Small Roles… Big Performances blogathon: Dom Deluise in FAIL-SAFE
The following is my contribution to Ruth and her Flixchatter blog’s Small Roles… Big Performances blogathon. As she intriguingly laid it all out:
“The idea of this blog-a-thon is to shine a spotlight on the ‘unsung heroes’ if you will, the overlooked performers who add so much richness/entertainment value to the film no matter how brief their appearance is, but yet they don’t get the credit they so deserve.”
For the longest, I’ve believed comedians, by whatever is unique in their make-up, could somehow convey something noteworthy when given half a chance at drama. They more often than not deliver. I look to Adam Sandler in Punch Drunk Love, Richard Pryor in Lady Sings the Blues, and George Carlin in Streets of Laredo as a few examples that proves the point. However, I have another one for my actual entry.
This is the one role that I’ll always remember Dom DeLuise (1933 – 2009) for. It’s one of his rare dramatic roles — a bit part in Sidney Lumet’s stellar 1964 cold war thriller, FAIL-SAFE. His anguished take as the Air Force Sergeant (Collins) ordered to give his Soviet counterparts the technical secrets toward defeating our Hustler bombers on their mistaken bomb run was something very special in a film full of great performances.
It was exceptional because, for someone not formally trained, he masterfully conveyed the character’s conflict with his struggled delivery of the information while in an impossibly tense situation. When his character is done and sits down, you can clearly see the suffering he’ll have to live with from that moment forward. What the late-comedian did with this small role was nothing short of amazing — especially given that his screen time only amounted to 1:15 in the entire film.
It Rains... You Get Wet 
28 Responses to “Small Roles… Big Performances blogathon: Dom Deluise in FAIL-SAFE”
Top notch choice! I’ve been a fan of DeLuise for years. As you say his under two second performance knocks it out of the park!
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Yes, he certainly did. I wished he’d have done more dramatic roles. Thanks, Mike.
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Noteworthy indeed. Good clip and write-up
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Thank so much, Julian.
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Interesting choice there Michael. I can honestly say I never expected Dom DeLuise to make an appearance in the Blogathon. Well chosen sir.
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When Ruth put this forth, with those she’d wanted to spotlight, I immediately thought of this one. Thanks, Mark.
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You already knew this Michael, but I LOVE that you highlighted a comedian. Thanks for taking part in this and all of your support. You have my immense gratitude!
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More than happy to do so, Ruth. I really loved the idea you had with this. Kudos to you, and thanks.
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Wow! He was impressive. No wonder you remember this.
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Dom really nailed it. Many thanks.
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l love the clip, Mike. He was good. too bad he only showed up for a while. But, to be honest I have never heard of the movie before.
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This really is one of the great Cold War thrillers of that era. I highly recommend it. Thanks, Novroz.
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Fantastic choice Michael. I’ve always liked DeLuise and this little role is a perfect fit for the blogathon.
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Thanks for the kind words and comment, Dan.
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Hi, Michael and company:
Wow!
Ripping the mold from the Old Gold!
Excellent catch for such an unique and memorable scene!
Proving yet again that it’s the little roles that count. Much more than a young Martin Landau chewing up scenery over the same dilemma a short while later.
Well done, my friend.
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Thank you very much, Kevin :-).
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I saw this film again on TV recently. I agree 100%, DeLuise gave a stellar performance. FAIL SAFE is one of my favorite Cold War thrillers.
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I’m think of teeing this one and Dr. Strangelove up for a double-feature this month, myself. Thanks very much, John.
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Nice. I’ll try to check this one out. Love the turnout for Ruth’s blogathon! 🙂
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Yes, it was great to see the number of wonderful entries in Ruth’s blogathon. Thanks, Fernando.
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I haven’t seen this movie yet, thanks for sharing about it. I will have to check it out soon.
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As I mentioned to John earlier, a great double-feature is pair FAIL-SAFE with ‘Dr. Strangelove’, m. Thank you.
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Nice choice, quite liked the movie too…
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It’s a great one, alright. Thanks, Nostra.
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Wow, that’s quite the contrast from the Dom DeLuise I am familiar with. You’re right — comedians often deliver the goods when given the chance at a drama. I’m going to have to bump this up in my queue. Good one, Michael!
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Let me know how you like this one, Eric. Thanks.
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I haven’t seen Dom DeLuise for years. I haven’t watched this movie, but it looks like one I need to see. Terrific post!
http://eclecticbooksandmovies.blogspot.com
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Welcome, mt3fk. Thank you very much for the kind words and the read.
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