Home Alone: Celebrating 35 Years of Holiday Magic - 10 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets
"Home Alone," the beloved Christmas movie, is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. The film, released in November 1990, stars Macaulay Culkin as Kevin McCallister, a young boy left behind by his family during the holidays. Kevin must fend off burglars while protecting his home. To commemorate the milestone, here are 10 behind-the-scenes secrets from the making of the film.
Macaulay Culkin's role as Kevin McCallister in "Home Alone" propelled him to stardom. The film's screenwriter, John Hughes, specifically wrote the movie with Culkin in mind after their collaboration on "Uncle Buck." Director Chris Columbus was initially hesitant but was won over by Culkin's audition, praising his unique and humorous approach to the character.
One of the most iconic scenes in the movie, where Kevin screams after applying aftershave, was not originally scripted that way. Culkin's improvisation during the scene impressed the director, leading to it becoming a memorable moment in the film. The expression on Kevin's face in this scene even made it onto the movie poster.
In the film, Kevin enjoys his freedom by indulging in junk food and watching a fictional gangster movie called "Angels with Filthy Souls." The movie within the movie was created specifically for "Home Alone" and pays homage to the 1938 film "Angels with Dirty Faces." The art director shared that the title was chosen for the VHS tape Kevin watches.
The film's success was not only a career boost for Culkin but also a massive hit at the box office. "Home Alone" dominated the charts in 1990 and 1991, grossing over $470 million worldwide. It held the title of the highest-grossing film of 1990 and remained one of the top live-action comedies for years.
Joe Pesci, who played one of the bumbling burglars, left a lasting mark on Culkin during filming. In a scene where Pesci's character threatens Kevin, the actor bit Culkin's finger, leaving a scar. Despite the on-set mishap, the film's success overshadowed any minor incidents during production.
Director Chris Columbus almost worked on a different Christmas movie before "Home Alone." Initially set to direct "Christmas Vacation," Columbus clashed with the film's star, Chevy Chase, and ultimately left the project. This led him to take on "Home Alone," a decision that proved to be more rewarding for him creatively.
Working with comedy legend John Candy was a highlight for the filmmakers. Columbus praised Candy's improvisational skills, which added depth to his scenes in the film. Despite a tight filming schedule, Candy's comedic talents shone through, creating memorable moments in the movie.
Daniel Stern, who portrayed one of the Wet Bandits, almost missed out on the role due to a pay dispute. After briefly being replaced, Stern returned to the film, realizing the missed opportunity. His portrayal of the bumbling burglar became an integral part of the movie's success.
The mystery of the McCallister family's occupations in the film has long intrigued audiences. Director Chris Columbus revealed that the mother was a successful fashion designer, while the father likely worked in advertising based on John Hughes' experiences. He dispelled rumors of the father being involved in organized crime, clarifying that it was not part of the character's backstory.
As "Home Alone" continues to captivate audiences decades after its release, the film's enduring charm and behind-the-scenes stories showcase the magic of this beloved holiday classic.