Question 1

Why were the opening words of some O. Henry stories altered in the film?

Accepted Answer

John Steinbeck opens an O. Henry volume at the start of each segment, showing the first paragraphs. Only the introductions to 'The Ransom of Red Chief' and 'The Gift of the Magi' show O. Henry's exact opening words; the other three are similar but not exact.

Question 2

Which segment was cut from the premiere prints and later restored?

Accepted Answer

After preview critics felt that 'The Ransom of Red Chief' was weak, it was cut from the official premiere prints. When the film was released to television in the early 1960s, the sequence was restored.

Question 3

How does 'The Last Leaf' reference Jackson Pollock?

Accepted Answer

In 'The Last Leaf' (set in 1907), Berhman brings a painting that looks like a Jackson Pollock to a gallery owner who says, 'Maybe you are ahead of your time. Maybe in 1950 they will recognize it.' Pollock's drip period was 1947–1950.

Question 4

Why did Marilyn Monroe receive star billing despite minimal screen time?

Accepted Answer

Marilyn Monroe received star billing despite being on camera for only about one minute.

Question 5

Which screenwriters for this film received no on-screen credit?

Accepted Answer

The screenwriters for 'The Ransom of Red Chief'—Ben Hecht, Nunnally Johnson, and Charles Lederer—are the only ones for this movie who receive no on-screen credit, either in the opening credits or in the segment title cards.

O. Henry's Full House

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