Burt Reynolds Recalls Risky Musical Misstep in Hollywood

LONDON, UK — Burt Reynolds, the iconic actor known for his candidness about his film career, recently reflected on one of his most infamous professional missteps: the 1975 musical *At Long Last Love*. Acknowledging his willingness to try bold moves, Reynolds revealed that this ambitious project ultimately failed to resonate with audiences.

In a recent discussion, Reynolds recounted the circumstances leading to his participation in the film directed by Peter Bogdanovich. Despite his star power following a breakthrough performance in *Deliverance*, he admits stepping into the musical genre was a colossal leap. “When Bogdanovich approached me to do song and dance, it was not like jumping from square one to square two; it was like jumping from square one to square 89,” he recalled.

The film, which marked the first venture into musicals for both Reynolds and Bogdanovich, faced immediate backlash. “It was a terrible, terrible mistake because we all sank together,” he shared. “My audience, which is a big audience, let me know right away that they don’t want Burt Reynolds to sing and dance. They practically picketed the theatres; it was frightening.”

*At Long Last Love* became a notable failure, earning poor reviews and a dismal box office performance. Critics universally condemned the film, which contrasted sharply with Reynolds’ reputation built on action-comedy hits. He said, “I came out with better reviews than anybody else, but that’s like staying afloat longer than anybody else when the Titanic sunk. Still drowned.”

After the failure of *At Long Last Love*, Reynolds quickly pivoted back to the genre that made him a household name, featuring in popular films like *Smokey and the Bandit*, *Semi-Tough*, and *Hooper* to rebuild his career. These roles reaffirmed his status as a box-office draw, allowing him to regain his footing in the film industry.

While Reynolds continues to embrace his successes, he has not shied away from recounting his professional missteps. Given Hollywood’s often polished narratives, the actor’s honesty stands out as a rarity in an industry typically dominated by carefully curated images. The reflections on *At Long Last Love* serve as a reminder of the risks performers face in their careers, and the delicate balance between artistic exploration and audience expectation.