Calling all Ghostbusters fans! In today's video, we're going to take a closer
look at some hilarious bloopers and fascinating behind-the-scenes secrets from the classic
1984 Ghostbusters film. One scene in particular stands out - a moment
that made it into the final cut of the movie without any editing. We'll reveal which scene it is and explore
what happened. From Bill Murray's iconic improvisations to
the challenges of working with special effects in the pre-digital era, we'll uncover some
lit
tle-known facts about the making of this beloved supernatural comedy. So grab your proton pack, don't cross the
streams, and get ready to discover some Ghostbusters movie magic. Stay tuned! Join us as Facts Verse Presents: This Scene
Wasn’t Edited, Look Again at the Ghostbusters Blooper The Supernatural Origins of Ghostbusters Ghostbusters may be a beloved comedy classic,
but its roots are surprisingly personal for co-writer Dan Aykroyd. Growing up in a family deeply fascinated by
the paranormal
, Aykroyd was surrounded by tales of séances and attempts to contact
the spirit world. His great-grandfather, a renowned spiritualist,
and his grandfather, who sought ways to communicate with the dead via radio frequencies, instilled
in Aykroyd a lifelong curiosity about the supernatural. Aykroyd's father even wrote a book titled
"A History of Ghosts: The True Story of Seances, Mediums, Ghosts and Ghostbusters," further
cementing the family's connection to the otherworldly. These experiences pla
yed a crucial role in
shaping the original Ghostbusters concept, which Aykroyd initially pitched as a vehicle
for himself and fellow SNL alum John Belushi. The Evolution of the Ghostbusters Script Aykroyd's initial treatment, titled "Ghost
Smashers," was a far cry from the final film. Set in the future, it followed a team of ghost-battling
adventurers across multiple dimensions, operating out of a converted gas station in New Jersey. The story included outlandish elements like
a skeletal biker t
errorizing a town and an epic climax with the Ghostbusters traversing
alternate realities. While the core idea of a group of heroes battling
the supernatural remained, the script underwent significant changes. Director Ivan Reitman saw potential in the
concept but encouraged Aykroyd to ground the story in modern-day Manhattan and focus on
the relatable "going into business" angle. With the help of Harold Ramis, who came on
board as a co-writer, they reshaped the script during a Martha's Vineyard
vacation. The trio refined the story, added humor, and
transformed the project into the classic we know today, complete with iconic lines, memorable
characters, and a perfect balance of comedy and supernatural thrills. Casting the Ghostbusters The script was originally written with John
Belushi in mind for the role of Peter Venkman, playing opposite Aykroyd. However, tragedy struck when Belushi passed
away in 1982, leaving the project in limbo. As the script evolved, other comedic heavyweights
were considered for the role, including Eddie Murphy and Chevy Chase, before Bill Murray
ultimately came on board, bringing his unique brand of deadpan humor to the character. For the role of Egon Spengler, the brilliant
but socially awkward scientist, a host of big names were in the running. Christopher Walken, John Lithgow, Christopher
Lloyd, and Jeff Goldblum were all considered for the part, each bringing their own quirky
sensibilities. Ultimately, Harold Ramis, who co-wrote the
script with
Aykroyd, stepped into the role himself, cementing the core trio of Ghostbusters. Sigourney Weaver's unforgettable audition
for Dana Barrett involved a bold choice that showcased her comedic chops and willingness
to fully commit to the character. Weaver got down on all fours and howled like
a demonic dog, leaving a lasting impression on the filmmakers. Her fearless approach to the role, balancing
both humor and terror, perfectly encapsulated the tone of the film. Bringing the Ghosts to Life Creat
ing believable ghosts in a pre-digital
era required a blend of ingenuity, creativity, and practical effects wizardry. The Library Ghost, a pivotal encounter early
in the film, was brought to life through a combination of live-action performance and
puppetry. Actress Ruth Oliver portrayed the ghost in
her human form, while a terrifying puppet handled the supernatural transformation scenes,
showcasing the seamless integration of practical effects. Slimer, the gluttonous green ghost that would
beco
me a fan-favorite, posed unique challenges. Originally known as "Onionhead" due to his
pungent odor, Slimer required both full-size and miniature models to bring him to life. The full-sized version was covered in thick,
meltable foam that needed constant replacement under the hot studio lights, a testament to
the dedication of the effects team. Miniature models were utilized to depict scenes
of Slimer flying through the hotel, enhancing the character's deviant and otherworldly aura. The Stay Puf
t Marshmallow Man, a towering
embodiment of childhood innocence turned destructive force, was another triumph of practical effects. A stuntman in a foam suit rampaged through
meticulously crafted scale models of New York City streets, enhanced by strategically placed
explosions and gallons of shaving cream simulating melted marshmallow. The suit's head concealed intricate cable
controls, allowing puppeteers to animate Stay Puft's facial expressions, bringing a sense
of personality to the massive
creature. Ad-Libbed Magic Much of Ghostbusters' enduring charm stems
from the talented cast's comedic improvisations, which elevated the already strong script. Bill Murray's iconic quips, such as "We came,
we saw, we kicked its a$$!" after the memorable Slimer capture scene, were the result of the
filmmakers letting the former Saturday Night Live star riff on numerous takes. This approach allowed Murray's natural comedic
timing and wit to shine through, giving director Ivan Reitman plenty of si
de-splitting options
to choose from in the editing room. Rick Moranis, originally cast as the nerdy
accountant Louis Tully, took the opportunity to make the character his own. Moranis completely rewrote Louis' dialogue,
tailoring it to his strengths as a performer. This led to classic moments like Louis' party
