Behind the Bastards Part Two: The Twilight Zone Movie
May 19, 2022
Caitlin Durante, a passionate film enthusiast, joins the discussion about the haunting legacy of The Twilight Zone Movie. They delve into the tragic helicopter crash on set, highlighting the shocking negligence that caused loss of life. The conversation navigates through John Landis's complex dual legacy as both an influential filmmaker and a figure of controversy. Listeners are engaged with anecdotes about Hollywood's dark side and the ethical dilemmas faced in the wake of such tragedies, blending critical insights with a touch of humor.
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Illegal Hiring and Cover-Up
- Landis instructed parents of child actors to lie about their children's presence and payment.
- Production staff knew hiring the children illegally, especially near explosives, was a serious crime.
On-Set Atmosphere
- The children, Renee and Micah, were initially scared by the helicopters and explosions.
- Vic Morrow calmed them with funny faces, but Landis yelled at them for laughing.
The Crash
- During filming, Landis repeatedly told the helicopter pilot to fly lower, despite larger explosions.
- The helicopter crashed, killing Renee instantly and cutting Morrow and Micah in half.