1992’s A Few Good Men goes down as Rob Reiner‘s highest grossing movie at $243 million worldwide, but also his most Oscar nominated with four nods.
Featuring a knock-out ensemble including Tom Cruise, Demi Moore, stand-up comedian Kevin Pollak in a breakout serious role, Kevin Bacon, Kiefer Sutherland, Christopher Guest, and of course, Jack Nicholson, the movie, based on the 1989 Broadway play by Aaron Sorkin following the story of military lawyers (Cruise, Pollak and Moore) at a court martial who uncover a high-level conspiracy while defending their clients, two U.S. Marines, accused of murder. The play earned one Tony nom for Tom Hulce in the Lead Actor role of Lt. Dan while the motion picture counted Oscar noms for Best Picture (Reiner’s sole Academy Award nom), Supporting Actor Jack Nicholson, Best Sound and Best Film Editing.
Following his dramatic cameo in Oliver Stone’s 1991 JFK, A Few Good Men was another part which continued to show Kevin Bacon’s range after becoming a matinee idol with 1984’s Footloose. He played the role of Capt. Jack Ross.
“I’m not sure how to do this,” said Bacon today posting an emotional video to Instagram.
“Rob Reiner gave me a job in A Few Good Men sometime in the 90s, and I was over the moon to get that job. People may or may not know but This Is Spinal Tap is my all-time favorite movie. When he called me, I was just so thrilled. But the making of that movie, was one of the best experiences I ever had on a set, he was so fun,” said Bacon.
He them emphasized Reiner’s genuine nature as director, particularly in relation to his cast and crew, which set him apart from other Hollywood filmmakers: “It really comes down from the top. You can set a tone, where people feel like we are working hard, but also working hard in a safe and pleasant and fun situation. You know we had lunch together every day. I never done that with a director before, and Michele would be there, and the two of them were so great together.”
Concluded Bacon, “I’m sending love to everybody that knew him because I know that everyone is hurting today.”
Demi Moore, who starred as one the pic’s defense attorneys, Lt. Cdr. JoAnne Galloway, said, on IG, “There are no words to truly express the unfathomable devastation of losing Rob and Michelle Reiner. Our kids grew up together, we worked together, and as our lives intertwined personally and professionally I will always cherish the moments and memories of what we shared.”
“They were amazing people and wonderful parents who gave of themselves to make the world a better place, said Moore.
“My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with their family, friends, and all that are affected by this tragedy,”
Earlier, Kiefer Sutherland, who played 2nd. Lt. Jonathan Kendrick, and Christopher Guest, who made a cameo on the court stand as Dr. Stone, weighed in on the loss of Reiner. Guest also starred in Reiner’s This Is Spinal Tap franchise and The Princess Bride, while Sutherland starred opposite River Phoenix in Stand by Me.
A FEW GOOD MEN, Kiefer Sutherland, 1992, © Columbia/courtesy Everett Collection, FGM 042, Photo by: Everett Collection (10295)