scene, where he awkwardly interacts with guests while trying to impress them with his financial
prowess. Moranis' contributions helped make Louis a
fan-favorite character, injecting a uniq
ue brand of humor into the film and showcasing
the cast's ability to bring their own comedic flavors to the table. The Ghostbusters Hotline In a stroke of marketing genius, the Ghostbusters'
hotline from the movie was set up as a working 1-800 number, allowing fans to immerse themselves
in the world of the film. Callers were greeted by a recording of Bill
Murray and Dan Aykroyd in character, claiming they were out catching ghosts. The response was overwhelming, with the line
receiving a staggeri
ng 1,000 calls per hour, 24 hours a day, for six weeks straight. This innovative approach to fan engagement
helped solidify Ghostbusters' place in the hearts of moviegoers and demonstrated the
power of creative marketing in the pre-internet era. Bloopers That Made the Cut Despite the film's polished final product,
several bloopers and unintentional moments of hilarity made it into the theatrical release. During the climactic battle with Gozer, as
the Ghostbusters dodge falling debris on the roof
top of Dana's apartment building, a large
styrofoam boulder can be seen tumbling towards a police barricade. Instead of crashing through the barrier as
one might anticipate from a heavy piece of concrete, the lightweight prop bounces off
the barricade and flies out of frame. Ray Stantz's tie also seems to have a mischievous
streak, appearing and disappearing throughout scenes at the Sedgewick Hotel. This continuity error adds an unintentional
layer of humor to the already chaotic ghost-catching
sequence. Similarly, a proton pack can be spotted on
a hotel housekeeping cart in one shot, only to vanish in the next, an unexpected easter
egg for observant viewers. Even Louis Tully's wardrobe falls victim to
the occasional blooper. As Louis, possessed by the demon Vinz Clortho,
crashes a party at the Tavern on the Green restaurant, he suddenly dons a tan jacket
over his t-shirt, only for it to disappear in the next exterior shot. These inconsistencies, while unintentional,
add a touch of ext
ra humor to the film. The Ectomobile's Hidden Abilities Early drafts of the Ghostbusters script hinted
at the Ectomobile possessing supernatural powers of its own. The converted ambulance was intended to have
a mischievous streak, lashing out at those who wronged it. One particularly intriguing deleted scene
featured the Ectomobile using telekinesis to retaliate against a police officer attempting
to write a parking ticket. While this subplot was ultimately cut from
the final film, it offers a g
limpse into the wild and imaginative ideas that fueled the
creative process behind Ghostbusters. Lost Scenes and Alternate Storylines As with any film, not every scene or storyline
made it into the final cut of Ghostbusters. Director Ivan Reitman shot footage in Central
Park featuring Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd as homeless men offering absurdist commentary
on the Ghostbusters' adventures. While undoubtedly humorous, Reitman ultimately
decided that their presence might confuse audiences and detr
act from the main storyline. Another intriguing deleted scene hinted at
the Ectomobile's aforemtnitoned hidden supernatural powers, using telekinesis to lash out at a
police officer writing a parking ticket. This glimpse into the vehicle's mischievous
side adds an extra layer of intrigue to the Ghostbusters' trusty ride. Perhaps most surprising is the revelation
that in earlier drafts, the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man's rampage could have been overshadowed
by an even more outlandish threat: a giant
version of Dana's pet lizard terrorizing the
city. Although this alternative ending was never
shown on screen, it showcases the limitless creativity and daring approach that characterized
the making of Ghostbusters. The Missing Marshmallow Man Tie Eagle-eyed viewers may notice a small but
amusing inconsistency during the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man's climactic appearance. In the shots where the towering mascot is
first hit by the Ghostbusters' proton streams, his iconic red tie is noticeably abse
nt. The reason behind this blooper is a simple
case of forgetfulness. Bill Bryan, the actor inside the Stay Puft
suit, was so focused on attaching the sparking electronics to his costume that he neglected
to put on the tie before filming commenced. With the scene captured in a single take,
the missing tie made its way into the final cut, an unintentional yet charming reminder
of the challenges and quirks of practical filmmaking. Ghostbusters Invade New York While much of Ghostbusters was filmed
on meticulously
crafted sets in Los Angeles, the production also made extensive use of iconic New York
City locations to ground the story in reality. The New York Public Library served as the
backdrop for the film's memorable opening sequence, where the Ghostbusters encounter
the librarian ghost. Exterior shots cleverly incorporated the real-life
scaffolding from the library's ongoing restoration project at the time, adding a layer of authenticity
to the scene. Other notable locations included C
olumbia
University, which granted the filmmakers permission to shoot on campus as long as the school was
not identified by name. The famed Lincoln Center, bustling Columbus
Circle, and the picturesque Tavern on the Green in Central Park also make appearances,
immersing viewers in the vibrant energy of the city. However, filming in the Big Apple was not
without its challenges. The production team often found themselves
shooting guerrilla-style, without proper permits, to capture the necessary foo
tage. This led to memorable moments like Bill Murray
and Dan Aykroyd being chased by a real security guard during a montage sequence, adding an
unscripted layer of excitement to the scene. Now it's time to hear from you! We've explored the fascinating behind-the-scenes
secrets and little-known facts about the making of Ghostbusters. But we want to know what you think. What's your favorite moment from the film? Do you have any personal connections or memories
tied to Ghostbusters? Let us know in
the comments section down below.
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