Iconic Moments Caught Behind The Scenes
By Sarah Norman | September 7, 2023
Bruce Lee and James Garner on the Set of Marlowe (1969)
Ever wonder what the real story is behind some of the best-loved films of all time? Curious to know more about the cast and crew that made classic TV shows what they are today? Check out this gallery of over 50 behind-the-scenes photos and images that tell us what really happened on the set of some of the most memorable movies and most popular television shows of our time.
Bruce Lee was famous for his kung fu movies in Hong Kong and was able to finally break into the American acting scene with his feature in Marlowe. Due to his talent and expertise, Lee had begun instructing Hollywood actors in the skill of martial arts for various action scenes. Pictured here is Lee demonstrating his martial arts skills to fellow actor James Garner, who played detective Phillip Marlowe. Lee also brought his own clothes to the set of this film rather than wearing the costumes provided for him.
Promo Featurette for David Leans film, Doctor Zhivago
The five-time Academy Award-winning film, Doctor Zhivago, was the first major Western movie to tackle the Russian Revolution that took place pre-World War II. This highly acclaimed classic was based on the controversial novel by Boris Pasternak, who wrote about the political turmoil amid the social upheaval taking place in early 1900's Russia. Due to the controversial storyline, the manuscript was not allowed publication in Russia and was therefore smuggled to Milan and published in 1957. Doctor Zhivago was filmed mostly in Spain where a remarkable Moscow movie set was built to reflect the book’s setting.
Rare Shot of filmmaker Sam Peckinpah on Set of The Wild Bunch
Set in 1913, a group of gray-haired outlaws runaway to Mexico, chased by bounty hunters, after a train station hold-up ends badly. The lives of this ragged team of five ends in a bloodbath after a deadly run-in with enemies of Pancho Villa. The Wild Bunch was filmed during the violent and tumultuous time of the sixties, where the United States was enduring its own civil and social bloodbath and the Vietnam War was raging on. Regarding the iconic Western movie, Director Sam Peckinpah said, "The Western is a universal frame within which it is possible to talk about today.”
Behind-the-Scenes Look of Walnut Grove
This beloved family TV series, based on the true stories of Laura Ingalls Wilder's "Little House on the Prairie" book series chronicles the real-life journey of a Minnesota family in the late 1800's. Michael Landon played the faithful husband and protective father, Charles Ingalls, who led the family through times of hardship and difficulty as well as joyful moments of celebration. Melissa Gilbert played the role of Laura Ingalls, a headstrong girl with a personality like her father, and Melissa Sue Anderson played the responsible and always compassionate oldest Ingalls daughter, Mary.
Solaris - A science fiction Russian film based on a Polish author's novel
Solaris is a 1972 science fiction film based on Polish author Stanislaw Lem’s novel of the same name. Set on a space station orbiting the planet of Solaris, this psychological drama finds the remaining three members of the station's crew experiencing their own unusual emotional trauma. A psychologist is sent to examine the state of affairs there only to end up in the same emotional state as the crew. Director Andrei Tarkovsky’s goal was to add a philosophical and intellectual depth to science fiction thrillers and was able to do so through this exceptional film.
Father of 41 Children Played Bass for Bob Marley
Aston “Family Man” Barrett, also known as “Fams” for short, was the popular bass player for Bob Marley’s band, The Wailers. A Jamaican musician with deep reggae roots, Aston earned his nickname due to his role as father to over 40 children. Even after Bob Marley’s death in 1981, The Wailers is still going strong despite previous tension between the Marley and Barrett families. Several band members still have ties to the Barrett family today - Aston Barrett, Jr is the band’s musical director and drummer, and lead singer Josh Barrett is a distant cousin of “Fams” himself.
Hayley Mills in A Gypsy Girl (1965)
Set in a quaint countryside village of West England, A Gypsy Girl (also known a Sky West and Crooked) features actress Hayley Mills and actor Ian McShane. This romantic drama portrays the life of a troubled seventeen-year-old girl, who at the age of eight, witnessed her childhood friend accidentally killing himself with his father's shotgun. An event like that leaves a permanent mark on this young girl's life and she becomes obsessed with death, finding joy spending time in the cemetery and visiting the grave of her beloved friend.
