Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Fifteen Facts About the Original "Ghostbusters"-- Part 2: "The Slimer"

6.  The Stay Puft Man was a cross between the Michelin Man and the Pillsbury Doughboy.  For the big explosion, gallons of shaving cream were dropped over the Ghostbusters.

7.  Other than Mr. Stay Puft, the most memorable ghost was Slimer.  He was originally known as Onionhead on the set because of his stench characteristic in early drafts.  Once Venkman said "I've been slimed!", he immediately became the Slimer.

8.  Most of the cast came from sketch comedy troupes like Second City, SNL and SCTV and so a lot of adlibbing occurred.  After capturing the Slimer in the hotel, the door flew open and out came Bill Murray who said a total of ten different things, seven of which were considered great.  But they kept the now classic, "We came, we saw, we kicked its ass."

9.  The first ghost, the "Library Ghost" was played by actress Ruth Oliver in human form.  The scary version was played by a puppet.  The exterior shots of the scene came from the New York Public Library and interior from the Los Angeles Public Library.  The transformation was filmed on a sound stage.

10.  Director Reitman spent nearly a month in New York City shooting on location.  Key sites include: Lincoln Center, Columbus Circle, the old Tavern on the Green Restaurant, Central Park and Columbia University. (as long as they agreed not to mention the school in the film, however, they proudly brag about it now).

"If There's Something Strange in Your Neighborhood."  --Cooter

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