MJM Studios' new blockbuster ("It's more than a blockbuster," said one studio hack, "It's a neighborhood buster.") MIGHTY MOUSE--THE MOVIE is being given much hope by others in the industry. Some say it will have to bring in $600 million dollars just to break even. It's high cost is due to the fact that they have "A major special effect just about every other minute," says director Peter Bogdonavich. And that sum doesn't include retakes. They'll be able to bring it in for $200 million if they get everything right the first time.
That will be pretty hard to do since there have been many personality clashes between the big-name stars cast for the film and the big-name stars who didn't make it. Just about everyone who didn't get in the cast has been trying to crash the filming. Some have been given cameos to insure their co-operation. Among them are Felix the Cat (who is currently suing a college for illegally using his name for a dorm), Lassie, Frances Bavier, Kenneth Osmond (the infamous "Eddie Haskell"), Keye Luke, and Johnny Carson. Most surprising is Alfred Hitchcock, who wants to do a cameo, as he calls it, "As a sewer rat with my theme music in the background." Bogdanovich was surprised but said he knew that Hitch was losing it. Says Peter, "He probably thinks he's the director."
Two major stars were hospitalized on the first day of shooting, so shooting will be delayed indefinitely. Sylvester Puss and Tom Cat, the pic's two heavies, became temporary heroes before being taken away in an ambulance as they tried to ostracize two unwelcome visitors to the set, none other than their old nemesis--Jerry Mouse and Tweety Bird. Tom attempted to stop them by throwing anvils, but through a freak incident, they boomeranged back towards Sylvester and Tom, giving both serious concussions and flat heads. Though hurt, neither gave up. Sylvester said, "Let me try to catch them with a cleverer, thubtler gag" which consisted of dynamite. The ensuing explosion ravaged Studio B. Both cats were then rushed to the Beverly Hills Veterinary Hospital ("Itsth like going home again," quipped Sylvester. All Tom said was "AAAAAAAAAAUUUUUUUUGGGGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!" in a funny recreation of his famous scream.). Neither Tweety or Jerry were hurt but the last laugh was on them when both were presented with subpoenas by the cats' lawyers. A court date has not been set.
There was an even more unwelcome visitor when they attempted to shoot scenes that neither Tom or Sylvester were in. One take was all that was allotted for a simple scene with Porky Pig, Daffy Duck and Mickey Mouse walking down the street. So who should appear on the corner but Peter's ex, Cybill Shepherd! In attempt to save the scene, all three ignored her. But Shepherd decided to improvise dialogue with "Hey studs, what's up?" Porky ad-libbed "H-h-h-hey lady, don't you know pro-pro-pro-soliciting ain't legal in this city?" And Daffy added, "And even if we had the two bucks, we wouldn't spend it. Woo woo!"
Shepherd became furious and began attacking Porky and Daffy. Mickey quickly slipped into his Mighty Mouse gear and tried to save the pair. Surprisingly, he succeeded. Bogdanovich found the scene very funny--"The idea of Mighty Mouse saving two people from a prostitute is great!" But Shepherd refuses to let her footage be used. "Sure I want to be in the film," she explained, "But not as a prostitute....I had ideas along the lines of Mighty Mouse's girlfriend." When Mickey heard this, he said, "I remember the horrible reviews Donald (Duck) got for THE THREE CABALLEROS [referring to allegations of bestiality]. The closest I ever got myself was with Garbo in MICKEY'S GALA PREMIERE. Hey, and she's playing my mother in this film.....This is getting to be a really sick film!"
Further information will be relayed as it happens.
No comments:
Post a Comment