Diamonds, Space, and Nuclear Domination
The 1971 spy film based on Ian Fleming's novel, Diamonds Are Forever, features Sean Connery as the steamy and sexy MI6 agent, James Bond. In this film, Bond impersonates a diamond smuggler, making it his mission to unmask a devastating plot by his archnemesis, Ernst Stavro Blofeld, who wants nothing more than to destroy Washington, DC and eventually become the most powerful, ruthless world leader. Bond discovers that Blofeld is using diamonds to build a powerful space-based laser weapon, which he will use to control the world through catastrophic nuclear domination.
San Francisco Police Department Inspector "Dirty" Harry Callahan
Dirty Harry's famous character is San Francisco Police Department Inspector "Dirty" Harry Callahan. This film is loosely based on the true story of the Zodiac Killer who targeted and murdered seven men and women in northern California from the late 1960's to the early 1970's. The Zodiac killer sent four taunting letters to the Bay Area Press using cryptograms, text written in code and generally needing a cipher in order to decode it. Of the four letters sent only one has been decoded. The case has still not been solved and remains open to this day.
Making of the First Full-Length DC Comics Movie - Batman
The first full-length movie of the DC Comics caped-superhero, Batman was released in 1966, starring Adam West as Batman and Burt Ward as Robin. The movie opens with Batman and Robin in the Batcopter, attempting to rescue Commodore Schmidlapp, who is in danger aboard his yacht. While in the middle of the rescue mission, an attempt on Batman's life was made by the United Underworld, which includes the four most notorious villains of Gotham City - The Joker, The Penguin, The Riddler, and Catwoman.
Mary Poppins, London's Famous Nanny
Can you say "su·per·ca·li·fra·gil·is·tic·ex·pi·a·li·do·cious"? We all know Julie Andrews can sing it! This classic family film, produced in 1964 by Walt Disney, is loosely based on P.L. Travers's book series "Mary Poppins". Known for its comical lines, entertaining tunes, and witty banter between Mary Poppins (Julie Andrews) and one-man band Bert (Dick Van Dyke), this film is known for such songs as "Chim Chim Cher-ee" and "A Spoonful of Sugar". Mary Poppins was filmed entirely at Disney's Burbank, California Studios, employing the use of background scenes painted to resemble early 1900's London.
Kung Fu Gangster Film, The Boxer From Shantung (1972)
This Hong Kong kung fu gangster film focuses on the central character, Ma who arrives in Shanghai in the 1930s looking for work. He ends up moving his way up the social ladder of the Shanghai gangs by impressing the local gang boss with his kung fu skills. The Boxer from Shantung portrays the necessity of kung fu not only for protection but also as a way to show deadly force if needed. Thankfully the power does not corrupt Ma but gives him a chance to show honor and respect to others as a leader.
Behind the Scenes of The Midnight Cowboy (1969)
Starring Jon Voight and Dustin Hoffman, The Midnight Cowboy won three Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay. It was the only X-rated film to ever win a Best Picture award. Set in New York City, a young Texan leaves his home state for the Big Apple in hopes of becoming a prostitute. He meets a con man and the two soon form a "business relationship" working together as hustlers. In 1994, the Library of Congress deemed the movie "culturally, historically or aesthetically significant" and selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry.
The Sound of Music: Behind the Scenes Look at The Trapp Family Singers
The Sound of Music is based on the memoir of Maria von Trapp titled "The Trapp Family Singers". Maria was a young woman studying to become a nun who was sent to be a governess for a widower, George von Trapp, with seven children. She ended up marrying George and becoming loving stepmother to the von Trapp children. The most famous scene of this beloved classic was filmed on a mountain in Bavaria and had to be shot from a helicopter to get the opening scene just right.
