The 1990 film Ghost, starring Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, and Whoopi Goldberg, remains one of the most iconic movies of the 90s. Combining supernatural thrills with heartfelt romance, Ghost captivated audiences with its unforgettable storyline, stunning performances, and heart-wrenching moments. But like most films, Ghost wasn’t without its flaws—some visible, others hidden in plain sight. From behind-the-scenes surprises to minor mistakes that only the most eagle-eyed viewers might catch, here’s a look at the unexpected bloopers and secrets that make Ghost even more fascinating.
The Iconic Pottery Scene: Romance, Magic, and a Pottery Mishap
When most people think of Ghost, the first scene that comes to mind is the pottery wheel moment—one of the most famous romantic scenes in film history. Sam (Patrick Swayze) and Molly (Demi Moore) create an intimate connection as they mold clay together, their hands touching as the iconic song Unchained Melody by The Righteous Brothers plays in the background.
The Pottery Mishap: A Happy Accident
What many viewers don’t know is that the pot breaking in the scene was an accident. Originally, the pot wasn’t supposed to break, but when it did, the filmmakers decided to keep the take. The raw emotion that both Swayze and Moore displayed when the pot shattered turned the scene into a spontaneous and powerful moment. It became one of the most iconic moments in cinematic history, adding a layer of authenticity to the romance.
The Clean Arms Goof: A Subtle Mistake in a Sensual Moment
After the messy clay moment, you might have noticed something strange—the characters’ arms, which were covered in clay moments before, appear miraculously clean in the next shot. This small continuity error is one of those sneaky little goofs that loyal fans might catch. While it’s easy to overlook, it adds a touch of charm to the scene. After all, even the most carefully crafted films can have moments of imperfection.
Patrick Swayze’s Emotional Journey: More Than Just Acting
Patrick Swayze’s portrayal of Sam Wheat, the ghost who strives to protect his girlfriend, was not just a job for the actor; it was deeply personal. Behind the scenes, Swayze’s emotional connection to the story helped him deliver one of his most powerful performances.
Swayze Cried Six Times Reading the Script
Swayze admitted in interviews that he cried six times while reading the script. His connection to the character was profound. The story of Sam trying to protect his loved one from beyond the grave reminded Swayze of his own father, a “gentle cowboy” who passed away before the film’s production. This personal connection added layers to Swayze’s portrayal of Sam, making it resonate emotionally with audiences worldwide.
Swayze’s Dedication to Casting Whoopi Goldberg
One of the film’s standout performances came from Whoopi Goldberg, who played Oda Mae Brown, the fraudulent psychic who helps Sam communicate with Molly. What many don’t know is that Swayze was instrumental in getting Goldberg cast. He personally requested her, even issuing an ultimatum to the filmmakers: if Goldberg didn’t get the role, he wouldn’t star in the film. His belief in her talent was validated when Goldberg won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, solidifying her place in Hollywood history.
The Dark Shadows Scene: A Chilling Sound Design Twist
While Ghost is primarily a romance, it also has its eerie moments, especially the scene where Carl and Willie are dragged to the afterlife by dark shadows. This scene is made even more unsettling by its haunting sound design.
The Eerie Sound of Infant Screams
The terrifying noise associated with the dark shadows is actually a recording of infant screams, played in reverse and slowed down. This unsettling sound effect amplifies the supernatural atmosphere of the scene, making it all the more spine-chilling. It’s a brilliant touch from the sound department, but also a detail that many viewers may have missed.
Demi Moore’s Career and the Backlash to Her Paycheck
Ghost catapulted Demi Moore to new heights in her career, not only because of her starring role but also due to her groundbreaking paycheck. She became the highest-paid actress in Hollywood at the time, which sparked a lot of controversy.
The Backlash: “Gimme Moore”
Critics were quick to label Moore as “greedy,” with media outlets dubbing her “Gimme Moore” because of her reported salary. Despite the backlash, Moore took the criticism in stride. Looking back, she saw the criticism as a result of her career peak, but she didn’t let it define her. In fact, her role in Ghost marked a turning point in her career, and she became one of Hollywood’s most sought-after stars.
Patrick Swayze’s Ghostly Ice-Chewing Trick
It’s well-known that Ghost was filmed in chilly New York during winter, but what you might not know is how Patrick Swayze kept his breath from being visible during ghost scenes.
Chewing Ice to Keep His Breath Invisible
To maintain the illusion of being a ghost, Swayze chewed ice right before filming his scenes. This clever trick ensured that his breath wouldn’t be visible in the cold air, allowing the filmmakers to preserve the ethereal atmosphere surrounding his character. It’s a small behind-the-scenes detail that helped maintain the magic of the film.
The Unexpected Revival of “Unchained Melody”
One of the most iconic elements of Ghost is the song Unchained Melody. While the song had been recorded in 1965, it wasn’t until the release of Ghost that it became a global sensation. The song’s resurgence in popularity helped solidify it as a timeless anthem for love.
Record Store Frenzy
As the film gained popularity, fans flocked to record stores to buy the soundtrack. Due to high demand, many stores sold out of the album, and fans were left scrambling to find it. This unexpected success turned Unchained Melody into a romantic classic, forever linked to the film’s enduring appeal.
A Subtle Typo in the Closing Credits
As the credits roll at the end of Ghost, there’s a fun little blooper that many might not notice—an accidental typo. The film credits list “Cemetary Ghost” instead of the correct spelling, “Cemetery Ghost.” While this minor mistake is easy to overlook, it’s a fun little goof that only the most attentive viewers will catch.
Sam’s Blood Stains: A Minor Detail You Might Have Missed
In one of the film’s most emotional moments, Sam is shot and killed by Willie Lopez. As Molly cradles Sam’s lifeless body, his blood stains her shirt. However, when we later see her at the police station, her shirt is miraculously clean, with no trace of blood. It’s a small continuity mistake, but one that most viewers wouldn’t catch unless they were paying close attention.
Conclusion: The Endearing Imperfections of Ghost
Despite the occasional blooper or behind-the-scenes mistake, Ghost remains a beloved classic. From the accidental pottery scene mishap to the minor continuity errors that add to its charm, these small imperfections only enhance the film’s timeless appeal. Ghost is a reminder that it’s not always the perfect moments that make a movie great—it’s the authentic, human details that resonate most with audiences.
