Improvised Acting: From W. C. Fields to Modern Comedians

Improvisation is a hallmark of on-screen creativity that has left an indelible mark on film history. From classic comedians to famous scenes in modern films, acting improvisations have contributed to the richness and humor of movies, sometimes even saving directors from potential disaster.

W. C. Fields: The Master of Improvisation

W. C. Fields, one of the greats, was notorious for his improvisational antics on set. During the 1934 film Poppy, Fields was supposed to announce the premiere of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. Instead, he delivered a comedic monologue so nonsensical that it earned a place in cinematic history:

“Ladies and Gentlemen, I have the honor of presenting for your approval, the first fugue in G from the opera Sweckensnatz by Gilka Comeau, an opus pepitone!”

Despite this, his improvisations often added unexpected humor and flair to films. However, not all situations went as smoothly as his joke. In another scene, Fields asked the script girl to repeat his improvised line but could not do it himself, indicating that his impromptu delivery was so unique that it required immediate recall, which was not always possible during a shoot.

Robin Williams and Billy Crystal: Jokes and Improvised Dialogue

Comedic actors like Robin Williams and Billy Crystal often improvise and often improve upon the lines they are given. Williams was known for his unique style, bringing a plethora of humor through his natural improvisations. Meanwhile, Billy Crystal was a master of going "off script," making his films even funnier with heuristics that exceeded the original script. His famous "When Harry Met Sally" scene with Meg Ryan exemplifies this. You can see that Crystal's improvisations often caught Ryan off guard, but she quickly adapted and responded in kind.

Trevor Howard and Marlon Brando: Professionalism and Creative Spurts

In contrast to W. C. Fields and the comedic flair of comedians, actors like Trevor Howard valued professionalism and adherence to the script. Howard was a highly disciplined actor, but he found working with Marlon Brando challenging in their 1981 film, Mutiny on the Bounty. Brando's tendency to improvise and deviate from the script left Howard in a constant state of uncertainty, as he did not know when he had finished delivering his lines.

Judy Garland and the "Miracle" Scene

Judy Garland stands as another example of an actor who improvised with great success. In her final film, I Could Go On Singing, a scene that featured Judy and co-star Terence Stamp was a case in point. Neither actor was satisfied with the script's direction for their hospital waiting room scene. After an afternoon of working on the script, they penned a new version that was lifted directly from Garland's personal life. At the very next take, they agreed to do the scene one last time before moving on to something else. The director, Ronald Neame, allowed them to proceed without interruption, resulting in one seamless, 7-minute scene in a single take. This scene is now considered a cinematic miracle, recognized for its authenticity and seamless flow.

Conclusion

The examples of improvisation highlighted in this article demonstrate that improvisation can bring unexpected moments of brilliance to films. While some actors like W. C. Fields were known for their fly-by-the-seat-of-their-pants approach, others, like Robin Williams, used improvisation to enhance their humor and add depth to their performances. The judicious use of improvisation can add a unique dimension to a film, making it more memorable and engaging.