Behind the Scenes of Science Fiction Thriller Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea
Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea was the first science fiction underwater adventure produced by Irwin Allen, who also later created the ever-popular Lost in Space. Voyage became the longest running television series by Allen. Although filmed in the 1960s, the future-forward series took place in the 70s and 80s. What began as a black and white sci-fi thriller, later morphed into a series that incorporated such characters and elements like werewolves, aliens, time travel, kaiju monsters, spies and more.
Behind-the-Scenes Photo of Lynda Carter From Wonder Woman
Based on DC Comics character Wonder Woman, Lynda Carter played the role of the superhero from 1975-1979. The story begins with Diana, an Amazon Princess, rescuing Major Steve Trevor and nursing him back to health after he was forced to abandon his WWII aircraft while flying over Paradise Island, situated within the Bermuda Triangle. The Amazon Queen, played by Cloris Leachman, decrees that Trevor will be delivered safely to America by the winner of Olympic style games, which she forbids her daughter, Diana, to participate. Defying her mother, she secretly disguises herself and becomes champion, earning the honor of returning him home.
The Great White Terror of the Classic Film Jaws
The 1975 classic horror film by Steven Spielberg is one of the most frightening movies of our lifetime. Filmed at Martha's Vineyard due to the shallow nature of the sandy beach, the Great White terror was played by a mechanical shark adorably named Bruce. Once filming began, Spielberg recalls that the monstrosity barely worked, causing major irritation and annoyance for the entire cast and crew. Spielberg ended up giving Bruce the nickname, "Great White Turd" out of sheer stress and frustration.
Bruce, the Mechanical Shark Who Played Jaws
Bruce, the mechanical shark created and built for shooting the terrorizing scenes of Jaws, went through a boatload of problems during the making of the film, especially anytime the apparatus needed to be in the water. Apparently, mechanical sharks and salt water do not mix. Production designer Joe Alves recalls “When you got it in the salt water, it started to affect the electrolysis. Everything that was electrical in the shark dissipated rapidly. Bob used pneumatics instead of hydraulics because he didn't”t want oil spills.”
Elizabeth Montgomery Was Almost a "Cassandra"
Elizabeth Montgomery played the lead role of Samantha, a witch who marries an ordinary man, doing her best to lead an ordinary life while not tapping into her magical powers. Originally the creator of Bewitched, Sol Saks, wanted Tammy Grimes to play the lead role, which was named Cassandra at the time. Grimes had won the Best Actress Tony Award in 1961 for The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Grimes was not interested in the storyline of a witch not using her powers for the greater good such as preventing wars or promising peace. When Montgomery was cast for the part, the name was changed from Cassandra to Samantha.
Even Frankenstein Needs an Afternoon Snack
The story of Frankenstein, a high tech sci-fi thriller of its time, involves a combination of both thrilling mad scientist and intense human emotion. A scientist, Dr. Frankenstein, chooses to create a human man out of corpses found in nearby graveyards. Unbeknownst to the doctor, his assistant, a hunchback named Fritz, finds body parts that belonged to recently hanged criminals. Using electricity to give life to his creation, Dr. Frankenstein does not know that the brain Fritz found for his monster once belonged to a murderer.
Marlon Brando and Francis Ford Coppola on the Set of The Godfather
The Italian-American Civil Right League, founded by Mob boss Joseph Colombo Sr attacked The Godfather, demanding that the film cease production at once. According to a production assistant in a 2009 interview: “It became clear very quickly that the Mafia — and they did not call themselves the Mafia — did not want our film made. We started getting threats." The words "Mafia" and "Cosa Nostra" were removed from the script due to Colombo's actions, although many mob members were used as extras on the set and eventually showed their support for the American classic.
Burt Reynolds on the Set of Smokey and the Bandit (1977)
Smokey and the Bandit starred Burt Reynolds as Bo Darville or "Bandit", who was on the run from Sheriff Buford T. Justice or "Smokey", played by Jackie Gleason, for illegally transporting alcohol over state lines. The inspiration for this movie was based on the real-life experience of the writer, who had a hotel housekeeper steal Coors beer right out of his refrigerator, which was not legal to buy or sell in the state at the time. The movie also starred Sally Fields as Carrie or "Frog" and Jerry Reed as Cletus or "Snowman".
