ITALY: LESLIE NIELSEN TAKES FILM VERSION OF THE FAMOUS CARTOON CHARACTER "MR MAGOO" TO ITALY

Record ID: 693134

  • Title: ITALY: LESLIE NIELSEN TAKES FILM VERSION OF THE FAMOUS CARTOON CHARACTER "MR MAGOO" TO ITALY
  • Date: 27th March 1998
  • Summary: ROME, ITALY (MARCH 27, 1998) (REUTERS) NIELSEN POSING FOR PHOTOGRAPHS
  • Embargoed: 11th April 1998 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: ROME, ITALY
  • Country: Italy
  • Topics: Entertainment,General
  • Reuters ID: LVADNSXBNTERNCJ0T8DG027TZ4H2
  • Story Text: Quincy Magoo, the wacky but well-loved cartoon character who gained fame in the sixties, is set to capture the hearts of young and old in Walt Disney's '90's version starring Lesley Nielson.
    Nielson, star of comedy hits 'Airplane' and 'Naked Gun', arrived in Rome on Friday (March 27) to promote the film.
    The film has retained the wacky spirit of the 1950s and 60s cartoon classic in its new version, containing fast-paced action and high-flying stunts.
    Directed by Stanley Tong, of "Rumble in the Bronx" fame, 'Mr Magoo' tells the story of the millionare as he obliviously escapes danger and disaster, helped by his constant companion (a bulldog named Angus).
    The story begins as a stolen gem lands accidentally in the possession of bumbling millionaire, Quincy Magoo (Nielsen) and a sinister plot is hatched to steal it back.
    Magoo becomes the target of an international manhunt led by two bumbling U.S.government agents (Stephen Tobolowsky and Ernie Hudson).To clear his name, he enlists nephew Waldo (Matt Keeslar) and bulldog to help him.
    "'Mr Magoo' and I have a perfect alliance and it is so natural we would come together," Nielson revealed, describing his close alliance with the character.
    The voice of Mr Magoo, portrayed in the cartoon version by Jim Backus, was the crucial aspect of the film to get right, Nielson said.
    'I had to really achieve the voice....and it had to be acceptable if it wasn't acceptable, particularly in America, people would say Magoo doesn't sound like that, and that would be the end of it..' said Nielsen.
    'Mr Magoo' is set to open in the United Kingdom on May 22.
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