Now listen, we all loveCharles Bronson.I think that much is certain.Bronson built his careeron being one of the most badass faces in 20th century action cinema. Running down the list, Bronson had theDeath Wishfranchise,The Dirty Dozen,The Great Escape, and much more to his name. The man can kick butt undeniably, but he also has a slew of other underappreciated skills under his belt. Bronson could dress like a total stud, rattle off comedic one-liners like nobody’s business, and was evenconsidered a ladies' man by many(somehow, even into his much older years). This was a guy thatcould do it all!
Perhaps Bronson’s most underrated skill was the one that first got him into the movie business. Which one was that, exactly? That would be his unmatched ability to burp on command. Of course, right? Without this at his disposal, Bronson never would have landed his breakthrough acting job inthe 1951 war comedy,You’re in the Navy Now.This gastric feature would not prove to be a primary utensil in his acting arsenal, but without it, we might never have met iconic characters like Paul Kersey. Take it from Bronson, kids — your most underappreciated talents just might change your life.
You’re in the Navy Now
When a new commander is assigned to a submarine chaser with an experimental engine, he finds the entire crew has as little experience as he does.
What Types of Roles Is Charles Bronson Best Known For?
These days, it’s hard to think of Charles Bronson as anythingother than a hard-edged tough guy. He built an entire career as a street-fighting, no-nonsense vigilante. He has a couple of iconic roles to his name, with the most famous having to be Paul Kersey from theDeath Wishmovies, but more than anything, Bronson is well known for bringing a distinct vibe to the movies that he’s in.Almost every time he’s on-screen, he’s cold, bitter, and spares no one. There are a few exceptions, but most of those are in his pre-’70s work. Once he started working withDeath WishdirectorMichael Winner, Bronson basically put on adifferent Paul Kersey skinfor every movie.
Charles Bronson Took on ‘Death Wish’ After an Acting Legend Found It “Repulsive”
‘Death Wish’ without Charles Bronson is unthinkable!
Before that famousactor and director partnershipwas forged, it wasn’t out of the question for Bronson to goof around a bit in his films. You can see Bronson at what might be his most likable inThe Great Escape, but that’s not the only fun movie that he’s in. After all, he got his start withYou’re in the Navy Now! This little-known ’50s war comedymight not have a lot of Bronson in it, but it did give him his first movie role.
Charles Bronson’s First Movie Was ‘You’re in the Navy Now’
The year was 1951, and Bronson was trying to make his big break in the movie business. A movie came along that gave him the ultimate path into the industry, that beingYou’re in the Navy Now. Bronson was the perfect fit, as he served in the Army in WWII, and was, of course, a maestro of the belch. Anyway, while the Army wasn’t quite the Navy, the man had done his part and served. Despite that possible leg up, there were probably tons of actors who had served during WWII, so there’s no way that Bronson could have solely relied on that.He resorted to putting all of his chips on burping on command— which is, as everyone knows, a foolproof maneuver. Apparently,this gastric move won him a minor role in the movie as Wascylewski, a trouble-making shipmate. His role is brief, so don’t go in expecting him to make much of a show or to lure any unsuspecting criminals to their deaths. Don’t even go in expecting a whole lot of burping! Bronson simply appears to rattle off a few lines, give off hisusually disturbed and unsettled vibe, and allow room for the stars,Gary CooperandJane Greer, to run the show.
Bronson’s career would go on to be much more than the sonic abilities of his digestive tract’s excess winds. Sure, he might not have had a huge role inYou’re in the Navy Now, but there was a time in whichhe was considered the highest paid living actor. Not bad for a brother of the burp. So listen, the lesson here is that even if you think your talents are silly and that they won’t get you anywhere, just remember that Charles Bronson goofed his way to the top. What a guy!
You’re in the Navy Nowis unfortunately not available to stream at this time.