Charles Bronson, a Violent Amnesiac, and Anthony Perkins, a Jaded Husband, on Set of Someone Behind the Door (1971)
Someone Behind the Door is a chilling crime drama starring Charles Bronson as a violent amnesiac, Anthony Perkins as Laurence, a neurosurgeon married to Frances, a cheating wife, played by Jill Ireland. Laurence's plan is to seek revenge on his wife for cheating on him by convincing Bronson, the amnesiac stranger, that he is the woman's husband. Once this violent stranger believes she is an adulterous wife, Laurence hopes he will kill her for her unfaithful behavior.
The Gorgeous Caroline Munro, Stephanie Beacham, Marsha Hunt, and Janet Key with Christopher Lee from Dracula (1972)
Christopher Lee plays the resurrected Count Dracula in the modern time setting of 1972 when the film was created. Rebellious character Johnny Alucard, who worships the Count, raises Dracula from the dead, with the help of his friends, including Jessica Van Helsing, played by Stephanie Beacham. Jessica is a descendant of Lawrence Van Helsing who destroyed Dracula back in 1872. Once alive again, the Count vows to seek out and destroy all family members of the one who murdered him 100 years earlier.
Domino Derval (Claudine Auger) and James Bond (Sean Connery) during filming of Thunderball (1965)
In the movie Thunderball, James Bond, played by Sean Connery, travels to The Bahamas to recover two stolen nuclear warheads. Claudine Auger played the starring role of Domino Derval in this classic Bond film. Producers were looking for the perfect actress to play the most multi-faceted Bond Girl to date. They looked at several actresses including Julie Christie, Raquel Welch, and Faye Dunaway, but the role was eventually given to former Miss France, Claudine Auger.
James Bond Creator and Author Ian Fleming Enjoys His Martinis "Shaken, Not Stirred"
Ian Lancaster Fleming was born May 27, 1908, in London. His father was Valentine Fleming, a member of Parliament who was killed in World War I the second son of Valentine and Evelyn Fleming and grandson of a successful banker. His father, a member of Parliament, was killed in World War I. Winston Churchill, a family friend and fellow Parliament member, gave the eulogy at his funeral: "As the war lengthens and intensifies and the extending lists appear, it seems as if one watched at night a well-loved city whose lights, which burn so bright, which burn so true, are extinguished in the darkness one by one."
Ronee Blakely and Friends - David Blue, Lainie Kazan, Bob Dylan, Robert De Niro, Sally Kirkland, Martine Getty - Backstage at The Roxy (1976)
Ronee Blakely - American singer-songwriter, composer, producer, and director - most well known for her work as an actress. Her role in Robert Altman's Nashville (1975) as fictional country star Barbara Jean, earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Her remarkable talent was also responsible for her nomination for a Grammy, a Golden Globe and a British Academy award. Throughout her career, Blakley supported several political and social causes through her musical performances. Especially important to her were civil rights and equal rights for women.
Before She Was Lead Singer for Blondie, Debbie Harry Almost Never Had a Chance
Before Debbie Harry was the lead singer for Blondie, she swears she was almost abducted by the infamous Ted Bundy. While hailing a cab in New York City, this white car pulled over and insisted he give her a ride: “I got in the car, and the windows were all rolled up except about an inch and a half at the top. Automatically, I sort of reached to roll down the window and I realized there was no door handle, no window crank, no nothing.” She managed to escape and later realized she had been in the serial killer's backseat.
Director Cy Endfield Shooting Scenes on Location for Zulu (1964)
In the movie Zulu, starring Michael Caine, Jack Hawkins, and Stanley Baker, colonial British forces are fighting a losing death-match with Zulu warriors. The photo above depicts Director Cy Endfeld using a huge camera to capture one of the many film's scenes, which was shot on location in the Zulu nation. The film employed the use of Technirama, a widescreen technology very similar to CinemaScope. Michael Caine's role in this classic film helped him become one of the biggest actors in British cinema.
