Question 1

What happened during the famous rain-barrel scene filming that caused the director to intervene?

Accepted Answer

During the rain-barrel sequence, Jean Harlow reportedly stood up topless and called out something like "one for the boys in the lab!" Director Victor Fleming removed the film from the camera to prevent footage from reaching the black market.

Question 2

How did Jean Harlow's personal tragedy affect the production schedule?

Accepted Answer

Midway through filming, Jean Harlow's husband Paul Bern committed suicide. Although she was absent for 10 days following his death, scenes were shot around her and the movie was completed on schedule.

Question 3

What later film was a remake of Red Dust, and how did it differ?

Accepted Answer

Red Dust was remade as Mogambo (1953) by John Ford, set in Africa rather than Indochina, shot in color on location, with Ava Gardner and Grace Kelly in the female roles, and Clark Gable returning to play the same character.

Question 4

What was Red Dust's significance for MGM during the Great Depression?

Accepted Answer

The film was one of MGM's big earners in 1932 and was partially responsible for the studio being the only one to turn a profit during that depression-ravaged year, when over a third of Hollywood studios closed permanently.

Question 5

What romantic triangle drives the plot of Red Dust?

Accepted Answer

Dennis, owner of a rubber plantation in Cochinchina, is involved with Vantine, but becomes infatuated with Barbara Willis when she arrives with her husband, the new surveyor.

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Red Dust

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