“Kentucky Fried Movie,” the 1977 sketch comedy film, paved the way for the Zucker, Abrahams, and Zucker (ZAZ) brand of humor that would later define classics like “Airplane!” and “Naked Gun.” A new oral history reveals the chaotic production and surprising origins of the cult classic, including casting challenges, the influence of Monty Python, and the struggles to get the film made.
Before “Airplane!” took flight, there was “Kentucky Fried Movie,” the raunchy and irreverent 1977 comedy that served as a launchpad for the comedic sensibilities of David Zucker, Jim Abrahams, and Jerry Zucker (ZAZ). An oral history published by Yahoo Entertainment sheds light on the film’s improbable journey to the screen, revealing a behind-the-scenes look at its creation, the challenges faced, and the surprising impact it had on the future of comedy. The movie, a collection of often outrageous and offensive sketches, pushed boundaries and defied conventional filmmaking norms, marking the genesis of a unique comedic voice that would soon revolutionize the genre.
The roots of “Kentucky Fried Movie” can be traced back to “The Kentucky Fried Theater,” a small, struggling comedy troupe in Madison, Wisconsin. David Zucker, Jim Abrahams, and Jerry Zucker, the core of the group, honed their comedic style through live performances, characterized by quick-fire gags, absurdist scenarios, and a relentless commitment to pushing the envelope. According to Jim Abrahams, their early work was driven by a desire to break free from the constraints of traditional theater. “We were trying to do different things on stage,” he explained. Their live shows, often performed for small audiences in unconventional venues, were a breeding ground for the kind of subversive humor that would later define “Kentucky Fried Movie.”
The transition from stage to screen was not a smooth one. Despite the success of their live act, the ZAZ team faced skepticism from potential investors and distributors who were unsure how to market their unconventional brand of comedy. “Nobody wanted to give us money,” Abrahams recalled. The trio eventually secured funding from a group of private investors, but the budget was meager, forcing them to be resourceful and inventive in their filmmaking techniques. This limited budget fostered a spirit of collaboration and ingenuity that became a hallmark of their work.
One of the biggest challenges was casting. The ZAZ team struggled to find actors who understood their comedic vision and were willing to embrace the film’s outrageous humor. They relied on a mix of friends, local theater performers, and even some non-actors to fill the roles. The casting process, while unconventional, contributed to the film’s unique and unpredictable tone. The actors’ willingness to commit to the absurd scenarios, often with deadpan delivery, amplified the comedic effect.
The film’s structure, a series of loosely connected sketches, was heavily influenced by Monty Python’s Flying Circus. The ZAZ team admired the British comedy troupe’s willingness to experiment with form and content, and they sought to emulate that spirit in “Kentucky Fried Movie.” Like Monty Python, they eschewed traditional narrative structures in favor of a stream-of-consciousness approach, where jokes and gags were prioritized over plot coherence. This unconventional structure allowed them to explore a wide range of comedic styles and subjects, from parodies of exploitation films to satirical takes on advertising and current events.
“Kentucky Fried Movie” is notorious for its raunchy and often offensive humor. The film features numerous scenes of nudity, sexual innuendo, and politically incorrect jokes. While some critics have condemned the film’s tastelessness, others have defended it as a bold and subversive satire of American culture. The ZAZ team never shied away from pushing boundaries, and they saw humor as a way to challenge societal norms and provoke audiences. “We wanted to be outrageous,” Abrahams said. “We wanted to make people laugh and think, even if it made them uncomfortable.”
The film’s most famous sketch, “A Fistful of Yen,” is a parody of martial arts films that features elaborate fight sequences, over-the-top special effects, and intentionally bad dubbing. The sketch is a prime example of the ZAZ team’s ability to blend physical comedy, satire, and absurdity into a seamless whole. “A Fistful of Yen” became a cult favorite and helped to solidify “Kentucky Fried Movie’s” reputation as a groundbreaking comedy.
