has left an indelible mark on the comedic landscape, influencing countless comedians both in front of and behind the camera.
So why is a book about a 40-year-old film still relevant today? Simply put, Airplane! has stood the test of time, provoking laughter and inspiring generations. Its witty one-liners and unforgettable visual gags have become embedded in popular culture. From "Don't call me Shirley" to the iconic jive talk, the impact of Airplane! cannot be overstated.
If you're a fan of Airplane! or simply love the art of comedy, Surely You Can't Be Serious is a must-have addition to your collection. Explore the untold story of a film that defied expectations and continues to bring joy to audiences. Don't miss out on this exclusive opportunity to go behind the scenes and experience the magic firsthand.
Ready for a laughter-filled journey through the making of Airplane!? Click here to grab your copy of Surely You Can't Be Serious: The True Story of Airplane! and relive the hilarious moments that made this film a comedy legend.
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