Question 1

What alternate title was considered for this film before it became 'Fatal Instinct'?

Accepted Answer

The film was originally titled 'Triple Indemnity' by screenwriter David O'Malley, and MGM offered director Carl Reiner the choice between 'Fatal Instinct' or 'Kiss My Pistol'.

Question 2

Which actress was originally considered for the femme fatale role of Lola Cain?

Accepted Answer

Sherilyn Fenn was originally considered for the role of Lola Cain, but she suggested Sean Young for that part and instead played Laura Lincolnberry.

Question 3

What unusual cameo scene was filmed but cut from the theatrical release?

Accepted Answer

A scene with Dudley Moore appearing in drag as Max Shady's mother testifying at Lana's trial was filmed but cut, though it appears on the DVD release.

Question 4

What happened to the film's distribution in the United Kingdom after its US box office struggles?

Accepted Answer

After a disastrous marketing campaign led to a shortened US theatrical run, the film went straight to video in the United Kingdom.

Question 5

What was the central conflict driving the plot of 'Fatal Instinct'?

Accepted Answer

Police officer/lawyer Ned Ravine has an affair with Lola Cain while his wife Lana and her lover plot to murder him to collect on his triple indemnity life insurance policy.

Question 6

What was the original title of Fatal Instinct, and why was it changed?

Accepted Answer

Screenwriter David O'Malley originally titled it "Triple Indemnity," a takeoff on "Double Indemnity," but MGM changed it because they assumed modern audiences wouldn't understand the reference.

Question 7

Which actress was originally considered for the femme fatale role of Lola Cain?

Accepted Answer

Sherilyn Fenn was originally considered for the role of Lola, but she opted for another part and suggested Sean Young be cast instead.

Question 8

What unusual cameo scene was filmed but cut from the theatrical release?

Accepted Answer

A scene with Dudley Moore appearing in drag as Max Shady's mother testifying at Lana's trial was filmed but cut, though it's included on the DVD release.

Question 9

What marketing issue affected the film's release in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

After a disastrous marketing campaign led to a shortened US box office run, the film went straight to video in the United Kingdom.

Question 10

What was the alternative title MGM considered before settling on Fatal Instinct?

Accepted Answer

MGM gave director Carl Reiner the choice of titling the film either "Fatal Instinct" or "Kiss My Pistol," and Reiner refused the latter option.

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Fatal Instinct

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