TUESDAY’S TRIVIA TIDBITS.
Welcome back to Tuesday’s Trivia Tidbits. For those of you out of the loop, this is a little compilation of 10 movie related facts that I will be posting weekly and info that I always find interesting. So without further ado, this weeks are…
1: Michael Keaton’s real name is, in fact, Michael Douglas. He had to change his name when he began acting because there was already a Michael Douglas in movies. While he uses a stage name, he has never legally changed his name to Keaton. Michael Douglas’ name, on the other-hand, is actually of Russian descent, his father Kirk’s real name is Issur Danielovitch Demsky. So in essence, there is only one Michael Douglas and that’s Keaton.
2: Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz were the first actors who got an offer to appear in the film “The Lovely Bones” which would have been their second collaboration together (after “The Fountain“). However, while Weisz accepted her part, Jackman had to turn his down. Ryan Gosling was cast instead, although he would drop out as well due to creative differences. Gosling had gained 20 pounds and grew a beard for the role but three days before the shooting started he was replaced by Mark Wahlberg.
3: During the production of “Dumbo” there was a long and bitter animators strike, in which half of the studio’s staff walked out. Some of the strikers are caricatured as the clowns who go to “hit the big boss for a raise“.
4: Robert Mitchum, John Wayne, Steve McQueen and Burt Lancaster all claimed to have turned the film “Dirty Harry” down. Initially, Warner Bros. wanted either Sydney Pollack or Irvin Kershner to direct. Kershner was eventually hired when Frank Sinatra was set to star, but when Sinatra dropped out, so too did Kershner.
5: All the principal actors of “Saving Private Ryan” underwent several days of grueling army training – except for Matt Damon, who was spared so that the other actors would resent him, and would convey that resentment in their performances.
6: When originally released in the UK a number of town councils imposed a complete ban on the showing of the film “The Exorcist“. This led to the bizarre spectacle of “Exorcist Bus Trips” where enterprising travel companies organised buses to take groups to the nearest town where the film was showing.
7: Groucho Marx died three days after Elvis Presley. Unfortunately, due to the furor over the former’s death, the media paid little attention to the passing of this comic genius.
8: For the infamous orgasm scene in “When Harry Met Sally“, the original script called for just Harry and Sally to talk about women faking an orgasm, until Meg Ryan suggested that Sally actually fake an orgasm at the table. Rob Reiner loved the idea and put it into the script.
9: In 1969, after the success of “2001: A Space Odyssey“, Kubrick turned to one of his life-long obsessions into a motion picture screenplay – Napoleon. The script would have required an extremely large budget to be made into a film, and it was all on its way well into pre-production, when the studio suddenly decided to pull the plug after another big-budget biopic on the life of Napoleon, “Waterloo“, failed financially. Kubrick, angry and depressed that his film was canceled, would later in his career (and even in the production of other films) attempt to get the project back on its feet with different companies over the years. The requirements needed would have been to write a completely new screenplay, and Kubrick, feeling he couldn’t match the masterpiece that was his original draft, dropped the project.
10: As an amateur boxer, Mickey Rourke put together a streak of 12 straight Knockouts. He became a professional boxer in 1991 and went under the nickname “El Marielito“. He retired in 1995 undefeated, after boxing a draw with “Irish” Sean Gibbons in Florida in 1994. It was during this sporting time that Rourke required surgery on many facial reconstructions that have left him looking the way he is now.
So there you have it. 10 esoteric Tidbits to masticate on. Some you may know. Some you may not. If you have any thoughts, stick your donations in the comment box.
See you next Tuesday…
(For earlier editions of Trivia Tidbits click here.)
MARKED MOVIES 
November 13, 2012 at 7:22 am
You know… I don’t know the circumstances of the animator strike, so I don’t know if their complaints were valid or not… but Dumbo had to be about the worst time to pull it. The whole reason Disney was making that movie was to put out a quick, cheap film to turn a profit after the financial losses from Pinocchio and Fantasia. “Hey, boss, never mind the company verging on bankruptcy, we want a raise!”
Never knew about all the different possibilities for Dirty Harry. Glad it didn’t go to Sinatra.
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November 13, 2012 at 7:46 am
Yeah apparently Dumbo and Snow White were the only Disney animations to use watercolour backgrounds as it was cheaper to do at that time. Like most strike action, it all about timing though. The workers tend to use an opportune moment and even though Disney would have been struggling, I’d imagine (like most big business) it’s all relative.
As for Dirty Harry, I’d like to have seen Mitchum do it but apparently Lancaster refused it on the grounds of it’s right wing leanings in the story. Like you say though, I’m glad Sinatra didn’t do it.
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November 13, 2012 at 8:51 am
A great set of facts matey… and any list that contains The Gosling makes me happy!! #gayforgosling
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November 13, 2012 at 9:10 am
Haha. Are you another of those guys that has an admitted heterosexual man-crush on the Gosling? All power to you sir 😀
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November 13, 2012 at 10:23 am
Good stuff Mark, good stuff 🙂
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November 13, 2012 at 10:26 am
Thank you kindly chief! 😉
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November 13, 2012 at 12:15 pm
Good trivia as always. I’ve heard that Kubrick wanted to make a movie about Napoleon before and think it would have been really interesting if he did.
