NEIGHBORS (1981) John Belushi and Dan and 50 similar items

Vintage original 27x41 in. US one-sheet poster from the popular 1980's comedy, NEIGHBORS, released in 1981 by Columbia Pictures and directed by John G. Avildsen. Based upon the novel by Thomas Berger, one man's quiet suburban life takes a sickening lurch for the worse when a young couple move into the deserted house next door. From the word go, it is obvious these are not the quiet professional types who "should" be living in such a nice street. As more and more unbelievable events unfold, our hero starts to question his own sanity... and that of his family. Unrestored and folded as originally issued, this vintage original one-sheet is in fine+ condition with a light additional fold line. There are no pinholes, tears, stains, or other flaws. Neighbors was the final star teaming of John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, as well as Belushi's final film. Belushi was originally cast in the role of Vic and Aykroyd in the role of Earl. The two decided to switch roles just prior to filming the movie. As such, Belushi and Akroyd starred in this movie acting against type, with loud-mouthed Belushi playing a quiet character while the meeker Aykroyd played an over-the-top character. Aykroyd wears a pair of sky blue contact lenses throughout the film that have the disquieting effect of making his pupils appear dilated all the time. In the theatrical release and earlier copies of the film this effect is not nearly as noticeable as on HD televisions today. Taglines for this movie described it as "A Comic Nightmare", nightmare being an appropriate word to describe this film's shoot. This was a troubled production because the two lead actors argued with the director, the director argued with the producers and everybody tried to rewrite the screenplay. Though the script is credited to Larry Gelbart, much of it was re-written, and Gelbart publicly aired his disapproval. At one point, Belushi, who would die from a drug overdose within four months of the film's debut, accused writer Gelbart of drinking too much. Belushi's drug use also caused problems for the production of the film. Belushi got so sick of John G. Avildsen's directing style that he called his friend and director, John Landis, late one night and asked if he could take over the movie. When Landis heard they were already filming, he explained that he couldn't do it, due to Landis directing An American Werewolf in London (1981). Belushi wanted either Aykroyd, Landis, or himself to direct the film. Belushi also allegedly attempted to have Avildsen removed. According to Dan Aykroyd, most of the film's production crew was on cocaine throughout filming, with the inevitable result that John Belushi was sucked back into an addiction he had been trying to quit. Belushi had been completely clean and sober during the making of Continental Divide (1981), which he shot just before Neighbors. The film was profitable because the studio decided to release the film in the largest number of theaters possible during the end of the year holiday season before the reviews and word of mouth spread to damage the film.