If I mention Naked Gun or Airplane, your mind might immediately go to Lesley Nielsen, or remembering those iconically funny lines. But I doubt many would know who Jim Abrahams was.
The actors were amazing, but the jokes were all him.
“Surely not?”
“I’m afraid it’s true Ma’am, and don’t call me Shirley!”
The actor delivering the lines we all remember can’t work without the writer coming up with some genius. And that was the screenwriter, Jim Abrahams (who also was often the director or producer)..
This titan of comedy writing died yesterday at 80, having outlived Nielsen.
He also wrote and produced the Hot Shots series.
And that is why I say thanks for all your work Mr Abrahams.
This master of satire not only roasted the diaster flight movies, but was pretty good on the police… And in the 80s there were many cops acting like they did in Police Squad.
One final note
‘Jane: Would you like a nightcap?
Frank: No thanks, I don’t wear them’ –
Beth writes 
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