Though the film nailed many small details that contributed to the film’s overall successful performance, there were still some pieces of information that the producers did not oversee. It seems that they forgot that the film was set in the 1940s as they cast Luke Jackson as a Korean War veteran. Newsflash, the Korean War didn’t even commence during that period!
They also didn’t realize that the song Plastic Jesus, one of the details that gave an identity to the film, was actually written in 1957. So close but not enough!
Not a Fan At All
It seems that much of the drama that occurred in the production of the film had to do with the author, Donn Pearce. Yet again, Pearce voiced his discontent with the overall film even with all the success that was coming.
Pearce fearlessly mentioned in a 1989 interview that he seemed to be the only man in the country that didn't like the movie. He even added that the producers "screwed it up ninety-nine different ways."
Too Much Prison for Them
Though the film was produced by Warner Bros., we're pretty sure such a movie pitch was being eyed by many other productions. One of the possible producers was actually Columbia Pictures, the production company, film distributor, and member of Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group.
Unfortunately, the production house had already made the film, “King Rat”, which had a premise that related to Cool Hand Luke and the whole prison-based story. Therefore, they decided to pass up the promising film to save their budget for more diverse production.
The Legacy That Lives On
The success and greatness of the film have truly been engraved in film history, making it a touchstone of the era! In fact, AFI's 100 Years 100 Heroes & Villains ranked Luke as the 30th greatest hero in American Cinema, solidifying Newman's status as a box-office star. Additionally, the United States Library of Congress dubbed “Cool Hand Luke” as “culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant” and was eventually selected as an inductee of the 2005 National Film Registry.
Apart from inspiring other television series, there is even a Christian alternative rock band going by the film’s name. Furthermore, the book was even adapted into a West End play by Emma Reeves. Unfortunately, it didn't see the success that the film saw and ended up closing after two months. Nevertheless, the legacy of the film lives on and will continue to live on for the years to come.
Studying the Accent
Newman heard about the project before it became public and asked for the part before he had even read the script. As a Cleveland native, Newman decided to spend a few days in Huntington, West Virginia, with businessman Andy Houvoura.
On the recommendation of their mutual friend, Houvoura drove Newman to various counties, where Newman could talk to residents and record them so he could study their accents.