machines in the history of cinema.
machines in the history of cinema.

But did you know that Marty McFly was originally supposed to head back to 1955 in something
But did you know that Marty McFly was originally supposed to head back to 1955 in something

that looked like an old refrigerator?
that looked like an old refrigerator?

Hi, I’m Erin McCarthy, Editor-in-Chief of MentalFloss.com, and this is The List Show.
Hi, I’m Erin McCarthy, Editor-in-Chief of MentalFloss.com, and this is The List Show.

In 2010, Back to the Future producer and co-writer Bob Gale told CNN that an early draft of the
In 2010, Back to the Future producer and co-writer Bob Gale told CNN that an early draft of the

script described the time travel vehicle as a “‘time chamber,’ not unlike a refrigerator,
script described the time travel vehicle as a “‘time chamber,’ not unlike a refrigerator,

and Doc Brown had to carry it on the back of his truck.”
and Doc Brown had to carry it on the back of his truck.”

Which, let’s face it, wouldn’t have looked nearly as cool — in 1955 or 1985.
Which, let’s face it, wouldn’t have looked nearly as cool — in 1955 or 1985.

And that’s just the first of many fascinating facts I’ll be sharing with you today about
And that’s just the first of many fascinating facts I’ll be sharing with you today about

some of your favorite films as we celebrate the release of Mental Floss’s newest book,
some of your favorite films as we celebrate the release of Mental Floss’s newest book,

The Curious Movie Buff.
The Curious Movie Buff.

We’ll talk about some unbelievable casting what-ifs from the making of Die Hard and touch
We’ll talk about some unbelievable casting what-ifs from the making of Die Hard and touch

on a pope’s unexpected taste in movies (which, sadly, as far as I know, does not include
on a pope’s unexpected taste in movies (which, sadly, as far as I know, does not include

a pontiff weighing in on whether John McClane is appearing in a Christmas movie).
a pontiff weighing in on whether John McClane is appearing in a Christmas movie).

Let’s get started.
Let’s get started.

Back to the Future isn’t the only ‘80s sci-fi comedy that experienced a time machine
Back to the Future isn’t the only ‘80s sci-fi comedy that experienced a time machine

switcheroo.
switcheroo.

In the original script for Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, the eponymous dudes played
In the original script for Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, the eponymous dudes played

by Alex Winter and Keanu Reeves were originally supposed to travel back in time to meet historical
by Alex Winter and Keanu Reeves were originally supposed to travel back in time to meet historical

figures via a 1969 Chevy van; director Stephen Herek suggested they change it to a phone
figures via a 1969 Chevy van; director Stephen Herek suggested they change it to a phone

booth to avoid comparisons with a certain DeLorean.
booth to avoid comparisons with a certain DeLorean.

Of course, a phone booth opens up even more obvious comparisons to the TARDIS from Doctor
Of course, a phone booth opens up even more obvious comparisons to the TARDIS from Doctor

Who—but as Bill and Ted co-writer Chris Matheson admitted, “All of us were so clueless
Who—but as Bill and Ted co-writer Chris Matheson admitted, “All of us were so clueless

and knew nothing about Doctor Who.”
and knew nothing about Doctor Who.”

Speaking of Keanu Reeves: Much of his character’s story from Gus Van Sant’s 1991 indie hit
Speaking of Keanu Reeves: Much of his character’s story from Gus Van Sant’s 1991 indie hit

My Own Private Idaho was based on William Shakespeare’s version of Henry IV—complete
My Own Private Idaho was based on William Shakespeare’s version of Henry IV—complete

with the occasional Keanu line that sounds like something the Bard himself might have
with the occasional Keanu line that sounds like something the Bard himself might have

written.
written.

For a much more direct adaptation of Shakespeare, one need look no further than Baz Luhrmann’s
For a much more direct adaptation of Shakespeare, one need look no further than Baz Luhrmann’s

1996 adaptation of Romeo + Juliet, which starred Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes as the
1996 adaptation of Romeo + Juliet, which starred Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes as the

famously star-crossed lovers.
famously star-crossed lovers.

Luhrmann told ScreenSlam that he wanted to prove that Shakespeare wasn’t for snobs
Luhrmann told ScreenSlam that he wanted to prove that Shakespeare wasn’t for snobs

and to “smash what I call ‘club Shakespeare.’”
and to “smash what I call ‘club Shakespeare.’”

