Rolling Thunder/Fun Facts

From The Grindhouse Cinema Database

< Rolling Thunder

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  • The film was originally produced and scheduled for release by 20th Century Fox; it was prominently featured in their 1977 exhibitors' guide. However, the studio brass were greatly disturbed by the violence in the finished film, and the decision was made to sell it off to American International Pictures.
  • James Best initially turned down playing the role of the Texan because he objected to the profanity in the script. However, Best eventually agreed to play the part after he learned that both William Devane and Tommy Lee Jones were attached to the movie. Best put ice cubes under his cowboy hat to convey that his character was always sweating.
  • Jordan Gerler who plays Rane's son is the real son of actor Adam Roarke.
  • In his 1982 book Adventures in the Screen Trade, William Goldman called an advance screening of this movie "the most violent sneak reaction of recent years... the audience actually got up and tried to physically abuse the studio personnel present among them."
  • Other actors that were offered the role of Charlie Rane included Joe Don Baker, David Carradine and Kris Kristofferson.
  • Other directors offered the film included John Milius and George A. Romero.
  • Premiered at the Cine 42 in October 1977.
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