If you create a film based on a chain gang, you should expect that the cast is physically on point! It wasn’t much of a surprise then that the cast in the film actually performed some of those grueling scenes, and not any stunt doubles.
The scene of the gang members covering a road with asphalt was actually performed in real life as they got the job done about a mile off a California highway. Great work, boys!
The Eyes Have It All
More than his phenomenal acting and good looks, there was one particular detail about Paul Newman that made the film what it is today – those sparkling blue eyes. Newman's eyes were so distinct that they really lit up the films he starred in.
Those eyes were so important that the producers even pushed to re-shoot a number of scenes to focus more on Newman's baby blue eyes. For them to spend more on re-shooting must have meant that those eyes were a VITAL part of the overall film. They believed that more coverage of his eyes would mean more profit for the film. I guess they made the right decision!
Joy Harmon
Joy Harmon, the actress who made the car washing scene so iconic, was pretty oblivious to just how popular the scene would become. Actress Joy Harmon had no idea just how famous her car-washing scene would become, especially being one of the few women who took part in the film. She was obviously unaware that this would be one of the film’s most notable scenes. She even mentioned, “I just figured it was washing the car.”
In addition to some fun facts about the scene, the convicts in the scene weren't entirely acting since they were actually shivering in the freezing cold! It must have been a difficult three days to film that!
Serious Role
American actor Morgan Woodward truly made a name for himself playing the role of Boss Godfrey, a very unique and mysterious man notably known as the "man with no eyes". Morgan Woodward, just like Paul Newman, took his role very seriously and went to lengths to perfect such a character.
Woodward was so serious and willing to give his best for the role that he even kept silent offset and made sure to keep wearing those sunglasses. That's some dedication right there!
Well-Deserved Award
Playing the extremely challenging role of the prisoners' leader named Dragline, George Kennedy truly exceeded everyone's expectations with his phenomenal performance. He was Luke’s nemesis for most of the film but eventually, turned into his best bud. Apparently, Kennedy shelled out $5,000 in trade advertising to promote himself as an actor. Well, he got more than his money’s worth in return!
Kennedy’s acting was so excellent that it landed him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor and a nomination for the corresponding Golden Globe. He was the only actor to win an award for his role in the film and he truly deserved every bit of recognition he got from it! We're pretty sure that nobody could have nailed it better than he did!