Question 1

Why did director John Frankenheimer rig a mannequin to fall during filming?

Accepted Answer

To get a real, horrified reaction from extras playing the audience, he had a mannequin dressed as a skydiver dropped from a helicopter. Most extras thought it was a real person hitting the ground.

Question 2

Which actor replaced John Phillip Law in The Gypsy Moths and why?

Accepted Answer

Scott Wilson replaced John Phillip Law as Malcolm Webson after Law injured his wrist while filming a landing scene. He was raised by a crane and released, but broke his wrist when he fell.

Question 3

What happened to a real skydiver doubling for an actor during filming?

Accepted Answer

An unexpected gust of wind slammed one skydiver into the ground, breaking his collarbone and dislocating his shoulder. Despite the pain, he stayed in character and finished the scene.

Question 4

Which of his own films did John Frankenheimer consider among his favorites?

Accepted Answer

Frankenheimer called The Gypsy Moths one of his two favorite films, despite it not receiving the same attention as his thrillers like Seconds and The Manchurian Candidate.

Question 5

What short documentary about the making of The Gypsy Moths occasionally airs on TCM?

Accepted Answer

TCM occasionally plays a 15-minute documentary short titled The Sky Divers (1969), narrated by Wink Martindale. It is also included on the Warner Brothers DVD.

The Gypsy Moths

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