Baz Luhrman also seems like the kind of guy who would open up an actual nightclub called
Baz Luhrman also seems like the kind of guy who would open up an actual nightclub called

“Club Shakespeare,” but that’s neither here nor there.
“Club Shakespeare,” but that’s neither here nor there.

The filmmaker was especially committed to his democratizing goal because he was intimidated
The filmmaker was especially committed to his democratizing goal because he was intimidated

by Shakespeare as a kid, and didn’t really connect with the legendary playwright’s
by Shakespeare as a kid, and didn’t really connect with the legendary playwright’s

work until he saw a psychedelic performance of Twelfth Night—an experience he hoped
work until he saw a psychedelic performance of Twelfth Night—an experience he hoped

to recreate, in his own way, for the film’s viewers.
to recreate, in his own way, for the film’s viewers.

If Die Hard was to be a success, the studio knew they needed a bona fide action star in
If Die Hard was to be a success, the studio knew they needed a bona fide action star in

the part, so they offered the part to Bruce Willis … after offering it to just about
the part, so they offered the part to Bruce Willis … after offering it to just about

every other male actor of the day.
every other male actor of the day.

Rumor has it that Sylvester Stallone, Harrison Ford, Robert De Niro, Charles Bronson, Nick
Rumor has it that Sylvester Stallone, Harrison Ford, Robert De Niro, Charles Bronson, Nick

Nolte, Mel Gibson, Richard Gere, Don Johnson, Burt Reynolds, and Richard Dean Anderson (yes,
Nolte, Mel Gibson, Richard Gere, Don Johnson, Burt Reynolds, and Richard Dean Anderson (yes,

MacGyver!) were all considered for the role of John McClane.
MacGyver!) were all considered for the role of John McClane.

And all declined it.
And all declined it.

Die Hard is based on Roderick Thorp’s 1979 novel, which was a sequel to his 1966 novel
Die Hard is based on Roderick Thorp’s 1979 novel, which was a sequel to his 1966 novel

The Detective, which was adapted into a film starring Frank Sinatra in 1968.
The Detective, which was adapted into a film starring Frank Sinatra in 1968.

As such, 20th Century Fox was contractually obligated to first offer the role of John
As such, 20th Century Fox was contractually obligated to first offer the role of John

McClane in Die Hard to Sinatra.
McClane in Die Hard to Sinatra.

According to de Souza, Sinatra said “I’m too old and too rich to act any more,” which
According to de Souza, Sinatra said “I’m too old and too rich to act any more,” which

was fortunate for Bruce.
was fortunate for Bruce.

For the record: I am firmly in the camp that Die Hard IS a Christmas movie.
For the record: I am firmly in the camp that Die Hard IS a Christmas movie.

Feel free to express your outrage in the comments.
Feel free to express your outrage in the comments.

Bob Clark is also partially responsible for *two* Christmas classics, in two very different
Bob Clark is also partially responsible for *two* Christmas classics, in two very different

genres.
genres.

Before he co-wrote and directed 1983’s A Christmas Story, he helmed Black Christmas.
Before he co-wrote and directed 1983’s A Christmas Story, he helmed Black Christmas.

It concerns a group of sorority sisters who are systematically picked off by a man who
It concerns a group of sorority sisters who are systematically picked off by a man who

keeps making threatening phone calls to their house.
keeps making threatening phone calls to their house.

God bless us, everyone.
God bless us, everyone.

Quentin Tarantino originally conceived of The Hateful Eight as a sequel to Django Unchained.
Quentin Tarantino originally conceived of The Hateful Eight as a sequel to Django Unchained.

But as he began writing, the filmmaker realized that something didn’t feel right about having
But as he began writing, the filmmaker realized that something didn’t feel right about having

Django in the middle of the new story.
Django in the middle of the new story.

“I thought it should be a room of bad guys, and you can’t trust a word anybody says,”
“I thought it should be a room of bad guys, and you can’t trust a word anybody says,”

Tarantino said during a Q&A at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Austin, Texas, in 2015.
Tarantino said during a Q&A at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Austin, Texas, in 2015.

After Total Recall became a box office hit in 1990, writer Gary Goldman optioned the
After Total Recall became a box office hit in 1990, writer Gary Goldman optioned the

rights to the Philip K. Dick story “The Minority Report,” which director Paul Verhoeven
rights to the Philip K. Dick story “The Minority Report,” which director Paul Verhoeven

felt could be turned into a Total Recall sequel.
felt could be turned into a Total Recall sequel.

