The two "Guns of Navarone" stars were originally slated to play the respective parts that Rock Hudson and Patrick McGoohan did in the movie. I think Peck would have done okay but not Niven. He didn't have the type of temperament to play that part like McGoohan did so McGoohan was definitely the better choice, I think.
shareThe two "Guns of Navarone" stars were originally slated to play the respective parts that Rock Hudson and Patrick McGoohan did in the movie.
Wasn't Anthony Quinn also approached to play Borgnine's character?
I think Peck would have done okay but not Niven. He didn't have the type of temperament to play that part like McGoohan did so McGoohan was definitely the better choice, I think.
I agree with you 100%. McGoohan's very convincing here as an intense spy with a wicked temper who keeps his cards close to his vest- even with the commander of the sub. Think McGoohan deserved an Oscar nomination for that performance.
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If Anthony Quinn was approached to play Borgnine's character I don't ever recall reading or hearing about it.
shareI can't recall now where I read it but it was supposed to be a reunion of all the big players from "Guns Of Navarone". I think Quinn would've been fine as Vaselov, Peck (although perhaps not as adept as Hudson in the humour department) would've done a solid job as Farraday, but thankfully Niven was not Jones. Mcghoohan embodied that role in a way I don't believe Niven could've.
shareRight on! I understand Charlton Heston was offered the role of Farraday but turned it down. He wouldn't have been a bad choice for that part. I think you're also right about Quinn playing the part of Vaselov. Coincidentally, he played a Russian in the movie, "Shoes of the Fisherman."
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