Director Sam Peckinpah and Steve McQueen Behind the Scenes on The Getaway (1972)
Although this action-packed crime thriller is known as one of Peckinpah's best cinematic works, it was not without controversy. Peckinpah’s alcohol abuse led to several arguments with leading star Steve McQueen. It became so out of control that during one of their many arguments a bottle of champagne was thrown at Peckinpah's head. There was also the affair between McQueen and Getaway actress, Allison MacGraw, that caused trouble when it ended MacGraw's marriage to Paramount producer Robert Evans.
Life-long Friends Elvis Presley and Sammy Davis, Jr. Backstage at the Showroom International Hotel (1970)
If you know anything about Elvis Presley and Sammy Davis Jr, you know that the two were very good friends. The pair first met in the 1950s and maintained a strong friendship through the years. Davis was regularly featured in many of Elvis's Las Vegas concerts. Of Elvis, Sammy said, "Early on somebody told me that Elvis was black. And I said 'No, he's white but he's down-home'. And that is what it's all about. Not being black or white it's being 'down-home' and which part of down-home you come from".
Eric Von Stonheim Played the Faithful Yet Self-Deceptive Butler in Sunset Boulevard (1950)
Sunset Boulevard, titled after the famous roadway that runs through both Los Angele and Beverly Hills, depicts an aging silent film star, played by Gloria Swanson, who is denial over the end of her movie career. Erich von Stroheim plays her loyal and quite frankly, delusional, butler Max von Mayerling, helping keep up the charade that her celebrity career is not over. A twister in the middle of the movie reveals that Mayerling was her first husband, who also discovered her and made her a star, but could not let her go even after getting divorced, therefore becoming her lifetime butler.
Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra Behind the Scenes of Anchors Aweigh
Anchors Aweigh stars Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra, a dynamic duo who also star together in On the Town and Take Me Out to the Ball Game. The most famous scene of this classic film features Gene Kelly dancing with Jerry the Mouse, from everyone's favorite cartoon, Tom and Jerry. This scene was one of the first to combine both live action and animation, much like Dick Van Dyke dancing with penguins in Mary Poppins. The whimsical dancing between Kelly and Jerry added $100,000 to the film’s budget.
George Lazenby and Diana Rigg Enjoying Themselves on the Set of On Her Majesty's Secret Service
George Lazenby had never acted before auditioning and earning the role of James Bond in the movie On Her Majesty's Secret Service. In fact, the method by which he came to get the part is almost unbelievable. Meeting a girl while working as a car mechanic in Australia, he chased her back to England, where he began a career as a top model. During a most interesting and controversial evening between him and two others, who will remain nameless, he learned about the open role for James Bond and decided to audition.
Gladys Knight Backstage at the Apollo with Friends (Harlem 1973)
Gladys Knight is one of the greatest souls singers of our time. She was a strong musical performer who formed the group Gladys Knight and the Pips with her brother, Merald, along with two of their cousins. The group made the Top Ten in 1961 with the ever-popular "Every Beat of My Heart". They are also known for other hits such as "Neither One of Us", "I've Got to Use My Imagination", "Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me", and "Midnight Train to Georgia".
Jane Russell and Marilyn Monroe Take a Break on the Set of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell starred in this musical film as two showgirls who were best friends and believed that hooking up with rich husbands was one of the only ways to become a financial success. In one particular deleted scene, Marilyn's character was dancing with Lord Beekman, while wearing a provocative and plunging golden gown and singing a song titled, "Down Boy!" The scene was deleted to the inappropriate nature of the dress, which Marilyn went on to wear to various publicity events.
