Hey there! Welcome to the “Did You Know?” segment of our “Figures of Fright & Fame” series. We’re so excited to uncover the hidden gems and curious facts behind the classic and horror movies that we all love. From behind-the-scenes secrets to on-screen wonders, this edition is all about sharing those little-known tidbits that make movie magic even more fascinating. So, go ahead and grab your popcorn, get comfy, and prepare to be amazed by the cinematic world’s most intriguing mysteries!

Count Orlock’s Stare

In the classic horror film Nosferatu (1922), Count Orlock, played by Max Schreck, only blinks once throughout his entire nine minutes of screen time

The Invisible Man’s Glasses

Did you know that the glasses worn by the Invisible Man in the 1933 film were actually made of wire and not glass to prevent reflection during filming?

King Kong’s Size Fluctuations

The original King Kong film (1933) features the colossal ape wreaking havoc in New York City. But did you notice that Kong’s size changes throughout the movie? On Skull Island, he stands at 18 to 24 feet tall, but when he reaches the city, he suddenly grows to a towering 50 feet. Filmmakers played fast and loose with Kong’s dimensions to suit different scenes.

The Exorcist’s Oscar Nomination

Horror films often get overlooked during awards season, but in 1974, “The Exorcist” broke the mould. It became the first horror movie to be nominated for a Best Picture Oscar. The spine-chilling tale of demonic possession left an indelible mark on cinema history.

Psycho’s Groundbreaking Bathroom Scene

Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho” (1960) revolutionized horror and suspense. Notably, it was the first American film to show a toilet on screen. In the famous bathroom scene, Marion Crane meets her untimely demise while the camera lingers on the flushing toilet—a bold move for the conservative 1950s.

Stephen King vs. “The Shining”

While audiences adore Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of Stephen King’s novel “The Shining”, the author himself wasn’t entirely pleased. King disliked Jack Nicholson’s casting as Jack Torrance, feeling that the character’s descent into madness was too evident from the start. Nevertheless, the film remains a horror classic.

Whether you’re a cinephile or a casual viewer, these tidbits add depth to the movies we love. Stay tuned for more intriguing facts in our next edition of “Figures of Fright & Fame.” 🎥🍿👻

Don’t forget to take a look at our special collections!