ROBIN HOOD: MEN IN TIGHTS

Film Career: Triumphs and Trials

jD's breakthrough came with Robin Hood: Men in Tights, a script he wrote on spec and sold to 20th Century Fox and Brooksfilms. jD was instrumental in its production. He wrote all the lyrics to Hummie Manns's music and contributed to set design, wardrobe and just about all aspects that go into making a film. He also convinced Mel Brooks to cast Cary Elwes as Robin Hood, and a then-unknown Dave Chappelle as Achoo.

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Mel Brooks praised jD saying:

 

“jD is one of the most amazing comedy minds I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with.” - Mel Brooks.

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"RH: MIT," an irreverent comedy became a cult classic. Margot Robbie named "RH: MIT" as her childhood favorite film, watching it “...50 times.”

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After sort-of graduation university, jD moved out to Los Angels in a junker car full of crap, a pocket full of cash (that would be around $100), a head full of dreams and his girlfriend.

 

In LA jD wrote on spec sold "Robin Hood: Men In Tights" to Twentieth Century Fox & BrooksFilms.

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He was heavily involved in the pre-production, producing & casting. He is proud that he was able to convinced Mel Brooks, the director, to hire Cary Elwes to play Robin Hood, and the then unknown Dave Chappelle to play Achew. 

 

jD had help convincing Mel to hire Cary. After days of trying, and finally understanding that Mel was nervous because he wanted a superstar and Cary was a star, a star jD wanted badly, he suggested to Mel to call Carl Reiner because Mel and him were very close friends and Carl directed "The Princess Bride."  Carl said in eight words what jD had not thought to say in hundreds of words. "

 

Cary Elwes was born to play Robin Hood." - Carl Reiner.

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This is jD. I am forever thankful to Carl for that.

 

Although jD is very proud of the cast that came to be, he could not convince Mel Brooks to hire many others, including: Sir Sean Connery. 007, James, James Bond who wanted to play...

 

Stop!

 

I tell this story at my shows sometimes. Or, they can ask me at a show they see but I don't tell that story. 

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jD wrote all the lyrics to all the music created by Hummie Mann. 

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​​From conception to release was a little over a year. "I thought this is how it would always work in Hollywood. Boy was I ever wrong!" -jD

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​​Cary Elwes And jD In Scene From Robin Hood: Men In Tights

(30 sec)

https://vimeo.com/757799392?share=copy

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​Margot Robbie Faviorte Movie Growing Up is "RH: MIT" (he interview is longer if you want to Google it)

https://vimeo.com/757790378?share=copy

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