When asked if he ever expected the kind of longevity “Good Morning, Vietnam” starring Robin Williams has had, he said, “Honestly, no.”

“I thought it was a wonderful script,” he said. “I thought it was a terrific, but if you’d have asked me if I thought it was going to have the life it has had, I would have said no.”

Smith, who played Phil McPherson in the film, said that he is honored to have been a part of what is now called a classic film. “It had a great script, a great actor, and a great director. An important thing to note is that the film is a great tribute to a great actor, Robin Williams,” he said.

Indeed, this film garnered Robin Williams a ton of recognition for his role as Adrian Cronauer, such as being nominated for an Oscar and winning a BAFTA, an American Comedy Award and a Golden Globe Award. “It was a big surprise,” said Smith about Williams’ performance. “I thought I was going to be working with a comedian’s acting,” he said. “For me to recognize that I’m working with a great actor was important.”

This film is as old as many young people today–25 years. Smith said that if there are young adults who think the film is irrelevant, then it is important to understand the film’s place in American history. “As you learned in school, about George Washington and American history, the Vietnam War is [part of] the history of America,” he said. “Just like you learned about Lincoln, Jefferson World Wars I and II…The Vietnam War was the most controversial war aside from the Civil War. The young audience should take a look [at the film.] They should take a look.”

The 25th Anniversary Edition of “Good Morning Vietnam” will be released on Blu-ray, High Definition Download and Standard Definition Digital Download Jan. 17, 2012. The film will be priced at $20.00 (for either the Blu-ray and HD Digital Download) and $14.99 (SD Digital Download). Bonus features include a production diary (which includes five features), raw monologues, the original theatrical trailer and the original theatrical teaser trailer.

Good Morning, Vietnam Juney Smith

By Monique Jones

Monique Jones blogs about race and culture in entertainment, particularly movies and television. You can read her articles at Racialicious, and her new site, COLOR . You can also listen to her new podcast, What would Monique Say.

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