The classic Science-Fiction comedy “Back to the Future” was released in 1985.
The film starred Michael J. Fox, who starred at the time on the popular sitcom “Family Ties“.
Fox was the original choice to portray his character Marty McFly, but at first he was unable to take time off from “Family Ties”, resulting in Eric Stoltz being cast in the role. After four weeks of filming, Producers felt Stoltz was wrong for the role and accommodations were made that let Michael J. Fox do the movie while also doing “Family Ties”. Those four weeks of filming were then redone with Fox.
The film was produced by Steven Spielberg.
The movie was the Top-Grossing film of 1985.
The film starred:
Michael J. Fox – Marty McFly
Christopher Lloyd – Dr. Emmett Brown
Leah Thompson – Lorraine Baines McFly
Crispin Glover – George McFly
Thomas Wilson – Biff Tannen
Billy Zane appeared in a small role as one of Biff Tannen’s goon buddies.
Michael J. Fox was actually three years older in real life than Crispin Glover, who played his Father in the film.
The school that was portrayed as “Hill Valley High School” in the film is Whittier HS in California, who’s most famous alumnus is former President Richard Nixon.
Other’s originally considered for the role of Marty McFly included C. Thomas Howell, Ralph Macchio, and singer Corey Hart.
The film spawned two highly successful sequels.
Michael J. Fox, Leah Thompson, and Christoper Lloyd have appeared in five films and one TV movie together.
The film was directed by Robert Zemeckis who would also direct the two sequels along with films such as “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?”, “Castaway”, “The Polar Express”, “Romancing the Stone” and “Forrest Gump” among many others.
The set for downtown Hill Valley was located on the Universal Studios lot in California.
Huey Lewis and the News provided two songs for the film, “The Power of Love” and “Back in Time“. Huey Lewis himself had a cameo in the film as a teacher who dismissed Marty’s band for being too loud.
The film studio originally planned on calling the film “The Spaceman from Pluto“.
The film was made on a budget of $19 Million and went on to make over $380 Million worldwide at the Box Office.
Still a comedy classic over 25 years later.
One of my favorite movies of all time!!
By: taureanw on October 3, 2011
at 1:58 pm
taurenw – Still a classic
By: TheIdiotSpeaketh on October 3, 2011
at 3:10 pm
I think the Doc got it wrong – I’ve regularly hit 88mph, and never traveled back in time. Maybe my flux capacitor needs recharging?
)
(Actually, I think they used 88 because the DeLorean couldn’t go any faster!
By: John Erickson on October 3, 2011
at 3:50 pm
No-Hio – My flux capacitor usually gives out at around 23mph….
The bike can’t take much more than that…
By: TheIdiotSpeaketh on October 3, 2011
at 3:52 pm
I probably subconsciously have the lines to that movie memoriezed. My husband watches it far too much. Far too much.
By: Booksphotographsandartwork on October 3, 2011
at 4:50 pm
Linda – I just watched it on satellite this morning while riding the bike….. Your husband wasn’t watching it also was he?
By: TheIdiotSpeaketh on October 3, 2011
at 4:52 pm
Back to the future marathons are the best marathons! Screw marathons that involve running or other forms of physical activity.
By: whatsnormality on October 3, 2011
at 5:39 pm
Rugby Queen – Why do I get the sense you were laying on the couch eating a donut when you typed that?….
By: TheIdiotSpeaketh on October 3, 2011
at 5:43 pm
This is such a favorite!! And the first was the best..it was mentioned years later when Michael was diagnosed with Parkinson’s that it could have been the result of injuries he sustained while filming the skateboard scene.
By: Bridgesburning Chris King on October 3, 2011
at 5:53 pm
Chris – MJF is a real inspiration with the way he has been able to overcome all he has been dealt since getting Parkinson’s. He is one guy I would love to meet someday. This was the perfect movie for him
By: TheIdiotSpeaketh on October 3, 2011
at 6:03 pm
MJF has been such an inspiration to many many Parkinson’s sufferers. I would really love it if science could make a breakthrough soon!
By: adeeyoyo on October 4, 2011
at 4:29 am
adeeyoyo – That would be wonderful if they could during his lifetime, what an inspiration that would be!
By: TheIdiotSpeaketh on October 4, 2011
at 8:35 am
Another of my all-time faves. The first Back to the Future my husband and I must have seen hundreds of times, never gets old!
By: She's a Maineiac on October 4, 2011
at 4:30 pm
Maineiac – I just watched the first one again the other day, you are right, just as fun now as 25 years ago….
By: TheIdiotSpeaketh on October 4, 2011
at 4:47 pm