Burt Reynolds’ Journey Through Skullduggery: A Missed Opportunity

HOLLYWOOD, CA — As the 1960s came to a close, Burt Reynolds was on the rise in Hollywood. He had joined the cast of a successful series during its eighth season, stepping in as star Dennis Weaver considered leaving the show. As Reynolds balanced his time between television and movies, he searched for the role that would catapult him to stardom.

In the early 1970s, Reynolds was offered the character of Trapper John McIntyre in a film that would become the third highest-grossing movie of 1970, behind ‘Love Story’ and ‘Airport.’ However, he turned down the role to star in the adventurous film ‘Skullduggery.’ Fans often wonder why he chose this film, especially when it received negative reviews and performed poorly at the box office.

‘Skullduggery’ sees Reynolds play a man searching for phosphorus deposits in New Guinea, teaming up with a sidekick played by Roger C. Carmel. The expedition, led by an archaeologist portrayed by Susan Clark, leads to a groundbreaking discovery—the Tropis, a mysterious tribe they believe could represent a crucial link between apes and humans.

Upon hearing of their discovery, the expedition’s financier seeks to enslave the Tropis by breeding them. The film transitions into a courtroom drama, as the expedition members argue for the recognition of the Tropis’ humanity. Despite its intriguing premise, ‘Skullduggery’ was panned by critics. Reynolds later expressed doubts about the film’s direction and production quality.

Initially, the film was based on the French novel ‘Les Animaux dénaturés.’ Producer Saul David took over the project, which fell apart early on when director Richard Wilson was fired after just one day of shooting. Gordon Douglas replaced him, but Reynolds felt the production struggled under his direction. In a 1976 interview, Reynolds reflected on the film’s missteps, remarking, ‘Badly directed, kind of sloughed off.’ He highlighted Clark’s talent but emphasized that the film lacked a strong marketing strategy.

Following the disappointment of ‘Skullduggery,’ Reynolds became more selective with his projects. In a 1970 interview, he mentioned, ‘I suddenly realized I was as hot as Leo Gorcey,’ acknowledging the importance of choosing the right roles. He subsequently starred in the crime film ‘Fuzz‘ and enjoyed a successful run as one of the most sought-after stars in Hollywood throughout the 1970s.