Question 1

What health challenge did Hume Cronyn face while filming, and how did he handle it?

Accepted Answer

Hume Cronyn was diagnosed with optic cancer, requiring surgical removal of an eye. He volunteered to work past 5 p.m. and revamp his shooting schedule to finish his role quickly, handling it professionally despite stress for the director.

Question 2

Why was the prison set construction for the film particularly challenging?

Accepted Answer

The prison set took seven weeks to build, starting in snow and ending in 100-degree heat. After filming, the entire set had to be removed to restore the area to its original pristine state.

Question 3

How did the filming location in Joshua Tree National Monument require special preparation?

Accepted Answer

Filming occurred in Joshua Tree National Monument, the first movie allowed in the 500,000-acre park. A wagon-rutted road had to be bulldozed and widened for three miles for vehicular access due to its remoteness.

Question 4

What issue arose with the rattlesnakes used in a key scene, and how was it resolved?

Accepted Answer

Twelve rattlesnakes were used for a key scene but failed to hiss on cue. The hissing had to be dubbed in during post-production.

Question 5

What was the conflict between director Joseph L. Mankiewicz and Warner Brothers over the film's runtime?

Accepted Answer

Joseph L. Mankiewicz's preferred version ran 165 minutes, but Warner Brothers re-cut it to 126 minutes, causing his great irritation, with notable casualties in the editing.

There Was a Crooked Man...

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