Leslie Nielsen gets serious

Performing Arts & Entertainment in Canada, Fall, 1996

The Regina-born actor saw Fonda perform the role twenty years ago and decided that one day he would play the part of the legendary lawyer who was sometimes called "attorney for the damned". Nielsen had also read Irving Stone's Clarence Darrow for the Defense, the book upon which David Rintel based his play, and developed a great admiration for Darrow, defender of the downtrodden, defender of freedom. For this role, he did extensive research, becoming a Darrow afficionado.

In spite of his goofy screen persona, Nielsen's credentials for a one-man stage role are solid. He studied acting at Lorne Greene's Academy of Radio Arts in Toronto before going on to New York's Neighborhood Playhouse and the Actor's Studio. His TV career began in 1950, when TV programmes were broadcast live - he appeared in 46 shows that first year. In 1954, Nielsen went to Hollywood to star in Michael Curtiz' The Vagabond King, which led to a long-term film contract with MGM. In the 60s and 70s, he starred in seven TV series, including the infamous Peyton Place.

Now, he returns to the stage in what is clearly a labour of love.