The Steagle
| Industry | Film production and distribution |
|---|---|
| Fate | Acquired by Avco in 1967 |
| Parent | Avco (after 1967) |
The Steagle is a 1971 American comedy film based on the novel by Irvin Faust, directed by Paul Sylbert and featuring Richard Benjamin in the lead role. The story centers on a professor who undergoes a dramatic transformation in personality during the tense period of the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. The film's title alludes to the temporary existence of the Steagles NFL team, which was formed solely in 1943 as a response to a national emergency.
Sylbert recounted the challenges faced during production in his 1974 publication, Final Cut.
Plot
During the Cuban Missile Crisis, a professor embarks on a journey across America, adopting various new identities to fulfill his aspirations.
Production
In his book Final Cut: The Making and Breaking of a Picture, Sylbert disclosed that Avco Embassy exerted pressure to cast minor actress Sandra Giles (using the alias "Sally Wyles") in a prominent part despite her limited abilities. This casting demand was connected to her personal involvement with an Avco executive following Avco's acquisition of Embassy Pictures in 1967.
To prevent the project from being halted, Sylbert agreed to cast Giles but reduced her screen time by scheduling her scenes late in production and ultimately substituted another actress for the role. This resistance led to producers stripping Sylbert of editing authority and substantially re-editing the final cut.