Before Airplane, There Was Kentucky Fried Movie: 12 Untold Comedy Secrets

Before “Airplane!,” there was “Kentucky Fried Movie,” the raunchy, low-budget sketch comedy film that launched the careers of the Zucker brothers (David and Jerry) and Jim Abrahams. Released in 1977, the film, often overshadowed by its more successful successor, paved the way for a new brand of absurdist humor. In a recent interview, Abrahams revealed 12 untold secrets behind the making of this cult classic, offering a glimpse into the chaotic and creative process that defined its unique comedic style.

“Kentucky Fried Movie” was not just a collection of random gags; it was a meticulously crafted assault on good taste, filled with sight gags, puns, and satirical jabs at television, advertising, and popular culture. According to Abrahams, the film’s outrageousness stemmed from a desire to push boundaries and challenge conventional comedy. “We wanted to do things that hadn’t been done before,” he said. This ambition, combined with a shoestring budget and a cast of mostly unknown actors, resulted in a film that remains a bizarre and hilarious anomaly in cinematic history.

Here are 12 secrets unearthed from Jim Abrahams’ recollections about the making of “Kentucky Fried Movie”:

1. The Origin of the Title: The title, initially conceived as a marketing ploy, was intended to capitalize on the popularity of the then-ubiquitous Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise. However, Abrahams clarifies that it was purely satirical, with no actual connection to the fast-food chain. “We just liked the sound of it,” he admits. “It was provocative, and that’s what we were going for.” This bold choice set the tone for the film’s irreverent humor and willingness to poke fun at established institutions.

2. John Landis’s Crucial Cameo and Influence: Director John Landis, fresh off the success of “The Kentucky Fried Movie,” played a pivotal role in securing financing for the film. Not only did he provide creative input, but he also made a memorable cameo as a character who gets abruptly shot. Landis’s involvement lent credibility to the project and helped attract the attention of potential investors. Abrahams acknowledges Landis’s contribution, stating, “John was a big supporter of ours from the beginning. He really believed in what we were doing.” Landis’s willingness to appear in the film, even after achieving significant success with “Animal House,” signaled his faith in the Zucker-Abrahams-Zucker team.

3. The “United Appeal for the Dead” Sketch Inspiration: One of the film’s most memorable sketches, “United Appeal for the Dead,” a darkly comic parody of fundraising telethons, was inspired by the group’s observations of real-life charitable appeals. Abrahams reveals that they were struck by the often-melodramatic and manipulative tactics used by these organizations. “We wanted to take that to the extreme,” he explains. The sketch’s over-the-top depiction of grieving families and desperate pleas for donations perfectly satirizes the emotional manipulation inherent in some forms of charitable fundraising.

4. Bill Bixby’s Generous Contribution: Bill Bixby, known for his roles in “My Favorite Martian” and “The Incredible Hulk,” made a significant contribution to the film by allowing the production to use footage from a pilot he had directed. This footage was incorporated into one of the film’s many fake commercials, adding a layer of authenticity to the parody. Abrahams notes that Bixby’s generosity was invaluable, as it allowed them to create a more convincing and visually appealing fake advertisement. Bixby’s willingness to support the project speaks to the collaborative spirit of the filmmaking community and the willingness of established actors to support up-and-coming talent.

5. Casting Call Chaos: The casting process for “Kentucky Fried Movie” was far from conventional. Abrahams describes it as a “free-for-all,” with actors often improvising and ad-libbing their way through auditions. This unstructured approach allowed the filmmakers to discover unexpected talent and find performers who were comfortable with the film’s unconventional humor. The casting call chaos mirrored the film’s overall aesthetic: a willingness to embrace spontaneity and disregard traditional filmmaking conventions.

6. The Bruce Lee Parody and Legal Scares: The film’s “A Fistful of Yen” segment, a loving but irreverent parody of Bruce Lee’s martial arts films, nearly landed the filmmakers in legal trouble. Abrahams explains that they were concerned about potential copyright infringement and defamation lawsuits. “We were walking a fine line,” he admits. Despite the legal risks, they decided to proceed with the parody, confident that their satirical intent would protect them. The “A Fistful of Yen” segment remains one of the film’s most popular and enduring sketches, showcasing the filmmakers’ willingness to take risks in the name of comedy.