Alfred Hitchcock on Set (1971)
Alfred Hitchcock is considered to be "The Master of Suspense" and is most well-known for movies such as Psycho, The Birds, and Vertigo. His daughter, Patricia Hitchcock, had minor roles in both Psycho and Strangers on a Train. In a 1963 interview, Hitchcock said, “I’m frightened of my movies. I never go to see them. I don’t know how people can bear to watch my movies.” When the interviewer called his fear "illogical", Hitchcock agreed: “But what is logic? There’s nothing more stupid than logic.”
Katharine Hepburn and Peter O'Toole on the Set of The Lion in Winter
The Lion in Winter is the true story of the personal and political conflicts between England's Henry II, his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine, and their three sons in 1183 AD. Although some elements were changed for dramatic purposes, much of the screenplay is based on historical fact. Eleanor, the King's wife did indeed lead her troops in the Crusades dressed as an Amazon, she was placed in prison for 15 years for leading a rebellion against her husband, and she married Henry before he was King but after her annulment from the King of France.
Kurt Russell Plays the Best Used Car Salesman, Rudy Russo, in the movie Used Cars
Used Cars is a 1980 satirical comedy written by Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale and also directed by Robert Zemeckis. Kurt Russell plays the lead role of Rudy Russo, a sleazy used car salesman. Initially, George Hamilton and Bill Murray were considered for this lead role. The movie was shot in only 28 days which was unbelievable for any major motion picture at that time. While executive producer Steven Spielberg was extremely unhappy with the movie's lines regarding crooked politicians, Gale and Zemeckis had absolutely no problem with the notion.
Mel Brooks and the Cast of Young Frankenstein (1974)
Young Frankenstein starred Gene Wilder as Dr. Frankenstein, Peter Boyle as The Monster, Marty Feldman as Igor, Teri Garr as Assistant Inga, and Director Mel Brooks as The Werewolf. Did you know that Aerosmith's popular song "Walk This Way!" was inspired by Igor's command to his master Dr. Frankenstein? In the film, Igor demonstrates to Frankenstein the best way to walk. The doctor then copies the hunchbacks moves and shuffles his feet like his assistant does. Steve Tyler, lead singer for Aerosmith found this absolutely hilarious and used it as a title for his 197 song, "Walk This Way!"
Michael Caine and Ian Hendry behind the scenes of Ephemera
It can be argued that Get Carter is the best classic British gangster film of its time. The script had been written with Ian Hendry in mind for the lead role, but Michael Caine had already been chosen. As far as why Caine wanted this role: “One of the reasons I wanted to make Get Carter was my background. In English movies, gangsters were either stupid or funny. I wanted to show that they’re neither. Gangsters are not stupid, and they’re certainly not very funny.”
Night of the Living Dead, From Space Thriller to Zombie Flick (1968)
The 1968 version of Night of the Living Dead is universally regarded as the king of zombie flicks, although it almost ended up as a sci-fi space thriller. Owners of their Pittsburgh-based commercial film company, George A. Romero, John A. Russo, and actor Rudy Ricci decided to expand on their talents and create and produce a feature film. The initial theme of the movie included a horror style comedy about alien teens who visited Earth, met and befriended human teens, and wreaked havoc on the planet with their space pet who the aliens referred to as "The Mess".
Toga! Toga! Toga! Animal House (1978)
It took three months to finalize the script for this popular movie about college life. All of the writers gathered together for one final writing session and shared stories of their fraternity mischief. Chris Miller recalled his time in Alpha Delta Phi at Dartmouth; Harold Ramis spoke of his shenanigans in Zeta Beta Tau at Washington University in St. Louis; Douglas Kenney reminisced about the Spee Club at Harvard, and producer Ivan Reitman talked of Delta Upsilon at McMaster University.
From The Magnificent Seven (1960) to The A-Team (1983)
The Magnificent Seven starring Yul Brynner, Eli Wallach, Steve McQueen, Charles Bronson, and Robert Vaughn, inspired the classic 1980’s television show The A-Team. In fact, the pilot episode of The A-Team is an exact copy of the story of The Magnificent Seven, as the team helps to defend a group of farmers from a biker gang. The creators of The A-Team have always insisted that it was an updated version of the 1960 film, but instead of cowboys the television show featured soldiers and changed the storyline from seven main characters to four.
