Top 10 Mistakes That Were Left in Classic Hollywood Movies
#10: Wreath Magic
“It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946)
Even the best and most well-regarded films possess their fair share of continuity errors. This most certainly applies to the world of classic Hollywood films, as well. “It’s a Wonderful Life” is one such example. Here, the timeless holiday favorite features a little Christmas magic, in the form of a disappearing/reappearing wreath. It occurs when George Bailey enters the Bedford Falls Savings and Loan Building. When we see him open the door, he’s holding a Christmas wreath. George then gets word that there’s a phone call for him, and he lays down the wreath. In the next shot, when he’s picking up the phone, the wreath has returned to its place on Bailey’s arm.
#9: Mismatched Taps
“Singin’ in the Rain” (1952)
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Audio discrepancies can also result in some embarrassing movie gaffes for filmmakers, even those as experienced as “Singin’ in the Rain” director Stanley Donen and his star, Gene Kelly. Here, his audio department doesn’t perfectly match up the tap dancing noises to Kelly’s educated feet. It’s honestly difficult to point out for the average viewer, requiring a truly studious eye and ear to notice the inconsistencies. However, if you’ve seen “Singin’ in the Rain” a hundred times as one of your favorite films, then you’ve likely noticed how the tapping sounds don’t always align perfectly with Kelly’s dancing. There are even instances where we hear tapping, while the man’s feet aren’t moving.
#8: Culinary Customs
“Lawrence of Arabia” (1962)
Movie mistakes are a weird business. Sometimes, it all just comes down to not doing one’s research. This was the likely culprit behind this faux pas in 1962’s “Lawrence of Arabia.” Lead Peter O’Toole uses his left hand to take food during a scene that may seem otherwise innocuous. However, a little research will reveal that this actually goes against custom in the Middle East, with that hand being reserved for bathroom use, and not used to eat. One could argue that O’Toole’s T.E. Lawrence might have just been unaware of this custom, but given the fact that his native guide also doesn’t mention anything or react to the incident leads many to believe this was a mistake.
#7: Those Aren’t Loaded
“Apocalypse Now” (1979)
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It seems fairly obvious: load the musical reels into the machine, during the iconic “Ride of the Valkyries” sequence from “Apocalypse Now.” However, given that we know how harrowing and troubled the shoot was for director Francis Ford Coppola and crew during production, it sort of makes sense that this detail was overlooked. It may seem minor, but the scene is so well-known, and so otherwise well-actualized, that it’s sort of funny to watch this today. If this psy-op mission was to have actually taken place, then Wagner’s iconic musical score would’ve sounded like so much reel-to-reel tape flapping in the breeze.
#6: Cover Your Ears!
“North by Northwest” (1959)
We wish all movie mistakes were this precocious and cute. After all, it’s difficult to blame child actors for not being able to fully immerse themselves in their work. “North by Northwest” features a now-famous scene where a young extra takes center stage, with one adorable little move. If you look closely, you can see a young boy place his fingers in his ears, right before a loud gunshot is set off. This is due to the fact that Hitch and his crew had done multiple takes of the scene, so the extra knew what was going to happen. However, no one else in the scene is supposed to know, so we can’t help but have our eyes drawn to the boy, every time!
#5: Reading Lips
“A Streetcar Named Desire” (1951)
We may all believe there’s an actor within us, just waiting to get out. It’s easy to forget, however, that it can be a difficult profession, particularly when it comes to acting 101: remembering those lines. As such, it’s easy to infer that Hollywood icon Marlon Brando seems to be using some sort of mnemonic device to remember his lines and cues here in “A Streetcar Named Desire.” It takes place during the poker scene early on in the film, as Kim Hunter’s “Stella” is speaking her lines. Brando seems to be mimicking her speech, as if to cue and lead himself in for when it’s his turn to say his lines. Hey, even the best need a little help once in a while, right?
#4: Light Bulb Anachronism
“Gone with the Wind” (1939)
Hey, here’s a question: were light bulbs invented during the Civil War? If you answered “no,” then maybe you should’ve worked on the production crew for 1939’s “Gone with the Wind.” That’s because there are a number of scenes featuring electric lamps with cords and light bulbs, resulting in a serious anachronism problem. Does it take away from the film’s grand, sweeping story? Frankly, Mojo-holics, we don’t give a damn. Sorry, we couldn’t resist. The real answer is no, not really. But it’s difficult not to notice, once the mistake has been pointed out.
#3: Wedding Ring
“Double Indemnity” (1944)
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We realize that actors don’t always need to resemble the characters they play on screen. However, certain characteristics should probably be applied to certain physical performances, in order to generate the necessary atmosphere. 1944’s “Double Indemnity” features a character named Walter Neff, a supposed bachelor who’s portrayed by actor Fred MacMurray, who was married. The only problem is that MacMurray leaves his wedding ring on. Given the fact that “Double Indemnity” also features Barbara Stanwyck, whose Phyllis Dietrichson intentionally flirts with Neff. MacMurray’s character flirts back, his apparent marriage all but forgotten!
#2: Dorothy in Black Shoes
“The Wizard of Oz” (1939)
Fun fact: tin is naturally resistant to corrosion, and, as a result, takes a LONG time to rust. So this may count as a flub from 1939’s “The Wizard of Oz.” What’s most definitely a mistake is the continuity error that occurs when Dorothy and The Scarecrow are getting harassed by the apple trees. The Scarecrow is goading the trees into tossing apples at him, and we catch a brief glimpse of Dorothy reacting as he falls. Here, we can clearly see that her iconic ruby slippers have disappeared, replaced with a pair of unassuming black kicks. It’s really brief, but there if you pay close attention.
#1: The Eyes of Death
“Psycho” (1960)
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Death can be shot in many different ways, depending on the film. The best death scenes are supervised by those with a strong knowledge of what exactly happens when this occurs to the human body. The fact that Marion Crane’s eyes are open after the iconic scene from “Psycho” is anatomically correct. This is because the eyelids don’t naturally close at the point of death, contrary to what we see in so many other films. However, actress Janet Leigh’s pupils should’ve been dilated by someone on set, in order to properly depict the act of death. The fact that Crane’s pupils are contracted is a mistake, albeit one that most moviegoers probably never even noticed.
