10 Unknown Facts About The Shining

Are you ready to explore the spooky corridors of the Overlook Hotel? A place where mystery lurks around every corner and where nothing is quite as it seems. For more than four decades, the Stanley Kubrick classic “The Shining” has gripped viewers with its spine-tingling storytelling and cryptic symbolism. But have you ever wondered what unfolded off-camera or about the tricks needed to bring this film to life? Let’s unravel the top 10 unknown facts about “The Shining.”

#1. It Only Took One Single Phone Call

Did you know Stanley Kubrick and Stephen King had just one conversation before the movie was made? In this solitary early morning chat, Kubrick explored the idea that all ghost stories are inherently optimistic. King, however, had a different perspective, offering a more sinister alternative.

#2. Let It Snow…Salt And Styrofoam

The heart-pounding chase through the snow-covered maze is a scene that few can forget. But was it really snow? Not even a little bit! It turns out that the crew utilized 900 tons of salt and crushed Styrofoam to create this frosty façade. Movie magic, indeed!

#3. The Infamous Elevator Scene

One of the most terrifying scenes in “The Shining” is the river of blood cascading from the elevator. Surprisingly, it only took three takes to film this scene, but a full year of meticulous planning and preparation was required to perfect it.

#4. Danny Lloyd’s Sheltered Experience

Even though Danny Lloyd portrayed Danny Torrance in a horror film, he remained blissfully unaware of its chilling elements while filming. In fact, Stanley Kubrick took great care to shield the young actor from the movie’s true horror, presenting it to him as a simple drama instead.

#5. The Overlook Hotel’s Mysterious Charm

The Overlook Hotel, the central location in the film, was skillfully designed using reference photos from various American hotels. Interestingly, the room number for the infamous location underwent a change during production. Originally labeled as Room 217, the filmmakers heeded the request of the real-life Timberline Lodge, which was used for exterior shots, and altered it to Room 237.

#6. Stephen King’s Dislike of the Film

Did you know that Stephen King wasn’t happy with Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of The Shining? He thought the film was too different from his book, especially in terms of the emotional tone. But even though King wasn’t a fan, the film and the book continue to be cherished by fans worldwide.

#7. The Legendary “Here’s Johnny!” Scene

Over the course of three rough days and at the sacrifice of 60 doors, the unforgettable “Here’s Johnny!” scene unfolded, showcasing Nicholson’s truly terror-inducing performance.

This scene’s production details highlight the lengths Kubrick and his team went to ensure each shot met their high standards.

#8. Danny’s Finger-Wiggling Habit

Danny Lloyd’s finger-wiggling while speaking to his imaginary friend Tony was not scripted but rather an ad-lib by Lloyd himself. This unrehearsed gesture adds a creepy element to his character, making his interactions with Tony all the more disturbing.

#9. Shelley Duvall’s Struggles

Shelley Duvall was deeply affected by playing Wendy Torrance. In fact, the role took a toll on her health, causing her to experience physical illness and hair loss. However, her portrayal of Wendy’s terror and despair added a genuine sense of fear to her performance, making it all the more believable.

#10. The Other Jacks

Before Jack Nicholson’s legendary performance came to be, other actors like Robert DeNiro, Robin Williams, and even Harrison Ford were considered for the role. It’s intriguing to imagine how these actors would have interpreted the character and given their own spin to Jack Torrance’s madness.

The Best Quotes from The Shining

1. “Here’s Johnny!” – Jack Torrance
2. “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” – Jack Torrance (repeatedly typed in the manuscript he’s working on)
3. “Heeere’s Johnny!” – Jack Torrance
4. “Redrum.” – Danny Torrance (written backward as “murder” in the movie)
5. “Wendy, I’m home!” – Jack Torrance
6. “Come play with us, Danny. Forever and ever and ever.” – Grady Twins
7. “Danny’s not here, Mrs. Torrance.” – Danny Torrence
8. “I’m not gonna hurt you. I’m just going to bash your brains in!” – Jack Torrance
9. “The Overlook’s been here for a long, long time.” – Dick Hallorann
10. “Great party, isn’t it?” – Lloyd the Bartender

The Shining 1980 Cast:

• Jack Nicholson as Jack Torrance
• Shelley Duvall as Wendy Torrance
• Danny Lloyd as Danny Torrance
• Scatman Crothers as Dick Hallorann
• Barry Nelson as Stuart Ullman
• Philip Stone as Delbert Grady
• Joe Turkel as Lloyd the Bartender
• Anne Jackson as Doctor