The 1990 film Ghost starring Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, and Whoopi Goldberg is undoubtedly one of the most iconic films of the 90s. Not only is it known for its heart-wrenching romance and supernatural twists, but also for its unforgettable pottery scene that still makes our hearts flutter. Despite the film’s overwhelming success and its timeless appeal, Ghost has a few hidden bloopers and mistakes that only the keenest eyes would catch. Whether it’s a goof in a key scene or a behind-the-scenes mistake, here’s a look at the small but significant moments that might have flown under the radar.
The Iconic Pottery Scene: A Moment Of Romance Or A Mistake?
There are few movie moments as iconic as the pottery scene in Ghost. Sam (Patrick Swayze) and Molly (Demi Moore) create an intimate moment as their hands touch while they mold clay on the pottery wheel. It’s tender, it’s romantic, and it’s accompanied by the soothing sounds of “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers, making it one of the most sensual scenes in cinematic history.
The Unexpected Pottery Mishap
What most viewers may not know is that the famous pot at the center of the scene wasn’t supposed to break. In fact, the pot breaking was an accident during filming, but Swayze and Moore’s natural reaction turned it into one of the most iconic moments in the film. The crew decided to keep the break in the scene, capturing the rawness of the moment, which only added to the passion.
The Clean Arms Goof
Here’s a subtle mistake that you probably didn’t catch—after Sam and Molly are covered in clay up to their elbows during the pottery scene, their arms are pristine and spotless in the next shot. The transition between the messy clay scene and the romantic moments is flawless, except for the noticeable difference in the cleanliness of their hands. It’s one of those little details that make you smile when you catch it, adding to the charm of this iconic moment.
Behind The Scenes: Patrick Swayze’s Emotional Journey
Patrick Swayze’s performance in Ghost is nothing short of brilliant. Playing a ghost who’s desperately trying to protect his girlfriend, Sam Wheat, brought out some of the actor’s deepest emotions. But there were some behind-the-scenes details that might surprise you.
Swayze Cried Six Times Reading The Script
In a press conference before the movie’s release, Patrick Swayze admitted that he cried six times while reading the Ghost script. For an actor of his caliber, that speaks volumes about the emotional depth the movie conveyed. His connection to the story wasn’t just professional; it was deeply personal. He expressed that the role resonated with him because it reminded him of his late father, Don, whom he described as a “gentle cowboy.”
A Personal Connection To The Role
Swayze’s personal connection to the character of Sam Wheat made his portrayal even more heartfelt. The idea of being able to “watch over” someone he loved from the afterlife mirrored his emotions towards his own father. This emotional attachment likely contributed to his powerful and moving performance, which resonated with audiences across the globe.
The Whoopi Goldberg Casting Story
Whoopi Goldberg’s role as Oda Mae Brown, the fraudulent psychic who helps Sam communicate with his girlfriend, was another turning point for the film. Though initially not cast for the role, Patrick Swayze’s admiration for Goldberg led to her being hired. In fact, Swayze was so adamant about working with Goldberg that he personally insisted that the producers cast her.
Swayze’s Ultimatum
Swayze went as far as issuing an ultimatum: if Goldberg wasn’t cast, he wouldn’t take the role. His dedication to the film’s success and his belief in Goldberg’s ability to make the character shine speaks to his commitment to making Ghost the best it could be. The gamble paid off—Goldberg’s performance earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, solidifying her place in Hollywood history.
The Terrifying Dark Shadows Scene: A Sound Effect With A Chilling Twist
Another unforgettable moment in Ghost is the eerie scene where dark shadows drag Carl and Willie into the afterlife. The horror of the scene was amplified by the chilling sound effects, which, when you listen closely, are even more unsettling than they seem.
The Eerie Sound of Infant Screams
The chilling sounds made by the “dark shadows” are actually recordings of infant screams, slowed down and played in reverse. This disturbing sound design created an atmosphere that was both terrifying and surreal. It’s a brilliant use of sound that intensifies the supernatural elements of the movie, but also a detail that many viewers may not have noticed at the time.
Demi Moore’s Struggles And Criticism
Demi Moore’s career was forever changed by Ghost, not just for her iconic role, but also for the record-breaking salary she earned for the film. At the time, she became the highest-paid actress in Hollywood, which sparked a lot of backlash.
The Backlash To Her Paycheck
Many critics labeled Moore as “greedy,” with the media dubbing her “Gimme Moore” due to her salary. Despite the criticism, Moore took it all in stride. She later reflected that the criticism came at the same time she was at the height of her career, which felt like an unfair judgment. The pressure of being in the spotlight had its own challenges, but it also propelled Moore into Hollywood superstardom.
Swayze’s Secret Ice-Chewing Trick
It’s well-known that Ghost was shot in New York during the chilly winter months, but what you might not know is how Patrick Swayze kept his breath from being visible during scenes where his character, a ghost, had to appear cold and ethereal.
Chewing Ice to Prevent Visible Breath
To make sure his breath wouldn’t interfere with the illusion of being a ghost, Swayze chewed ice right before filming. This simple trick helped the filmmakers maintain the ghostly atmosphere, keeping the focus on his otherworldly presence rather than distracting details like visible breath in the cold air.
Unchained Melody’s Unexpected Revival
The inclusion of “Unchained Melody” in Ghost helped the song experience a massive resurgence in popularity. While the song had been recorded in 1965, it wasn’t until the movie’s release that it became an anthem for love and longing. Fans flocked to record stores to purchase the soundtrack, but it quickly sold out.
A Surprise For Record Stores
As a result, many fans had to purchase The Righteous Brothers’ Greatest Hits album just to get their hands on “Unchained Melody.” This unexpected turn of events helped the song become a timeless classic and a staple of romantic soundtracks.
The Closing Credits: A Typo You Might Have Missed
As you watch Ghost and reach the end credits, there’s a subtle mistake that might just make you chuckle. The film credits feature a minor typo: “Cemetary Ghost” instead of the correct spelling “Cemetery Ghost.” This small mistake likely went unnoticed by most viewers, but it’s a fun little goof that only the most observant film buffs will catch.
Sam’s Blood Stains: A Minor Detail
One of the most emotionally intense scenes in Ghost is when Sam is shot and killed by Willie Lopez. After Sam’s death, Molly cradles him in her arms, and his blood stains her shirt. However, when we later see her at the police station, her sleeves are miraculously clean.
The Police Station Cleanup Miracle
It’s one of those subtle mistakes that likely wasn’t intentional but is easily overlooked. It’s a minor detail in an otherwise poignant scene, but it’s an example of how sometimes movie magic can gloss over the little things to keep the narrative moving forward.
Conclusion: The Charm of Ghost’s Bloopers
Despite the occasional blooper or behind-the-scenes mishap, Ghost remains a cherished film in cinematic history. The chemistry between Swayze and Moore, the unforgettable moments, and the heart-wrenching love story are what make it unforgettable. From the broken pottery in the iconic scene to the minor mistakes hidden throughout, these little goofs only add to the charm and human element of the film. Ghost is a reminder that, sometimes, it’s the mistakes and imperfections that make a movie even more special.