Despite its low budget and unconventional approach, “Kentucky Fried Movie” was a surprise box office success. The film grossed over $130 million worldwide, becoming one of the most profitable independent films of all time. Its success paved the way for the ZAZ team to make “Airplane!” in 1980, which cemented their status as comedic innovators. “Kentucky Fried Movie” demonstrated that there was an audience for their unique brand of humor, and it gave them the confidence to pursue even more ambitious projects.
The legacy of “Kentucky Fried Movie” extends beyond its box office success. The film helped to redefine the landscape of American comedy, paving the way for a new generation of filmmakers who were willing to challenge conventions and push boundaries. Its influence can be seen in countless comedies that followed, from “Naked Gun” to “Hot Shots!” to “Scary Movie.” The ZAZ team’s commitment to fast-paced gags, absurdist scenarios, and satirical humor continues to resonate with audiences today.
The movie’s impact also lies in its willingness to be offensive. While some of the humor has aged poorly and may be considered insensitive by today’s standards, it’s important to remember the context in which the film was made. “Kentucky Fried Movie” was a product of its time, and its willingness to tackle taboo subjects was part of its appeal. The film’s offensiveness, while controversial, was also a form of social commentary, forcing audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves and their society.
The making of “Kentucky Fried Movie” was a chaotic and often frustrating experience, but it was also a formative one for the ZAZ team. The challenges they faced forced them to be creative and resourceful, and the film’s success gave them the confidence to pursue their comedic vision. “Kentucky Fried Movie” was more than just a movie; it was a training ground for a generation of comedic talent, and its influence can still be felt today.
While the film remains a cult classic, its humor is undeniably dated, and many of its jokes are now considered offensive. Despite this, the film stands as a testament to the power of irreverence and the importance of pushing boundaries. “Kentucky Fried Movie” may not be for everyone, but it remains a significant milestone in the history of American comedy. It was a crucial step in the development of the ZAZ team’s comedic voice, and it paved the way for some of the most beloved comedies of all time.
Looking back on “Kentucky Fried Movie,” Jim Abrahams reflects on the film’s enduring appeal. “It was a crazy time,” he says. “We were just trying to make each other laugh, and we were lucky enough to find an audience that laughed along with us.” The film’s success was a testament to the power of collaboration, the importance of taking risks, and the enduring appeal of good, old-fashioned silliness.
The film’s influence also extends to the realm of independent filmmaking. “Kentucky Fried Movie” proved that it was possible to make a successful film outside of the Hollywood studio system. Its low budget and unconventional approach inspired countless independent filmmakers to pursue their own visions, regardless of the obstacles they faced. The film’s success helped to democratize the filmmaking process, making it more accessible to aspiring artists who lacked the resources of major studios.
The legacy of “Kentucky Fried Movie” is complex and multifaceted. It’s a film that is both celebrated and criticized, admired and reviled. But regardless of one’s opinion of the film, there’s no denying its impact on the history of American comedy. “Kentucky Fried Movie” was a game-changer, and its influence can still be felt today. It remains a reminder that comedy can be a powerful force for change, capable of challenging conventions, provoking thought, and, most importantly, making people laugh.
The ZAZ team would go on to refine their comedic style in subsequent films, but “Kentucky Fried Movie” remains a crucial piece of their legacy. It was the film that launched their careers and introduced their unique brand of humor to the world. It was a chaotic, irreverent, and often offensive film, but it was also a groundbreaking one. “Kentucky Fried Movie” paved the way for a new era of American comedy, and its influence can still be seen today.
Even though some might find the content shocking by today’s standards, it is important to view the movie through the lens of the era it was created in. It broke ground and created a path for other comedies that followed. It also proves that a low budget film can become a huge success.
The production of “Kentucky Fried Movie” was a masterclass in resourcefulness. With limited funds, the ZAZ team had to be incredibly creative in how they used their resources. They relied on improvisation, unconventional casting, and innovative special effects to bring their vision to life. This resourcefulness became a defining characteristic of their work, and it allowed them to make films that were both visually inventive and economically viable.
