Dangerfield invited press to his penthouse suite at The Wilshire in Westwood for interviews to promote his latest film, "The 4th Tenor." Dressed in an open bathrobe, Dangerfield was the picture of comfort. He was a bit mellow, still recovering from major surgery, but the mind was sharp as ever.
The new film casts Dangerfield as the owner of a nightclub who must learn to sing to impress the singer he’s fallen in love with. Unfortunately, he can’t learn to sing. He’s just that terrible. But with the help of some magical wine, he begins to belt out opera like Pavaratti. And of course, he finally gets the girl.
Why did you decide to lip sync instead of learning how to sing?
I couldn’t sing opera. I couldn’t have learned that.
Was it fun to sing badly?
The [characters] were throwing things at me. That’s not too much fun. But as long as everyone loves the movie, that’s what I’m interested in. Critics love it. They’re all good reviews and the people who visit the website, "The 4th Tenor" has its own website now and it’s very interesting. While you’re there, you can visit my website, Rodney.com.
When did you get involved in the internet?
I was the first entertainer to have his own site, six or seven years ago. I had my own site before Canada had a site. Thanks to my wife, it was her idea.
Is that a way to stay in touch with fans?
Yeah, they write me all the time and I answer. Not everyone, but I answer quite a few.
What makes you an appealing romantic lead?
I didn’t know I was. This is the first picture I’ve done where I get the girl in the end. "Back to School" I got the girl too, but I don't know if I’m a romantic lead. That’s the way it works out for the script I guess.
Why do people relate to you?
Well my image, I don’t get no respect, that appeals to everyone. Kids, grownups, everyone. They’re all into me across the board and the image is what does it for you. Plus, you gotta write very funny jokes. I’ve been writing jokes since I’m 15, you know. I always keep writing jokes, they come to me. Yesterday I wrote a joke. I know I’m getting old. I had an accident. I was arrested for hit and walk.
Does it get harder or easier to write jokes?
They come to me, jokes. I don't know, they’re there. I see funny things in everything.
Do you write the script or the jokes first?
The story has to come first. After that, you can add jokes to it.
Why did this movie premiere on video and DVD?
It went to movie theaters, and they decided it’s time to go to DVD.
Has video and DVD made it easier to make movies?
It’s the same thing. Same effort, same work.
But has it opened the market?
DVD is very big today, you know. It’s bigger than anything.