However, Carolco Pictures, which owned the rights to both Total Recall and Minority Report,
However, Carolco Pictures, which owned the rights to both Total Recall and Minority Report,

went out of business, so the sequel project ended up with Steven Spielberg and Tom Cruise.
went out of business, so the sequel project ended up with Steven Spielberg and Tom Cruise.

The film Coming to America mines laughs from the conspicuous similarity of McDowell’s
The film Coming to America mines laughs from the conspicuous similarity of McDowell’s

and another, slightly more famous fast food establishment.
and another, slightly more famous fast food establishment.

But the real-life location of McDowell’s is actually along Queens Boulevard, where
But the real-life location of McDowell’s is actually along Queens Boulevard, where

a Wendy’s once stood (it’s since been demolished).
a Wendy’s once stood (it’s since been demolished).

Spike Lee, an avid cinephile and a student of film history, is such a massive fan of
Spike Lee, an avid cinephile and a student of film history, is such a massive fan of

Charles Laughton’s The Night of the Hunter that he dropped part of it into the middle
Charles Laughton’s The Night of the Hunter that he dropped part of it into the middle

of Do the Right Thing.
of Do the Right Thing.

Bill Nunn’s Radio Raheem carries the knuckle ring version of Robert Mitchum’s Night of
Bill Nunn’s Radio Raheem carries the knuckle ring version of Robert Mitchum’s Night of

the Hunter character’s “Love” and “Hate” tattoos.
the Hunter character’s “Love” and “Hate” tattoos.

He explains their existence using almost the exact same monologue used in the 1955 classic.
He explains their existence using almost the exact same monologue used in the 1955 classic.

Richard Dreyfus was originally cast in the starring role of Joe Gideon in Bob Fosse’s
Richard Dreyfus was originally cast in the starring role of Joe Gideon in Bob Fosse’s

All That Jazz.
All That Jazz.

He backed out shortly before filming began because of what were deemed “artistic differences.”
He backed out shortly before filming began because of what were deemed “artistic differences.”

He said he later regretted the decision.
He said he later regretted the decision.

And before Robert Downey Jr. took on the role of Tony Stark, several other stars were in
And before Robert Downey Jr. took on the role of Tony Stark, several other stars were in

contention for the role.
contention for the role.

The most famous of these close-calls might be Tom Cruise, who took an interest in the
The most famous of these close-calls might be Tom Cruise, who took an interest in the

role before the IP’s movie rights were back with Marvel.
role before the IP’s movie rights were back with Marvel.

Another contender from those pre-Marvel Studios days was Nicolas Cage, but he too ultimately
Another contender from those pre-Marvel Studios days was Nicolas Cage, but he too ultimately

fell by the wayside.
fell by the wayside.

By the time the character made it back home to Marvel, the studio considered Colin Farrell
By the time the character made it back home to Marvel, the studio considered Colin Farrell

and Patrick Dempsey for the part.
and Patrick Dempsey for the part.

They’re both fine actors, but I don’t know: Robert Downey Jr. *is* Iron Man.
They’re both fine actors, but I don’t know: Robert Downey Jr. *is* Iron Man.

Many religious organizations disapproved of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus
Many religious organizations disapproved of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus

Christ Superstar, a hippie-ish rock opera about the days leading up to Jesus’s crucifixion.
Christ Superstar, a hippie-ish rock opera about the days leading up to Jesus’s crucifixion.

But Pope Paul VI, for one, supposedly enjoyed it.
But Pope Paul VI, for one, supposedly enjoyed it.

After a private screening, as Ted Neeley (who played Jesus) remembered it, the pope called
After a private screening, as Ted Neeley (who played Jesus) remembered it, the pope called

it a “beautiful” movie that would help promote Christianity.
it a “beautiful” movie that would help promote Christianity.

Sergio Leone turned down the chance to direct The Godfather to focus on his own crime saga,
Sergio Leone turned down the chance to direct The Godfather to focus on his own crime saga,

Once Upon a Time in America.
Once Upon a Time in America.

Speaking of The Godfather, the infamous horse head that makes an appearance in the film
Speaking of The Godfather, the infamous horse head that makes an appearance in the film

wasn’t a convincing model.
wasn’t a convincing model.

The production got a real horse’s head from a local dog food company.
The production got a real horse’s head from a local dog food company.

