Captivating Facts About “The Shawshank Redemption” You Probably Didn’t Know

Behind the multiple awards and global acclaim are some captivating facts you’ll probably find out here for the first time. Brace yourself for some major surprises.

The Shawshank story came from Stephen King’s 1982 short story, Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption. The book, published as a standalone work, was one amongst a four-part collection, Different Seasons.

King still had the check with him years after the movie came out. We know this because he later got it framed and sent to the movie director Frank Darabont.

Reiner likely saw the film’s potential and wanted to direct it himself. He offered Mr. Darabont a massive $2.5 million for the rights, which he declined.

Morgan talked about “moments of extreme tension” on the set. He also suggested that the cast and crew struggled to get along with one another.

For example, Mr. Reiner, who had directed Stand By Me, the movie adaptation of King’s work, The Body, had other actors in mind. He would have preferred Tom Cruise to play Andy.

Other top dogs in the movie industry were among these names, such as  Johnny Depp, Charlie Sheen, Jeff Bridges, Nicolas Cage, and Kevin Costner.

In what turned out to be a funny twist, Mr. Cruise announced that he would only play the role of Andy if Mr. Reiner left the saddle for a more experienced director. Mr. Reiner wasn’t going to accept that.

It’s Mozart’s music, specifically from “The Marriage of Figaro.” Mr. Darabont listened to opera music while working on the movie and added it to a scene.

In the book, Red wasn’t just Irish; he also had red hair. Mr. Freeman shockingly made it to play the role because Mr. Darabont preferred his acting skills.

During this scene, we get a glimpse of his parole form with a photo that shows the young Red, who has a striking resemblance to Freeman. It was his son, Alonso Freeman.

When Andy arrives at Shawshank, the movie shows some inmates yelling, “Fresh fish! Fresh fish!” Alonso portrays the inmate in the front.

Darabont loved certain elements of this mob-style movie. So, he didn’t hesitate to infuse inspiration into the shots, editing, and voiceovers. You can spot the similarities if you watch both films with a keen eye.

Darabont decided to continue the legacy by giving the number a spot in the movie. In one scene, just before Red is questioned, the guards shout, “Open 237!”

After the movie, these towns benefited immensely from the popularity that came with hosting the movie.

The director played the part of post-production too. He wanted the hands to move in a certain way that Tim Robbins didn’t quite get, so he had to do it himself.

It was the scene where Andy and Red held their first conversation. Red had to continue throwing a baseball for the entire period. Due to the strain on his joints, he had to support his arm with a sling afterward.

On the other hand, the prison exterior was filmed on the premises of a formerly active but abandoned prison, the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield.

It took the help of its rental and premium cable value to meet its production costs and churn in some good returns.

He had suggested that the title retain the name Rita Heyworth, just like Stephen King’s novella. Whatever the case, it’s good to know that the movie has recovered well to clinch a spot among Hollywood’s greatest classics.