Leslie Nielsen’s Greatest Role

Forbidden Planet starring Leslie Nielsen, Anne Francis & Walter Pidgeon

Leslie Nielsen passed away yesterday at the age of 84. He will best be remembered for the “Naked Gun” and “Airplane!” movies and the comedies that would follow.

But to me, he should be best remembered for his role in “Forbidden Planet.” This movie and his portrayal of the Commander  John J. Adams would set the standard for all the Captains of Gene Roddenberry’s Star Trek. Frankly, it is impossible to watch that movie and not see the Star Trek universe, because the billets of Captain, Science Officer, Doctor and Engineer were well described in “Forbidden Planet” – and the Captain got the girl (in this case, Anne Francis).  Roddenberry would use that template to his advantage for 20 years.

Leslie Nielsen brought energy and command to the role and for what is  it is worth – to me, he was the best Star Trek Captain of them all.