Page "Leslie Nielsen" Paragraph 12

Nielsen's supporting role in 1980's Airplane!

was a major watershed in his career.

The ethos of the movie, a parody of dramatic disaster films such as Zero Hour!

and Airport, is largely based on building a comedy around actors who were then known exclusively for their dramatic roles ( other stars included Robert Stack, Peter Graves, and Lloyd Bridges ).

Nielsen was the movie's linchpin, his deadpan delivery contrasting with the continual absurdity surrounding him.

When asked, " Surely you can't be serious?

", he responds with a curt, " I am serious.

And don't call me Shirley.

" In several interviews he later reflected on the significance of the comedic line: " I thought it was amusing, but it never occurred to me that it was going to become a trademark.

It's such a surprise ... the thing comes out, people say, ' What did he say?!

'" Nielsen also stated that he was "... pleased and honored that had a chance to deliver that line.

" The comedic exchange was at # 79 on the American Film Institute's AFI's 100 Years ... 100 Movie Quotes.

The American Film Institute also included the film in its list of the top ten comedy films of all time.