Author: Ilya

Behind the Scenes of ‘The Shining’: 5 Intriguing Film Facts

Delve into the mysterious world of ‘The Shining,’ one of the most iconic horror films of all time, with these five fascinating behind-the-scenes facts.

1. The iconic “Here’s Johnny” line from The Shining actually originated from The Johnny Carson Show. When Jack Nicholson spontaneously delivered the line during filming, director Stanley Kubrick almost chose another take, as he didn’t catch the reference since he had been residing in England.

2. During the filming of the well-known scene in ‘The Shining’, the production team initially used a fake door for Jack Nicholson to break through. However, they were forced to switch to a real door because Jack, who had previous experience as a Fire Marshall, broke through the fake one too effortlessly.

3. In the making of ‘The Shining’, director Stanley Kubrick deliberately distanced himself from Shelley Duvall and frequently engaged in arguments with her. Duvall had to endure 127 takes of the intense and draining baseball bat scene. As a result of the immense stress she experienced during filming, she even showed Kubrick clumps of her hair that had fallen out.

Overlook hotel

4. While Stephen King was inspired to create “The Shining” in a Colorado hotel that was slated for demolition, and the 1980 Kubrick adaptation took place in the same state, the movie’s exterior shots of the Overlook Hotel were actually captured at the historic Timberline Lodge in Oregon, situated near Mt. Hood. The lodge management asked Stanley Kubrick to avoid using room #217 from the book in the film, fearing it might discourage potential guests from staying there. As a result, Kubrick opted to use a made-up room number, #237, in the movie.

5. Danny Lloyd, the young actor who portrayed Danny in ‘The Shining,’ was carefully shielded by director Stanley Kubrick throughout the filming process. As a result, he remained unaware that he was part of a horror film until several years later. Since then, Danny has left acting behind and pursued a career as a science teacher.

Bonus fact: Stanley Kubrick received a nomination for “Worst Director” for ‘The Shining’ at the inaugural Golden Raspberry Awards, also known as the Razzies. The “honor” ultimately went to the director of ‘Xanadu.’ On two occasions, the Golden Raspberry Awards have made retractions. Bruce Willis’s Raspberry nomination was withdrawn upon discovering he was battling aphasia, while Shelley Duvall’s nomination was retracted in light of Kubrick’s mistreatment of her during the filming of ‘The Shining.’

Bob Norris: The Unsmoking Marlboro Man and the Legacy of an Iconic Campaign

Bob Norris, the very first Marlboro Man, had a chance encounter with fame when he was spotted in a photo alongside the famous John Wayne. Serving as the face of the Marlboro Man for 12 years, it’s surprising to note that Bob never actually smoked a single cigarette. As a responsible parent, he consistently advised his children against smoking. One day, when his kids questioned him about the contradiction between his job and his beliefs, he decided to leave his role as the Marlboro Man immediately.

Initiated in 1955, the Marlboro Man campaign became one of the most astonishing marketing strategies in the history of product promotion. Marlboro’s sales surged from a mere 1% to the fourth best-selling cigarette brand. Accompanying the renowned cowboy figure, the brand developed a second ‘Marlboro Man’ for advertising purposes. This character, a stylish, urban, African-American figure, was specifically designed to captivate the attention of the African-American audience.

A single creative mind, Leo Burnett, was responsible for the conception of numerous iconic advertising mascots, including the Marlboro Man, Jolly Green Giant, Tony the Tiger, Pillsbury Doughboy, and Keebler Elves, among others.

Tragically, several models who assumed the role of the Marlboro Man succumbed to smoking-related illnesses. Among them, Wayne McLaren, another Marlboro Man, passed away from lung cancer. In his final moments, he left a poignant message: “Take care of the children. Tobacco will kill you, and I am living proof of it.”

Government Cheese: A Controversial Chapter in US History

In the 1980s, the US government found itself with a massive surplus of cheese due to volatile milk production and federal support for the dairy industry. With over 500 million pounds of processed American cheese stored in warehouses across 35 states, the government struggled to find a use for it. When the public discovered the surplus, they criticized President Ronald Reagan for not distributing the cheese to struggling families.

In response, Reagan authorized the release of 30 million pounds of cheese through the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program, targeting the elderly and low-income individuals. Dubbed “government cheese,” it became a symbol of hard times, with some grateful for the assistance, while others felt it stigmatized their socioeconomic status. The cheese distribution continued until the 1990s when dairy prices stabilized.

After the cheese distribution ended in the 1990s, the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), the government-owned corporation responsible for the surplus, faded from the headlines. However, it resurfaced during the Trump administration when it was announced that the CCC would provide significant subsidies to offset the impact of trade wars with China, Canada, and the European Union.

In retrospect, the “government cheese” program remains a controversial and memorable chapter in US history. Some people remember the cheese fondly for the assistance it provided during difficult times, while others still associate it with the humiliation of revealing their economic hardships. The cheese itself, with its unique flavor and texture, has become a cultural touchstone, evoking memories of a challenging period in American history.

For those who have experienced the taste of “government cheese,” it leaves a lasting impression. The cheese’s flavor is often characterized as a mix between Velveeta and American cheese, evoking feelings of either humiliation or appreciation for those who relied on it for sustenance. Its distinctive pale orange hue and iconic five-pound blocks quickly set it apart from common cheddar or Camembert.

Hidden Treasure: $4 Frame Reveals Rare Declaration of Independence Copy

In 1989, a man purchased an unappealing artwork for its $4 frame, only to find one of the 26 existing copies of the United States’ Declaration of Independence concealed behind it. He subsequently auctioned it off for a staggering $2.42 million.

The US’s Distinct Approach to Labor Day

While the majority of the world observes Labor Day on May 1st in memory of the Haymarket Affair in Chicago, the United States follows a different tradition. Rather than commemorating the event on May 1st, the US celebrates “Law Day” on this date. This special day emphasizes the importance of law in the nation’s founding and its crucial role in fostering a fair society.