Question 1

Which actor suggested giving Bruce Dern top billing alongside Walter Matthau?

Accepted Answer

According to Bruce Dern's autobiography, it was Walter Matthau's idea to have Dern, known mainly as a character actor, share top billing with him for this film.

Question 2

Why is the film's ending different from the original screenplay?

Accepted Answer

In the original screenplay, Martin was supposed to laugh at the end, true to the film's title. This idea was abandoned, either by director Stuart Rosenberg or Walter Matthau during shooting.

Question 3

Where was the novel on which the film is based originally set?

Accepted Answer

The novel on which the film was based was set in Stockholm, Sweden.

Question 4

What unique filming approach was used for the movie's locations?

Accepted Answer

While most movies film exterior and interior scenes separately, this movie was filmed at real San Francisco locations, with the corresponding interior scenes filmed in those same locations.

Question 5

Which recurring vehicle appears in multiple background scenes?

Accepted Answer

The same distinctive green station wagon with wood paneling was used in multiple scenes as an 'automobile extra', appearing throughout the film in background shots.

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