As horror fans, we make it our business to know the most obscure details about our favorite films. We watch the bonus features on the Special Edition releases of our favorite DVDs; we read retrospectives and interviews in support of our most beloved titles. But even the most diligent fan is bound to miss something along the way. So, to help you get the lowdown, we're launching a new segment that rounds up some lesser-known trivia from your favorite horror films.
For this installment, we're setting our sights on the 1978 classic Halloween. Most horror fans probably know that the Michael Myers mask used in Halloween was a William Shatner mask with a few modifications but we have uncovered some lesser-known facts for your reading enjoyment. Feast your eyes on 10 things you may not have known about Jon Carpenter’s Halloween.
The man who portrayed ‘The Shape’ later collaborated with John Carpenter in a much different capacity.
Nick Castle, the man who played Michael Myers for the majority of the film, was also a screenwriter. He co-penned Escape from New York with John Carpenter. Castle later went on to direct films like The Last Starfighter.
When shooting commenced Jamie Lee Curtis was certain she would be fired from the production.
Early on, Curtis was convinced she was doing a terrible job on the film and was convinced she was going to be fired. So, when Carpenter sat her down to chat after the first day of shooting, she was sure he was getting ready to fire her. She soon learned that Carpenter had no intent of firing her and the rest is history.
Initially the film was not set on Halloween.
Halloween was originally going to be called The Babysitter Murders. The decision to set the film on Halloween was made in part as a budgetary consideration. Having the majority of the film take place on a single night meant fewer costume changes and in turn lessened the financial burden.
Donald Pleasance only agreed to take the role of Dr. Loomis at the urging of his daughter.
The actor’s daughter was a big fan of Assault on Precinct 13 and suggested that he take the part.
Christopher Lee passed on the role before it was offered to Donald Pleasance
Lee later confessed to Donald Pleasance that he regretted that decision. Peter Cushing was reportedly offered the role and obviously declined, as well.
The truck that says Phelps Garage on it served a double purpose.
In addition to being used in the film, The Phelps Garage truck also served as the craft services vehicle.
Director John Carpenter composed the film’s score in record time.
It took John Carpenter only three days to complete the epic score for this beloved horror classic.
Nancy Kyes (Nancy Loomis) is the only actor to physically appear in all three of the first Halloween movies.
She played the same character in the first two films (Annie Brackett) and then portrayed the ex-wife of Tom Atkins’ character in the third film. Jamie Lee Curtis did actually pop up in an uncredited voice only role as a telephone operator in the third installment but she did not appear on screen.
Rick Rosenthal is the only director to helm two entries in the original Halloween franchise.
Rosenthal directed the second installment in the series and then returned to direct the ultimately disappointing Halloween Resurrection. Of course, Rob Zombie directed two entries in the rebooted version of the series but Rick Rosenthal remains the only person to direct two of the films in the original series.
John Carpenter drew inspiration from for the Michael Myers character from Yul Brynner’s character in Westworld
The Gunslinger character in Westworld had an indestructible nature that inspired John Carpenter in his creation of Michael Myers.
You can also check out 12 Things You May Not Know About Wes Craven's Scream Here.