At the heart of Hollywood, amid its sets, shoots, and stars, lie tales that transcend fiction. These mysteries passed down through generations, have become an integral part of the legacy of cinema’s Mecca.
Legends, Anecdotes, and Mysteries of Hollywood
From rumored exorcisms mid-shooting to curses plaguing iconic lineages, the world of film has witnessed moments that surpass any screenplay.
The Exorcist
During the filming of “The Exorcist,” nine individuals linked to the film passed away, and one actress suffered a back injury. William Friedkin, the filmmaker behind the movie, called upon a clergyman to perform an exorcism rite on set.
This act heightened the fear among the production crew members. Over the years, Hollywood has been recognized not only for its films but also for its legends, tales, and enigmas.
Poltergeist
This franchise has been shrouded in a myriad of unusual events, with some speculating these incidents to be the workings of otherworldly entities.
Dominique Dunne, who portrayed the eldest daughter, was strangled by her partner. Carol Anne contracted the Giardia parasite and, upon wrapping up Poltergeist III, suffered from septic shock, passing away at the age of 12.
Jackie Chan and the Twin Towers
Accounts are suggesting that Jackie Chan was scheduled to shoot a scene at the World Trade Center on the day of the September 11 attacks. He was slated to arrive two hours before the tragic event; however, the script was not yet finalized, and the shoot was postponed.
The gossip shares that Chan was to play a window washer who falls for a waitress from the “Windows of the World” restaurant, situated on the top floor of the north tower. Intriguingly, the film’s narrative had the actor thwarting terrorists planning an assault on New York.
Mel Gibson and the Enigma of “The Man Without a Face”
According to cinema forum debates, there are suggestions that “The Man Without a Face,” directed by Mel Gibson, drew inspiration from a handsome young New Yorker whose family relocated to Australia.
The story goes that upon his return, he was assaulted by thieves intending to rob him, resulting in severe facial injuries.
The young man, who had ambitions of becoming a trapeze artist in the circus, tried to achieve his goal after spending a year hospitalized. However, he only secured a position in the “curiosities” segment.
In search of spiritual solace, he turned to a church. A priest, deeply moved by his story, funded the required reconstructive surgeries, allowing the young man to regain his pre-injury appearance. Following this act of kindness, the young man embraced a deep Christian faith.
Speculation hints that this young man might have been Mel Gibson himself, implying that the film contains autobiographical elements.
The Enigma of the Lee Lineage
During the production of “The Crow,” Brandon Lee tragically lost his life to a gunshot from bullets believed to be harmless. Rumors circulated that this sequence remained in the final cut of the film, categorizing it as a snuff movie.
There’s been speculation about a potential curse haunting the Lee family, causing the male members to die young. Bruce Lee, Brandon’s legendary father, also met a mysterious end.
Some theories posit he fell victim to a curse; others point to the mafia, suggesting possible conflicts with them. Some believe he fell prey to supernatural entities due to an alleged dark pact granting him martial prowess.
Another view posits that a covert group of martial arts experts dispatched an assassin to silence Bruce Lee, preventing him from sharing Eastern secrets. Yet, some argue his death resulted from an adverse reaction or an underlying ailment causing debilitating symptoms.
Dean’s “Cursed” Vehicle
James Dean met his demise in a crash when his Porsche Spyder collided with another car. A businessman acquired the wrecked vehicle and, under the guise of promoting safe driving, showcased it to audiences. He charged twenty-five dollars for a viewing.
Over time, the allure of this automotive relic waned, leading to its sale to a man intent on scrapping it. While en route to a garage, the car detached from its transport, breaking both legs of its new owner.
Yet this did not deter him. He sold the engine to a physician. Upon installing it in his car, the doctor met with a fatal accident on his maiden journey. Another physician bought the transmission, only to suffer a serious injury in an unrelated mishap.
Rumors began to swirl about a possible curse on Dean’s car, perhaps tied to the actor’s spirit. These tales gained traction when a New York resident purchased two of its tires, which simultaneously burst for no apparent reason.
The Film “Fargo” Claims Authenticity
As proclaimed at the beginning of the film: “This is a true story. The events depicted took place in Minnesota in 1987. At the request of the survivors, the names have been changed. Out of respect for the dead, everything else is portrayed exactly as it occurred.”
There is no truth to this Coen brothers’ statement. It was employed purely as a narrative device to lend more gravity to the story. No such incident occurred in Minnesota in 1987.
