Bridge on the River Kwai

[EdwardJr]

Why was Anthony Quayle not in this movie? He was the ultimate Brit military, in many of his roles.

[markfp2]

> {quote:title=EdwardJr wrote:}{quote}

> Why was Anthony Quayle not in this movie? He was the ultimate Brit military, in many of his roles.

 

Interesting thought. Perhaps, he working on another film and wasn't available, didn't want to spend months in the jungle or simply wasn't asked to be in. I've never read anything one way or the other about him and the movie. Unfortunately David Lean isn't around to tell us.

[slaytonf]

Were you imagining him in Alec Guinness' place, or James Donald's?

[MaryLyn2]

He made 2 films the same year that Bridge over the River Kwai was made. Maybe his schedule would not permit it.

[EdwardJr]

That seems a logical explanation. Thanks.

[Sprocket_Man]

> {quote:title=EdwardJr wrote:}{quote}

> Why was Anthony Quayle not in this movie? He was the ultimate Brit military, in many of his roles.

 

And maybe Lean just didn't think him right for the part (or any part) in the film. Frankly, the only role in the film Quayle was suited for is that of Major Warden, but it couldn't have been cast better than with the great Jack Hawkins (also a much bigger box office name than Quayle's). Lean and producer Sam Spiegel surely knew that.