MOVIES - Dec. 28, 1988

As writer-director Robert Towne told it to Rolling Stone, his film “Tequila Sunrise” almost starred Harrison Ford and Lakers Coach Pat Riley. Ford talked to Towne about the role of Dale McKussic, eventually played by Mel Gibson, but Ford backed out after apparently having second thoughts about playing a drug dealer, according to Towne. He was later interested in casting the natty, slicked-back Riley as Frescia, the detective role that went to Kurt Russell. Riley thought about it but had to say no. “He said he had a day job,” Towne said.