The film’s success also demonstrated the power of word-of-mouth marketing. With little money for traditional advertising, the ZAZ team relied on grassroots efforts to spread the word about “Kentucky Fried Movie.” They screened the film at film festivals and college campuses, and they encouraged audiences to tell their friends about it. This word-of-mouth campaign proved to be incredibly effective, and it helped to turn “Kentucky Fried Movie” into a box office sensation.
The film’s humor is often described as “lowbrow,” but it’s important to recognize the intelligence and wit that underlies the gags. The ZAZ team were masters of satire, and they used humor to critique American culture, politics, and media. Their jokes were often layered with meaning, and they rewarded viewers who were willing to look beyond the surface.
The film’s legacy also includes its influence on the careers of other comedians and filmmakers. Many aspiring comedy writers and directors were inspired by “Kentucky Fried Movie’s” irreverence and its willingness to break the rules. The film demonstrated that it was possible to be both funny and subversive, and it encouraged a new generation of artists to push the boundaries of comedy.
“Kentucky Fried Movie” is a film that continues to provoke debate and discussion. Its humor is not for everyone, and its offensiveness can be off-putting. But the film’s impact on the history of American comedy is undeniable. It was a game-changer, and its influence can still be felt today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is “Kentucky Fried Movie” about?
“Kentucky Fried Movie” is a 1977 sketch comedy film written by David Zucker, Jim Abrahams, and Jerry Zucker (ZAZ). It’s a collection of loosely connected, often outrageous and offensive sketches parodying various aspects of American culture, including television, commercials, and martial arts films. The humor is known for being fast-paced, absurdist, and often politically incorrect.
2. How did “Kentucky Fried Movie” influence the ZAZ team’s later work, like “Airplane!”?
“Kentucky Fried Movie” served as a testing ground for the ZAZ team’s comedic style. It allowed them to experiment with fast-paced gags, absurdist humor, and satirical storytelling. The film’s success gave them the confidence and experience to create “Airplane!,” which further refined their comedic approach and cemented their place in comedy history. Jim Abrahams stated that their early work was driven by a desire to break free from traditional theater and try different things on stage which they carried over to films.
3. What were some of the challenges faced during the production of “Kentucky Fried Movie”?
The ZAZ team faced numerous challenges, including securing funding, casting actors who understood their comedic vision, and working with a very limited budget. “Nobody wanted to give us money,” Abrahams recalled. They overcame these obstacles through resourcefulness, improvisation, and a willingness to embrace unconventional methods.
4. Is “Kentucky Fried Movie” considered offensive by today’s standards?
Yes, some of the humor in “Kentucky Fried Movie” is considered offensive by today’s standards. The film features numerous scenes of nudity, sexual innuendo, and politically incorrect jokes. While some defend it as satire and a product of its time, others find its content to be tasteless and insensitive.
5. What is the legacy of “Kentucky Fried Movie” in the history of American comedy?
“Kentucky Fried Movie” is considered a groundbreaking film that helped to redefine the landscape of American comedy. It paved the way for a new generation of filmmakers who were willing to challenge conventions and push boundaries. Its influence can be seen in countless comedies that followed, from “Naked Gun” to “Hot Shots!” The ZAZ team’s commitment to fast-paced gags, absurdist scenarios, and satirical humor continues to resonate with audiences today. It also proved that low budget film can have a major impact.
6. What inspired the ZAZ team to create “Kentucky Fried Movie”?
The ZAZ team drew inspiration from their live comedy act, “The Kentucky Fried Theater,” as well as the British comedy troupe Monty Python’s Flying Circus. They sought to emulate Monty Python’s experimental approach to comedy and their willingness to challenge traditional narrative structures.
7. What is “A Fistful of Yen” and why is it significant?
“A Fistful of Yen” is a sketch within “Kentucky Fried Movie” that parodies martial arts films. It features elaborate fight sequences, over-the-top special effects, and intentionally bad dubbing. The sketch became a cult favorite and helped to solidify “Kentucky Fried Movie’s” reputation as a groundbreaking comedy because of its blend of physical comedy, satire, and absurdity.