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November 13, 2012 at 1:25 pm
Thanks man. Yeah, I haven’t seen Waterloo but I think Kubrick’s vision would really have been something special. It’s a shame he never got to realise it.
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November 13, 2012 at 1:33 pm
Great stuff, Mickey Rourke looked so different back in the 80’s.
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November 13, 2012 at 2:07 pm
Cheers Vinnie. I’ve always been a big fan of Rourke but it’s hard to accept him looking like Zsa Zsa Gabor these days. Still, his performance in The Wrestler has shown that he can still act, underneath all the prosthetics.
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November 13, 2012 at 7:04 pm
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
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November 13, 2012 at 7:09 pm
He does though, doesn’t he? 😉
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November 13, 2012 at 7:12 pm
YES!!!
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November 13, 2012 at 7:15 pm
LOL. Such a shame but still a fantastic actor.
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November 13, 2012 at 7:16 pm
He’ll always be the Mickey Rourke from Angel Heart to me.
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November 13, 2012 at 7:29 pm
Same here man. Angel Heart is one of my favourites of his. Probably the best actually.
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November 13, 2012 at 7:34 pm
Totally his best work – in my opinion. The Wrestler really pissed me off because it, to me, was just Rocky and nobody messes with the Rock around me!
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November 13, 2012 at 7:53 pm
I have to say, I really liked The Wrestler, in some ways it mirrored the comeback of Rourke himself. That being said, Rocky is an absolute classic. Couldn’t argue with that one.
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November 13, 2012 at 1:41 pm
Another informative post, nice one. Such a shame about napoleon. After seeing how far kubrick got with pre-prod, its almost absurd that the studios lost faith, considering his uncanny ability to create wide appeal commercial successes from what are esentially art house films. Despite the failure of waterloo, id have bet that napoleon would have been a financial and critical success.
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November 13, 2012 at 2:09 pm
Thanks again Henry. Such a shame about Napoleon right enough. You’d think by then that Kubrick had proved to studios that he was a great talent and able to handle big and elaborate projects.
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November 13, 2012 at 3:30 pm
Good stuff Mark. Like the Matt Damon fact. I wonder to what extent they really did resent him? always find it fascinating the lengths directors go to to get the performances they want.
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November 13, 2012 at 4:11 pm
Thanks Chris. I always find that interesting as well. Does it even work? Shelley Duvall certainly seemed to be in a state of distress in The Shining when Kubrick put her through the wringer.
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November 13, 2012 at 4:19 pm
that’s precisely the instance I was thinking of. I guess it can work but you’re taking a big risk. It could just as easily blow up in your face, you really have to make sure you make one hell of a film.
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November 13, 2012 at 4:52 pm
Very true. At least in these instances, Spielberg and Kubrick delivered the goods. That must go for something?
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November 13, 2012 at 4:31 pm
I love these what ifs, man. Can you picture Sinatra as Dirty Harry? LOL. Come ON!! 😀
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November 13, 2012 at 4:59 pm
Haha. No chance man. I’m not a big fan of Sinatra at the best of times. Mitchum definitely though! Cheers Fogs.
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November 13, 2012 at 4:50 pm
“Exorcist Bus Trip”! Great title for a movie. Imagine the trip back from the show. A bus full of screaming memes, the bus driver could own their souls! And depending on your point of view, could be a terrifying horror movie or laugh out loud comedy!
If Kubrick were alive today he’d be working in TV. His subjects were always so big and broad, like “Barry Lyndon”. Napoleon would need multiple episodes. TV could fill the bill, like “Rome”. Interesting that there’s sometimes more than a year between seasons. This could accommodate Kubrick nicely!
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November 13, 2012 at 5:03 pm
Haha. That would make a great film Ray. The way Hollywood are going with remakes and re-boots, this could go down as an original idea for a change. You could have a lot of fun with that.
As for Kubrick, wouldn’t that be superb to have him put everything into a long running tv series? You’re right man, it would entirely suit his meticulous nature and probably result in the best tv ever made.
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November 13, 2012 at 4:55 pm
Oh my, I had no idea Keaton’s real name is Michael Douglas!! Great find there Mark.
I didn’t know about that Exorcist Bus Trips, but man why did you have to put that exact photo of Regan… that darn face still haunts me!
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November 13, 2012 at 5:50 pm
I almost missed your comment there Ruth. Don’t know how that happened.
Anyway, Yeah. Keaton is of Scottish heritage apparently. Hence the name.