Rare Behind the Scene Photos from Sesame Street (1970's)
Since 1969, Sesame Street, the beloved educational children's television show has won 159 Emmys, multiple Grammys and has been viewed by more than 77 million adult Americans who watched the show as children. Bert and Ernie have always been a famous pair in the series. In fact, when the Bert and Ernie characters were tested during screenings, it was found that the second the program cut away from the pair to just humans, the children's attention levels crashed hard and fast.
1960's Psychological Thriller Psycho Received an R-rating in 1984
Psycho has got to be the most well-known thriller of the 20th century. This film, which was expertly directed by Alfred Hitchcock in 1968, received an R rating in 1984. The MPAA rating system wasn't created until 1968 and often they like to go back and re-rate older movies. Hitchcock anonymously paid $9,000 for the film rights to the novel written by Robert Bloch. He had not read the book yet but based his decision on a positive review he read in The New York Times.
Ryan O'Neil and Barbra Streisand Having Fun in What's Up, Doc?
What's Up, Doc? is an American comedy starring Barbra Streisand, Ryan O'Neal, Madeline Kahn, Mabel Albertson, Austin Pendleton, and Kenneth Mars. The film became an immediate success, and the third-highest grossing film of 1972. The story takes place in San Francisco and focuses on four identical plaid suitcases and the people who own them - a musicologist carrying some sort of musical rock instruments (O'Neal), a college dropout who always finds herself in trouble (Streisand), a rich woman storing her valuable jewels (Albertson), and a mysterious man by the name of "Mr. Smith" (Mars).
Sean Connery Surrounded by Beautiful Bond Women
In 1962 Connery starred in his first James Bond movie as Agent 007 of the British Secret Intelligence Service, based on Ian Fleming’s spy thriller Dr. No. He went on to star in the five more James Bond films: From Russia with Love (1963), Goldfinger (1964), Thunderball (1965), You Only Live Twice (1967), and Diamonds Are Forever (1971). In a 2002 interview with ABC News, Connery confirmed that his favorite Bond movie to star in was From Russia With Love.
Stevie Nicks - Singer, Songwriter, Charitable Organization Founder
Stevie Nicks has had an amazing influence on thousands of singers, songwriters, and musical performers throughout her 40-year career as a solo artist and time with Fleetwood Mac. During her musical career, she received eight Grammy nominations but has only come home with one Grammy Award that she won with Fleetwood Mac for Album of the Year; Rumours. She has also created her own charitable organization - the Stevie Nicks Soldier's Angel Foundation - which provides wounded soldiers who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan with iPods that are pre-filled with music.
Sylvester Stallone, Henry Winkler, and Perry King Star in The Lords of Flatbush (1974)
This 1974 American drama, starring Sylvester Stallone, Henry Winkler, and Perry King, features the story of street teenagers from the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. Chico (Stallone) was originally played by Richard Gere but was fired due to conflicts between him and Stallone. "We never hit it off," said Stallone. "One day, during an improv, he grabbed me (we were simulating a fight scene) and got a little carried away. I told him in a gentle fashion to lighten up, but he was completely in character and impossible to deal with."
The Lost World (1960)
The Lost World, an American movie, is an adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's novel,"The Lost World", and stars Claude Rains as lead character Professor Challenger. Although the screenplay sticks pretty close to the original text, there are a few dramatic interpretations taken. In the original novel, the monsters are terrifying dinosaurs, but due to budget restrictions, Director Irwin Allen used Komodo dragons, lizards, and crocodiles. Also, the natives are portrayed as ape-men rather than Indian-like cannibals.
The Always Beautiful Charlie's Angels
The popular all-female crime drama, Charlie's Angels, starred Kate Jackson, Farah Fawcett, and Jaclyn Smith. When ABC network executive Barry Diller and Michael Eisner heard of the idea they were not at all impressed. They told producer Aaron Spelling and partner Leonard Goldberg it was “the worst idea [they] have ever heard.” Thankfully Spelling had a deal from a previous television movie that allowed him $25,000 for a new television series pilot. He was able to convince Diller and Eisner to move forward with the project anyway.