7. Improvisation as a Cornerstone: While the script was meticulously crafted, improvisation played a crucial role in shaping the film’s humor. Abrahams encourages actors to improvise and add their own comedic touches to the dialogue. This collaborative approach allowed for unexpected jokes and spontaneous moments that enhanced the film’s overall comedic impact. The film’s embrace of improvisation set it apart from more tightly controlled comedic productions, giving it a raw and unpredictable feel.

8. Low-Budget Ingenuity: With a budget of just $650,000, the filmmakers were forced to rely on creativity and resourcefulness to bring their vision to life. They used unconventional locations, borrowed equipment, and enlisted the help of friends and family to keep costs down. Abrahams emphasizes that the low budget actually fueled their creativity, forcing them to find innovative solutions to filmmaking challenges. The limitations fostered a sense of camaraderie and resourcefulness that permeated the entire production.

9. The Absence of Network Television Restrictions: Freed from the constraints of network television, the filmmakers were able to push the boundaries of acceptable humor. They tackled taboo subjects, used explicit language, and incorporated nudity into their sketches, all of which would have been unthinkable on network television at the time. Abrahams notes that this freedom was essential to the film’s comedic impact. The lack of censorship allowed them to create a truly subversive and transgressive work of comedy.

10. Initial Critical Backlash and Eventual Cult Following: “Kentucky Fried Movie” was not an immediate critical success. Many critics dismissed it as tasteless and juvenile. However, the film gradually gained a cult following, particularly among college students and late-night moviegoers. Abrahams believes that the film’s unique brand of humor resonated with audiences who were tired of conventional comedy. The film’s initial critical rejection underscores the often-unpredictable nature of comedic reception.

11. The Influence of Mad Magazine: The subversive humor and satirical style of “Kentucky Fried Movie” were heavily influenced by Mad Magazine, a publication known for its irreverent and often cynical take on popular culture. Abrahams acknowledges that Mad Magazine was a major source of inspiration for the filmmakers. “We grew up reading Mad,” he says, “and it definitely shaped our comedic sensibilities.” The influence of Mad Magazine is evident in the film’s willingness to challenge authority, satirize advertising, and poke fun at societal norms.

12. The Film’s Legacy as a Stepping Stone: “Kentucky Fried Movie” served as a crucial stepping stone for the Zucker brothers and Jim Abrahams, paving the way for their later successes, including “Airplane!” and “Top Secret!” Abrahams recognizes the film’s importance in their careers, stating, “It was our training ground. It allowed us to experiment and develop our comedic style.” The film’s legacy extends beyond its own cult following, as it helped launch the careers of some of the most influential comedy filmmakers of the 1980s.

The making of “Kentucky Fried Movie” was a chaotic and unpredictable process, but it ultimately resulted in a film that remains a unique and influential work of comedy. The film’s success can be attributed to the filmmakers’ willingness to take risks, their embrace of improvisation, and their unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of acceptable humor. “We just wanted to make people laugh,” Abrahams concludes. “And I think we succeeded.” “Kentucky Fried Movie” is more than just a collection of silly sketches; it’s a testament to the power of low-budget filmmaking and the enduring appeal of irreverent humor. It remains a touchstone for fans of absurdist comedy, a reminder that sometimes the most hilarious moments come from the most unexpected places. The film’s enduring appeal lies in its fearless willingness to embrace the ridiculous and its unwavering commitment to making audiences laugh, no matter how outrageous the joke. It stands as a reminder that comedy can be a powerful tool for challenging norms, satirizing societal conventions, and simply bringing joy to people’s lives.

The impact of “Kentucky Fried Movie” on subsequent comedy cannot be overstated. Its influence is visible in countless films and television shows that have followed, particularly in its embrace of rapid-fire gags, absurd situations, and self-referential humor. The film’s success demonstrated that audiences were receptive to a more sophisticated and subversive brand of comedy, paving the way for the explosion of comedic talent that defined the 1980s. It also demonstrated the power of independent filmmaking, proving that even with limited resources, it was possible to create a film that could resonate with audiences and leave a lasting impact on popular culture. The film’s legacy extends beyond its immediate influence, as it continues to inspire new generations of comedians and filmmakers to push boundaries and challenge conventions.

