Question 1

Why was director John Sturges initially intimidated by Spencer Tracy?

Accepted Answer

According to John Sturges, he was frightened directing Spencer Tracy, who he considered a living legend. Initially, he focused on storyboards and camera angles and did not dare interfere with Tracy's acting.

Question 2

Which real-life friendship led to Pat O'Brien's casting in the film?

Accepted Answer

Spencer Tracy personally got his good friend Pat O'Brien a role in this movie. They had been friends since childhood and would make only one more film together, The Last Hurrah (1958).

Question 3

How much location footage was actually shot in New York City?

Accepted Answer

Although almost all of the film takes place in New York City, there is less than five minutes of footage filmed on-location in New York City.

Question 4

What payment was made to avoid a plagiarism charge for the film?

Accepted Answer

Gustav Garfield was paid $5,000 to avoid a plagiarism charge for a short story called 'Murder in Jest' after the studio paid $40,000 to NYC Asst. District Atty. Eleazar Lipsky for the script.

Question 5

What was Pat O'Brien's career status when the film began production?

Accepted Answer

When the film began production, Pat O'Brien had largely been out of circulation in Hollywood.

The People Against O'Hara

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