Lol on the pic! I did try and find a photo of one of the buses but couldn’t find any. Had to go with the old favourite. 😉
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November 13, 2012 at 7:40 pm
Oh Keaton is part Scot? Well I like him even more then 🙂 Can you believe it Mark, I FORGOT today is Gerry Butler’s birthday!! I never did that, I mean I’ve always got things planned weeks before for his tribute, shame on me! I still would be doing a tribute tonight though, and a commentary on his career. Hope you’ll lend your support on your fellow Scot 🙂
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November 13, 2012 at 7:55 pm
You forgot Gerry’s birthday? 😦 I’m shocked Ruth. You’ll have to get cracking on that piece then. As always, I’ll lend my support to my brethren. I look forward to seeing what you come up.
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November 14, 2012 at 3:19 am
I was gonna say, Ruth. I actually put up a GB post today and thought for sure I’d find one at your page!
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November 13, 2012 at 5:10 pm
GROUCHO! I love Groucho. I know Elvis is “the king”, but give me Groucho anyday.
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November 13, 2012 at 5:30 pm
LOL! Okay, you can have Groucho any day if you wish bro. 😉
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November 13, 2012 at 7:04 pm
Always awesome here – A+!
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November 13, 2012 at 7:10 pm
Thank you sir! As always, it’s appreciated. 😀
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November 13, 2012 at 9:24 pm
awesome post. I actually learned a few things! thanks! 😀
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November 13, 2012 at 9:48 pm
Thanks again Vic. This is a regular weekly deal that I’ve been doing for a couple of months now. Glad you enjoy it my man.
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November 13, 2012 at 10:44 pm
Oh so that’s why Mickey looks like a freakin’ lion nowadays?!? Lol I knew that but it’s pretty cool to see that the guy actually kicked some ass when he boxed. He’s still a nut though. Nice post, as always bud.
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November 13, 2012 at 10:55 pm
Lol. Yeah, he’s hardly Mickey Mouse is he? I’ve always liked him though. Been a big fan of Rourke since as far back as I can remember. I also happen to share a birthday with him. 😀
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November 13, 2012 at 11:39 pm
It’s a shame about Rourke – he used to be such a handsome guy. I’m glad Gosling wasn’t in Lovely Bones after all, that was such a bad film.
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November 14, 2012 at 12:33 am
He does look weird but he’s proved recently that he still has the acting chops.
Yeah, Gosling is certainly too good for The lovely Bones. I didn’t hate the film but it could have been much better. Thanks Sati.
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November 14, 2012 at 3:18 am
The only one I knew about on this list was Keaton/Douglas. A great list of tidbits man. Nice post
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November 14, 2012 at 9:54 am
Thanks T. It’s every week if you’re ever needing a little trivia fix 😉
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November 14, 2012 at 7:33 am
Great tidbits, as always, Marky! Loved 1, 3, 5, 6 and 7 😀
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November 14, 2012 at 9:55 am
Cheers Fernando. Glad your still something out of it. I know how you you like this little feature 🙂
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November 14, 2012 at 7:06 pm
Mark, I am going to start spreading the rumor that I gained twenty pounds and grew a beard for a role, as a means of avoiding dieting. 🙂
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November 14, 2012 at 7:49 pm
Haha. What’s good for the Gosling is good for the gander! LOL. It’s a perfect excuse. I’ll use the same for looking a little rough around the edges a lot of the time. Great to see you around here again Adam. 🙂
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November 15, 2012 at 4:36 pm
Those are some cool facts. I knew about Keaton. As for that picture of Ryan Gosling, it had me confused as I’ve never seen him like that. Rourke always remains an interesting person for the choices he has made (and still makes)
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November 15, 2012 at 4:53 pm
Thanks Nostra! Yeah Gosling looked similar to that in Lars and the Real Girl. If you haven’t seen that it’s worth a look. As for Rourke, he’s made many strange choices over the years. I’m still a big fan though.
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November 15, 2012 at 8:23 pm
All great – but learning that “Kirk Douglas” isn’t Kirk Douglas’ name blew my mind.
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November 15, 2012 at 9:47 pm
Haha. Yeah, I’d heard this years ago about Kirk. He changed it from his original Russian name which eventually resulted in Keaton having to change his. It’s a strange old game showbiz.
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November 16, 2012 at 3:38 am
Great post! I am still laughing over those Exorcist bus tours. Nothing makes a film more irresistible to the public than banning it.
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November 16, 2012 at 9:11 am
Haha. Absolutely! It was the same when they banned A Clockwork Orange in the UK. Everyone was desperate to see it.
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November 19, 2012 at 8:45 pm
Bummer we never got that Napoleon project from Kubrick. Would have loved to have seen that!
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November 19, 2012 at 9:29 pm
Yeah, me too Eric. I’d imagine that Kubrick had something special there. Just a shame that the studios shit themselves on it.
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January 30, 2014 at 11:44 pm
Wow. Robert Mitchum as Dirty Harry? I would still want to see it. Did you see The Lovely Bones? I kept hearing Weisz and Wahlbery were miscast.
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January 31, 2014 at 7:28 am
Yeah, I can see Mitchum doing a great job there. Not so sure about Frank Sinatra, Though.
I did see The Lovely Bones and it’s was okay. Nothing special, but yeah, Weisz and especially Whalberg didn’t work for me. Really liked Susan Sarandon in it though.
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