The film’s humor is often described as “tasteless” or “juvenile,” but this is precisely what makes it so appealing to many viewers. It gleefully embraces the absurd, the offensive, and the politically incorrect, creating a comedic experience that is both shocking and hilarious. The film’s willingness to offend is not simply gratuitous; it is a deliberate attempt to challenge societal norms and question established values. By pushing the boundaries of acceptable humor, the filmmakers forced audiences to confront their own prejudices and assumptions, creating a comedic experience that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

The film’s impact on the careers of the Zucker brothers and Jim Abrahams is undeniable. It provided them with a platform to showcase their unique comedic sensibilities and develop their filmmaking skills. The success of “Kentucky Fried Movie” led to their involvement in “Airplane!,” which became a massive commercial and critical success, solidifying their status as major players in the world of comedy. Without “Kentucky Fried Movie,” it is unlikely that “Airplane!” would have ever been made. The film served as a crucial training ground for the filmmakers, allowing them to hone their skills and refine their comedic vision. It also provided them with the confidence and experience necessary to tackle larger and more ambitious projects.

Furthermore, “Kentucky Fried Movie” holds a significant place in film history as an early example of independent comedy filmmaking. Made outside the Hollywood studio system, it demonstrated that it was possible to create a successful and influential film without the backing of a major studio. The film’s success helped pave the way for the independent film movement of the 1980s and 1990s, which saw the emergence of many talented and innovative filmmakers. The film’s impact on the independent film scene is undeniable, as it inspired countless aspiring filmmakers to pursue their dreams and create their own unique visions, regardless of their resources or connections.

In conclusion, “Kentucky Fried Movie” is more than just a silly and tasteless comedy. It is a groundbreaking and influential film that helped pave the way for a new era of comedy filmmaking. Its success can be attributed to the filmmakers’ willingness to take risks, their embrace of improvisation, and their unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of acceptable humor. The film’s legacy extends beyond its own cult following, as it helped launch the careers of some of the most influential comedy filmmakers of the 1980s and inspired countless others to pursue their dreams. “Kentucky Fried Movie” is a testament to the power of low-budget filmmaking and the enduring appeal of irreverent humor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What exactly is “Kentucky Fried Movie” about?

   • “Kentucky Fried Movie,” released in 1977, is a sketch comedy film created by the Zucker brothers (David and Jerry) and Jim Abrahams. The film is a collection of often raunchy and absurd sketches that parody television, advertising, and popular culture. It is known for its rapid-fire gags, sight gags, and satirical humor. The film has a loose structure and strings together various short segments, fake commercials, and movie parodies, all designed to shock and amuse.

2. How did “Kentucky Fried Movie” influence the Zucker-Abrahams-Zucker team’s later works, such as “Airplane!”?

   • Jim Abrahams has stated that “Kentucky Fried Movie” served as a “training ground” for the Zucker brothers and himself. It allowed them to experiment with their comedic style, which is characterized by fast-paced humor, visual gags, and parodies. The experience gained in making “Kentucky Fried Movie” was directly applied to “Airplane!,” which became a major success and further solidified their comedic style. The film’s influence can be seen in “Airplane!’s” use of similar comedic techniques and its willingness to satirize genre conventions.

3. What were some of the challenges faced during the production of “Kentucky Fried Movie” due to its low budget?

   • With a budget of just $650,000, the filmmakers had to be incredibly resourceful. They used unconventional locations, borrowed equipment, and relied on friends and family to keep costs down. Jim Abrahams mentioned that the low budget actually fueled their creativity, forcing them to find innovative solutions to filmmaking challenges. This resourcefulness fostered a sense of camaraderie and determination throughout the production.

4. Why did “Kentucky Fried Movie” receive mixed reviews initially, and how did it eventually gain a cult following?

   • Initially, “Kentucky Fried Movie” received mixed reviews, with some critics dismissing it as tasteless and juvenile. However, its unique brand of humor resonated with audiences, particularly college students and late-night moviegoers, who were looking for something different from mainstream comedy. The film’s willingness to push boundaries and challenge conventional humor contributed to its cult following. Over time, it has been recognized for its influence on comedy and its innovative approach to filmmaking.

5. What legal issues did the “A Fistful of Yen” parody cause, and how were they resolved?

   • The “A Fistful of Yen” segment, a parody of Bruce Lee martial arts films, raised concerns about potential copyright infringement and defamation lawsuits. Jim Abrahams admitted that they were “walking a fine line” but decided to proceed with the parody, confident that their satirical intent would protect them. While the source article doesn’t mention any specific legal actions taken, the filmmakers were aware of the risks and proceeded cautiously, ultimately avoiding any major legal repercussions.