Did you know that Shirley Temple was the original choice to play Dorthy in the Wizard of Oz? The reason she never played the part was that 20th Century would not trade her to MGM - even though MGM was willing to trade Clarke Gable for her! MGM had to find one of their own actresses to play the part. Tom Selleck was the original choice to play Indiana Jones - but he was under a television contract and could not - ho hum - they had to find another actor. I didn't know this untill recently - that Robert Blake was a little rascal. He played a charector called Mickey in the later version when Spanky was older. Speaking of Spanky - did you know Pete the pup was a pitbull? Add more -
I know that sylvester stallone pedaled 'Rocky' for years trying to get a movie studio to pick it up but was turned down for wanting to play the role. Also, Gene Hackman was told by his first acting instructor to find a new career because he would never make it as an actor.
I forgot - I was watching 'E' true Hollywood stories about the Brady Bunch (no laughing) and it was said that Gene Hackman auditioned for the part of Mike Brady the father.
I didn't know anything about her....I know the witch was originally played by someone else but was burnt during filming. The tin man was originally played by Buddy Epsom (did I spell his name correct?) but he became ill from the silver paint.
Damn, I didn't know that! guess you learn something everyday! christ Evil, that is a freaky avatar, enough to give you nightmares.
Burgess Meredith also appeared in a movie, starring Henry Fonda and Joanne Woodward called, "A Big Hand for the Little Lady". Outstanding movie!
Is ina cameo as a stand up comic in an Atlantic City casino in 'Pink Cadillac' with Clint Eastwood. he is a credited charactyer: Comedian - James carey. I wondered why the camera kept showing him, then i wondered why i was watching that flick... damn Superstation! Oh yeah, The current Obi-Won (Ewan)'s uncle was Wedge in the original Star Wars movies. Crazy. out of this world, I know.
Did you know if you watch The Wizard of Oz there is someone who hanged themself on the studio but no one knows who he is..The part is where they are in the woods and there is a log house he's on the left side of that hanging there..and also there is a small child that you can see in the woods part, but children were not allowed there durning taping..There is something else to but i can't remember the other one..weird huh?
I thought that 'hanging' story was bogus. I never noticed, but then never looked for anyone hanging. But I do know that there were three pairs of ruby shoes and all three were in the filming. If you look at Garlands feet, sometimes they are high, sometimes flats and sometimes a middle heel. If MGM got their way, Shirley Temple would have been Dorthy. The most famous song 'somewhere over the rainbow' would have been dumped (I hate that song anyway). Buddy Ebson would have been the tin man - but became ill from the paint. The Witches, good and bad were originally played by other actresses. When the movie came out it was considered a kids film that would soon finds it way by the wayside....what do critics know? The director of this film also directed Gone With The Wind at the same time....but had a lot of help. Garlands life was never the same and later she often wished she had never made the movie because it changed her life. I love the Lollipop Guild.