In The Godfather: Part II, Robert De Niro’s Vito Corleone speaks almost exclusively in
In The Godfather: Part II, Robert De Niro’s Vito Corleone speaks almost exclusively in

a Sicilian dialect.
a Sicilian dialect.

He actually only spoke eight words of English in the whole movie.
He actually only spoke eight words of English in the whole movie.

Ryan Gosling’s unnamed character in Drive is even more taciturn.
Ryan Gosling’s unnamed character in Drive is even more taciturn.

Despite being the star of the film, he speaks just 116 lines, total.
Despite being the star of the film, he speaks just 116 lines, total.

Gosling had just made and promoted the dialogue-heavy Blue Valentine and said he was “tired of
Gosling had just made and promoted the dialogue-heavy Blue Valentine and said he was “tired of

talking.”
talking.”

When Ash storms a work shed to arm himself for a showdown with the Deadites in The Evil
When Ash storms a work shed to arm himself for a showdown with the Deadites in The Evil

Dead, keen-eyed horror fans can spot Freddy Krueger’s razor glove hanging on the wall.
Dead, keen-eyed horror fans can spot Freddy Krueger’s razor glove hanging on the wall.

Its appearance was part of a long-standing tradition between director Sam Raimi and A
Its appearance was part of a long-standing tradition between director Sam Raimi and A

Nightmare on Elm Street’s Wes Craven; the two regularly referenced one another’s work
Nightmare on Elm Street’s Wes Craven; the two regularly referenced one another’s work

in shots.
in shots.

Craven based A Nightmare on Elm Street on a series of newspaper articles from the Los
Craven based A Nightmare on Elm Street on a series of newspaper articles from the Los

Angeles Times about a strange phenomenon where young Asian refugees mysteriously died in
Angeles Times about a strange phenomenon where young Asian refugees mysteriously died in

their sleep.
their sleep.

It was reported that many refused to sleep, citing terrifying nightmares that they feared
It was reported that many refused to sleep, citing terrifying nightmares that they feared

would lead to death.
would lead to death.

Heather Langenkamp is best known for playing Nancy in the Elm Street series, but she also
Heather Langenkamp is best known for playing Nancy in the Elm Street series, but she also

played a part in Drew Goddard’s Cabin in the Woods—behind the scenes, that is.
played a part in Drew Goddard’s Cabin in the Woods—behind the scenes, that is.

Langenkamp and her husband David LeRoy Anderson do prosthetic makeup, monster costumes, and
Langenkamp and her husband David LeRoy Anderson do prosthetic makeup, monster costumes, and

makeup effects through their company AFX Studio.
makeup effects through their company AFX Studio.

The one-time scream queen is listed in the 2012 film’s credits as Heather L. Anderson.
The one-time scream queen is listed in the 2012 film’s credits as Heather L. Anderson.

You might not expect Mel Brooks to have contributed a famous line to the body horror canon, but
You might not expect Mel Brooks to have contributed a famous line to the body horror canon, but

he did.
he did.

David Cronenberg, director of The Fly, revealed in a commentary track that the movie’s iconic
David Cronenberg, director of The Fly, revealed in a commentary track that the movie’s iconic

line “Be afraid, be very afraid” originated with Brooks, while discussing how characters
line “Be afraid, be very afraid” originated with Brooks, while discussing how characters

should react to the early stages of Seth Brundle’s transformation.
should react to the early stages of Seth Brundle’s transformation.

The quote became one of the film’s taglines.
The quote became one of the film’s taglines.

Writer/director Amy Heckerling crafted a different type of iconic dialogue when she had Clueless’s
Writer/director Amy Heckerling crafted a different type of iconic dialogue when she had Clueless’s

Cher Horowitz say “As if!” to a would-be suitor.
Cher Horowitz say “As if!” to a would-be suitor.

And Alicia Silverstone can thank Aerosmith for her role in the film.
And Alicia Silverstone can thank Aerosmith for her role in the film.

Heckerling’s casting director first pitched Silverstone for Cher based on her performance
Heckerling’s casting director first pitched Silverstone for Cher based on her performance

in The Crush, but Heckerling wanted that fascinating blonde girl from the music video for Aerosmith’s
in The Crush, but Heckerling wanted that fascinating blonde girl from the music video for Aerosmith’s

“Cryin’.”
“Cryin’.”

Lucky for Silverstone, she was one and the same.
Lucky for Silverstone, she was one and the same.

