Rodrigo Umlaut Burn's unique 'look' was inspired by Michael Tallamy, the father of Ben Tallamy, the actor who portrayed him in the film.
When Ben was developing the character of Burn he found an old photograph of his father from the seventies, sporting a stylish leather jacket which was still gathering dust in the family wardrobe.
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| Michael Norman Tallamy |
This photograph was to be the inspiration for Burn -a moustachioed super cop who was righteous in every sense of the word.
Unfortunately, being half-Japanese, Ben was about as likely to grow a decent moustache, as he was to sprout wings and fly.
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| Benjamin Akira Tallamy |
The first costume test was impromptu - cheap fancy dress accessories were used, including a very itchy moustache and sideburns.
The smaller jacket was seconded by a long pimp style coat - hinting at Burn's seedy underworld connections.
Along with toy guns - this made for a disappointing first glance at Burn.
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| Disappointing first look |
Prothstetic hair was ordered forthwith and the long coat discarded in favour of the original jacket.
Many accessories were missing but the next session proved to be more in line with look that was wanted.
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| Looking more like Burn |
An interesting note is that although most of the clothing used in the film was actually vintage. Crash and Burn are both seen throughout sporting women's trousers. Modern flares for women were closer to the wider flare from the era.
With the addition of a few accessories - Burn was tweaked and trimmed. His hair slicked back, his face aged and moustache shortened.
Burn's accessories included:
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| Burn's glow in the dark PVC rosary |
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| Bianchi Shoulder Holster |
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| Crash and Burn's Custom .357 6 inch Magnum revolvers |
Other accessories included - A leather wallet, containing real US currency (even though it was never seen), lucky necklace (which broke numerous times during filming), handcuff pouch, with forensic kit (again, never used) and a tacky plastic flick comb.
The final look was thus:
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| Burn in front of a green screen |
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| Costume details |
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Whilst shooting other episodes from the series - several 'variants' of the costume also existed:
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| Burn from 'Kidnapped' |
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| Burn from 'Hangman Dangle' |
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| Burn from 'Exploding Nuns of Fury!' |
The character of Burn was initially based upon Al Pacino in Carlito's way - a reformed gangster from the streets of Spanish Harlem.
Initial accent tests were too close to the accent of the main villain Cop Killa though and so the voice was shifted to a southern drawl.
Always coming from the seedier side of law enforcement, Burn is goofy, yet headstrong. A guy who let's his fists do the talking.
He is prone to depression and alcoholism but these vices are tempered with a staunch and unwavering belief in God.
For more information on the back story of Burn, visit:
