The 1990 film Ghost quickly became a cultural phenomenon, cementing its place in cinematic history with unforgettable moments like the iconic pottery scene. This romantic thriller, blending love, suspense, and the supernatural, captured hearts around the world. Yet even in a masterpiece, little blunders and quirky behind-the-scenes details sneak their way in. Here are some surprising bloopers and behind-the-scenes stories from Ghost that you might have missed.
Swayze’s Emotional Connection to the Role
Patrick Swayze, who played Sam Wheat, had a personal reason for connecting with his role. The storyline reminded him of his late father, Don, whom he affectionately called “Big Buddy.” In his autobiography, Swayze mentioned how the film allowed him to imagine his father watching over him, which made the project even more meaningful. In fact, Swayze was so moved by the script that he admitted to crying six times while reading it. This emotional connection added a unique depth to his performance, but it also made for some unexpected on-set moments.
The Pottery Scene: Love and Clay (And a Funny Mishap)
No discussion of Ghost would be complete without mentioning the pottery scene, one of the most romantic moments in movie history. The sensual scene between Sam (Swayze) and Molly (Demi Moore) became so iconic that it’s synonymous with the film itself. However, what many fans don’t know is that this tender moment wasn’t originally intended to end with a broken pot. The pottery accidentally collapsed during filming, but Swayze and Moore stayed in character, turning the unscripted mishap into one of the film’s most beloved scenes.
And here’s another goof: if you watch closely, you’ll notice that Sam and Molly’s arms are covered in clay up to their elbows during the pottery-making sequence. Yet moments later, in the romantic follow-up scene, their hands are completely clean. Love may be messy, but apparently, movie magic keeps everything spotless.
Swayze’s Icy Solution for Ghostly Breath
In a film where Swayze’s character is a ghost, filmmakers faced an unexpected challenge: his breath. During cold evening scenes shot in New York City, the crew realized that Sam’s breath would be visible—a dead giveaway that he wasn’t, well, dead. To fix this, they had Swayze chew on ice to cool his breath before each take. This unusual technique prevented his breath from fogging up, keeping the illusion intact. It’s a small detail, but one that made a big difference in maintaining the film’s realism.
Whoopi Goldberg’s Unexpected Casting as Oda Mae Brown
Casting Whoopi Goldberg as the medium Oda Mae Brown was not in the film’s original plan, but Swayze changed that. Having seen Goldberg perform on Broadway, he felt she was perfect for the role. In fact, he was so determined to have her in the movie that he reportedly told the producers he wouldn’t do the film unless she was cast. His insistence paid off, as Goldberg’s performance became one of the highlights of Ghost, eventually winning her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Interestingly, Goldberg’s character was initially written as a genuine psychic. However, director Jerry Zucker decided it would be more comedic if Oda Mae was a fraud who suddenly found herself able to communicate with ghosts. This twist added a humorous, memorable layer to Goldberg’s role.
Unnerving Dark Shadows and Horror Sounds
The terrifying scene in which demonic shadows drag villains Carl and Willie into the underworld is etched into many viewers’ memories. The chilling sounds that accompany these dark figures are unforgettable, and for good reason. The film’s sound editors created the eerie noises by slowing down the sounds of babies’ cries and playing them backward. The result? A haunting, inhuman wail that still gives viewers chills, enhancing the unsettling nature of these ghostly figures.
Patrick Swayze’s Audition Battle for the Role
Swayze’s journey to landing the role of Sam Wheat was far from easy. Initially, director Jerry Zucker didn’t want Swayze in the role, saying, “Over my dead body will Patrick Swayze play this role.” However, Swayze eventually won Zucker over with his emotional audition and heartfelt connection to the script. It’s difficult to imagine anyone else embodying the role with the same intensity and authenticity that Swayze brought, but the casting process was a surprising battle.
Demi Moore’s Transformation to “Gimme Moore”
At the time of Ghost, Demi Moore was the highest-paid actress in Hollywood. While her role as Molly made her a household name, it also attracted criticism for her record-breaking salary. Some detractors called her “Gimme Moore” and accused her of being greedy, a backlash that Moore found challenging to navigate. Reflecting on the criticism years later, she noted, “It’s interesting that the choice to take me down came when I became the highest-paid. Why did that happen at that exact moment?”
Behind-the-Scenes Mistakes and Bloopers
Every great movie has its quirks and goofs, and Ghost is no exception. Here are a few more blunders you may have missed:
- The Police Station Wardrobe Mix-Up: After Sam’s tragic shooting, Molly cradles his lifeless body, with his blood visibly staining her sleeves. However, in the following scene at the police station, her sleeves appear clean. While this was likely a continuity oversight, it’s one of those small details that eagle-eyed viewers might catch.
- The Closing Credits Typo: At the end of the film, a humorous typo appears in the credits. Instead of “Cemetery Ghost,” the credits list a character as “Cemetary Ghost.” It’s a minor error that slipped by the editors but stands as a fun Easter egg for observant fans.
- Unchained Melody’s Surprising Comeback: Before Ghost, “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers hadn’t been a chart-topper for decades. But after the film’s release, the song surged in popularity, and fans scrambled to buy it. Many record stores, unprepared for the demand, ran out of copies, forcing fans to buy the band’s greatest hits album to get their hands on the song.
A Legacy Filled with Heart and Laughter
Ghost remains an unforgettable film, not just for its romance and drama but for its blend of supernatural elements, humor, and mystery. It’s a movie filled with memorable lines, thrilling moments, and plenty of heart. From Patrick Swayze’s intense performance to Whoopi Goldberg’s comedic flair, each actor brought their unique energy to make Ghost a timeless classic.
The bloopers and behind-the-scenes stories only add to the charm of a film that has left an indelible mark on pop culture. So the next time you watch Ghost, keep an eye out for these fun details—and enjoy the magic of a film that, even with its tiny flaws, remains a cinematic masterpiece.
Conclusion: Reliving the Timeless Magic of Ghost
Ghost has aged beautifully, retaining its emotional depth, suspense, and romance. These small mistakes and untold stories give fans even more to love about this classic film. From Swayze’s ice-chewing ghostly trick to Goldberg’s unexpected casting, every element contributes to the film’s unique magic. So go ahead, revisit Ghost, catch a blooper or two, and let the timeless love story and thrilling supernatural elements sweep you off your feet all over again.