All the President’s Men is one of very few PG films to include the f-word.
All the President’s Men is one of very few PG films to include the f-word.

Characters in the movie actually drop a total of 10 f-bombs.
Characters in the movie actually drop a total of 10 f-bombs.

Justin Lin (who would later become known for his work in the Fast and Furious franchise)
Justin Lin (who would later become known for his work in the Fast and Furious franchise)

made a splash in Hollywood with his breakthrough film Better Luck Tomorrow.
made a splash in Hollywood with his breakthrough film Better Luck Tomorrow.

It was produced on a shoestring budget of $250,000— $10,000 of which was provided
It was produced on a shoestring budget of $250,000— $10,000 of which was provided

by MC Hammer.
by MC Hammer.

The rapper had so much faith in Lin that he immediately agreed to sign on as producer
The rapper had so much faith in Lin that he immediately agreed to sign on as producer

when the filmmaker called him asking for cash.
when the filmmaker called him asking for cash.

As we all know, you don’t turn your back on your family.
As we all know, you don’t turn your back on your family.

Or on an aspiring filmmaker whose work you want to support out of the goodness of your
Or on an aspiring filmmaker whose work you want to support out of the goodness of your

parachute pants.
parachute pants.

In Disney’s animated version of Beauty and the Beast, The Beast has the mane of a lion,
In Disney’s animated version of Beauty and the Beast, The Beast has the mane of a lion,

the beard and head of a buffalo, the brow of a gorilla, the eyes of a human, the tusks
the beard and head of a buffalo, the brow of a gorilla, the eyes of a human, the tusks

of a wild boar, the body of a bear, and the legs and tail of a wolf.
of a wild boar, the body of a bear, and the legs and tail of a wolf.

He also—as one of the film’s animators, Glen Keane, once claimed— “ … has a
He also—as one of the film’s animators, Glen Keane, once claimed— “ … has a

rainbow bum, but nobody knows that but Belle.”
rainbow bum, but nobody knows that but Belle.”

On the subject of things kids were never meant to see: In spring of 2018, families settled
On the subject of things kids were never meant to see: In spring of 2018, families settled

into their seats at an Australian movie theater for a showing of the film Peter Rabbit.
into their seats at an Australian movie theater for a showing of the film Peter Rabbit.

By accident, the cinema played a trailer for the decidedly un-family friendly Ari Aster
By accident, the cinema played a trailer for the decidedly un-family friendly Ari Aster

movie Hereditary.
movie Hereditary.

At least 40 children were in the theater, and they were understandably upset.
At least 40 children were in the theater, and they were understandably upset.

The cinema gave out free movie passes as an apology, though some free therapy might have
The cinema gave out free movie passes as an apology, though some free therapy might have

also been welcomed.
also been welcomed.

Not quite as illicit: In 2010, Bend It Like Beckham became the very first Western-made
Not quite as illicit: In 2010, Bend It Like Beckham became the very first Western-made

movie to air on television in North Korea.
movie to air on television in North Korea.

Though authorities heavily edited the movie in order to make it work for the broadcasting
Though authorities heavily edited the movie in order to make it work for the broadcasting

schedule, it was still a landmark in North Korean broadcasting history.
schedule, it was still a landmark in North Korean broadcasting history.

Julie Dash’s Daughters of the Dust has fans in high places.
Julie Dash’s Daughters of the Dust has fans in high places.

Even higher, arguably, than the supreme leader of a country.
Even higher, arguably, than the supreme leader of a country.

Beyonce referenced the 1991 film in the visuals of the hour-long film that accompanied her
Beyonce referenced the 1991 film in the visuals of the hour-long film that accompanied her

album, Lemonade.
album, Lemonade.

That nod helped lead to a twenty-fifth anniversary re-release of Daughters of the Dust in theaters.
That nod helped lead to a twenty-fifth anniversary re-release of Daughters of the Dust in theaters.

What’s your favorite movie of all time?
What’s your favorite movie of all time?

Drop a recommendation in the comments below, and if you love movie history check out Mental
Drop a recommendation in the comments below, and if you love movie history check out Mental

Floss’s book chock-full of fun facts and interesting info.
Floss’s book chock-full of fun facts and interesting info.

There’s a link in the description below if you’re interested.
There’s a link in the description below if you’re interested.

We’ll see you next time!
We’ll see you next time!

There was not a single Titanic fact in that script.
There was not a single Titanic fact in that script.

There was...
There was...

You cut it?!
You cut it?!