Question 1

How did cinematographer Hal Mohr win an Oscar for this film?

Accepted Answer

When the forest designed by Max Reinhardt couldn't be lit properly, Hal Mohr thinned the trees, sprayed them with aluminum paint, and covered them with cobwebs and metal particles to reflect light. He became the first (and only) write-in winner of an Academy Award.

Question 2

Why was James Cagney's daughter upset watching the film?

Accepted Answer

James Cagney's daughter Cathleen was so upset by the scene where her father is turned into a donkey that they had to bring James out to calm her down.

Question 3

How did Mickey Rooney's broken leg affect filming?

Accepted Answer

Mickey Rooney broke his leg during filming and was wheeled around behind bushes on a bicycle. He was doubled by George P. Breakston in many scenes.

Question 4

Why did Dick Powell want to leave the film?

Accepted Answer

Dick Powell felt he was miscast as Lysander and asked to be taken off the film.

Question 5

What was the original runtime and when was the full version restored?

Accepted Answer

The film was first released at 132 minutes, then trimmed to 117 minutes for general release. The full 132-minute version wasn't seen again until it turned up on cable television in 1994.

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