This is the way I heard it.

The Famous Television Producer thought Gig Young was perfect for the title role in his

new series.

The Famous Television Producer was right.

Gig Young was a serious actor.

Unfortunately, Gig Young was also a serious alcoholic.

This was hardly a secret in Hollywood.

Three years earlier, another famous producer, Mel Brooks, had offered Gig Young the lead

role in blazing saddles.

Alas, when Gig Young showed up with the DTs on the first day of shooting, Mel had no

choice but to find a last minute replacement.

Good news for Gene Wilder, who went on to become the Waco Kid, but bad news for Gig Young,

a former Oscar winner on his fourth marriage, who had blown what many believed, would be

his last shot at redemption.

But now, three years later, here he was again.

The Famous Television Producer was offering Gig Young the title role in a new TV series,

a series that was guaranteed to be a hit.

All Gig Young had to do was show up on time, hit his mark, and say his lines.

Unfortunately, Gig Young was not yet ready for his close-up.

He arrived on the set Friday afternoon, three hours late, too drunk to perform.

Even after a dozen cups of black coffee, he was still slurring his words and stumbling

through his scenes.

...