Handsome Elvis Presley on the Set of Viva Las Vegas (1964)
Viva Las Vegas, which aired May 1964, starred Elvis Presley and Ann Margret. The two hit it off so well in the movie, that during one particular scene where their characters end up married to each other, leading tabloids of the day believed that Presley and Ann-Margret actually did get married. While the wedding scene was only for the movie, the couple did begin an affair on the set of Viva Las Vegas. Ann-Margret later said Elvis sent her flowers in the shape of a guitar whenever she was in Las Vegas for an engagement.
The Wolf Man Getting His "Fur" Done (1941)
“Even a man who is pure at heart and says his prayers by night may become a wolf when the wolfsbane blooms and the autumn moon is bright.” Throughout The Wolfman, this eerie verse is recited on several occasions, by a character who claims it's part of an ancient rhyme. That could not be farther from the truth. This poem was authored by writer Curt Siodmak: “Nowadays, film historians think it’s from German folklore. It isn’t. I made it up.”
Virna Lisi and Anthony Quinn Behind the Scenes of The Secret of Santa Vittoria (1969)
The Secret of Santa Vittoria, starring Anthony Quinn, Anna Magnani, Virna Lisi, Hardy Krüger, and Sergio Franchi, is a comedy set in during the time of World War II. When Nazi Germany occupies Italy during the war, the small village of Santa Vittoria finds a way to hide one million bottles of wine from the occupying enemy. The town drunk Bombolini (Quinn) plays the bumbling mayor who is elected, basically as the town's scapegoat but ends up keeping the valuable stock of wine safe from the Nazis.
What's Up, Doc? Director Peter Bogdanovich
Pictured above is Director Peter Bogdanovich who led the filming of the fun family-friendly movie, What's Up, Doc? Not everyone thought the film was that funny though, Barbra Streisand, who played a leading role, being one of them. Bogdanovich has a love for screwball comedies as they're called and some of his favorites are The Awful Truth (1937), The Lady Eve (1941), Twentieth Century (1934) and Bringing Up Baby (1938). And yes, the title of the movie is a reference to the famous Bugs Bunny.
Who remembers Hawk and Animal, The Road Warriors (1985)?
Michael Hegstrand (Hawk) and Joe Laurinaitis (Animal) make up the duo known as The Road Warriors. The pair met in a local gym and began working out together. “I started laughing,” Laurinaitis said in his bio, The Road Warriors: Danger, Death and the Rush of Wrestling. “I knew this guy. It was Mike Hegstrand, the future Road Warrior Hawk. Even though we didn’t really know each other that well, we were both bouncers on the local scene with reputations of not taking any crap. Back then, guys like us were aware of each other.”
The Exorcist - "The Most Terrifying Film We Ever Laid Eyes On"
The Exorcist, filmed in the US in both New York City and Washington, DC, was one of the most profitable horror movies ever made. Members of the cast and crew believed the New York set was cursed after a series of mysterious, unexplained incidents, including a studio fire that forced the team to rebuild the sets of the house interiors. Director William Friedkin and Writer William Peter Blatty brought in a priest, Father King, to bless the entire cast, crew, and set in Washington DC. By the time the production was over, nine people associated with the film had died.
Violet as a Blueberry in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)
Violet Beauregarde is the third person to find one of Willy Wonka's Golden Tickets, earning her a trip to his magical chocolate factory. She's competitive, determined, and is very proud of her record-breaking gum-chewing abilities. "I'm a gum chewer, normally," she shouted, "but when I heard about these ticket things of Mr. Wonka's, I gave up gum and started on chocolate bars in the hope of striking lucky." On the tour she refuses to listen to Wonka's warnings and becomes the first person to try a full chewing-gum meal, ending her time there as a big, fat blueberry.