8. How did “Kentucky Fried Movie” perform at the box office?
Despite its low budget and unconventional approach, “Kentucky Fried Movie” was a surprise box office success. The film grossed over $130 million worldwide, becoming one of the most profitable independent films of all time.
9. What role did improvisation play in the making of “Kentucky Fried Movie”?
Improvisation played a significant role in the making of “Kentucky Fried Movie.” With limited resources and a tight schedule, the ZAZ team often relied on improvisation to fill in gaps in the script and to create unexpected comedic moments. This improvisation contributed to the film’s spontaneous and unpredictable tone.
10. How did the ZAZ team secure funding for “Kentucky Fried Movie”?
The ZAZ team struggled to secure funding from traditional sources. They eventually secured funding from a group of private investors who were willing to take a chance on their unconventional brand of comedy.
11. Who were some of the actors who appeared in “Kentucky Fried Movie”?
The cast of “Kentucky Fried Movie” included a mix of friends, local theater performers, and even some non-actors. Notable actors included Evan C. Kim, George Lazenby, Bill Bixby (uncredited), and Donald Sutherland (uncredited).
12. How does “Kentucky Fried Movie” reflect the cultural and social landscape of the 1970s?
“Kentucky Fried Movie” is a product of its time, reflecting the cultural and social landscape of the 1970s. The film’s humor often satirizes the trends, anxieties, and taboos of the era. While some of the film’s humor has aged poorly, it provides a glimpse into the cultural context in which it was made.
13. What is the ZAZ team’s approach to comedy?
The ZAZ team’s approach to comedy is characterized by fast-paced gags, absurdist scenarios, satire, and a willingness to push boundaries. They often employ deadpan delivery, physical comedy, and self-referential humor. Their goal is to make audiences laugh while also challenging their assumptions and provoking thought.
14. How did “Kentucky Fried Movie” impact independent filmmaking?
“Kentucky Fried Movie” proved that it was possible to make a successful film outside of the Hollywood studio system. Its low budget and unconventional approach inspired countless independent filmmakers to pursue their own visions, regardless of the obstacles they faced.
15. What are some of the recurring themes and motifs in “Kentucky Fried Movie”?
Some of the recurring themes and motifs in “Kentucky Fried Movie” include satire of American culture, parody of film genres, exploitation of sexuality, and subversion of authority.
16. How did the ZAZ team develop their comedic voice?
The ZAZ team developed their comedic voice through years of performing live comedy together. They honed their skills through trial and error, learning what worked and what didn’t. They also drew inspiration from other comedic influences, such as Monty Python and Mad magazine.
17. What is the significance of the title “Kentucky Fried Movie”?
The title “Kentucky Fried Movie” is a play on the name of the fast-food chain Kentucky Fried Chicken. It’s meant to be a tongue-in-cheek reference to the film’s low-budget origins and its focus on American popular culture. It also hints at the film’s fast-paced, and potentially greasy, content.
18. What are some of the most memorable scenes in “Kentucky Fried Movie”?
Some of the most memorable scenes in “Kentucky Fried Movie” include “A Fistful of Yen,” the United Appeal for the Dead, and the various fake commercials and public service announcements.
19. How did “Kentucky Fried Movie” influence the development of the spoof film genre?
“Kentucky Fried Movie” helped to establish the spoof film genre as a viable form of comedy. Its success demonstrated that audiences were receptive to films that parodied popular movies and television shows. The film’s influence can be seen in countless spoof films that followed, such as “Airplane!,” “Naked Gun,” and “Scary Movie.”
20. Is “Kentucky Fried Movie” a cult classic?
Yes, “Kentucky Fried Movie” is widely considered a cult classic. Its unconventional humor, low-budget origins, and enduring popularity have earned it a devoted following. While it may not be for everyone, “Kentucky Fried Movie” remains a significant and influential film in the history of American comedy.
