Behind the Scenes of One of the Most Iconic Romance Films of All Time
Let’s be honest—when Ghost hit theaters in 1990, it owned the big screen. The love story, the heartbreak, the supernatural twist, and of course, that steamy pottery scene—it all came together to create one of the most beloved movies of the decade. Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore’s chemistry lit up the screen, and Whoopi Goldberg’s performance earned her a well-deserved Oscar.
But even with all its emotional highs and Hollywood polish, Ghost wasn’t without its share of mistakes, bloopers, and behind-the-scenes surprises. Some are hilarious, some are touching, and others just make you love the movie even more.
Let’s dive into the little-known slip-ups and off-camera moments that made Ghost the unforgettable classic it is today.
Patrick Swayze Cried Reading the Script—Six Times
Before he ever stepped on set, Patrick Swayze was deeply moved by Ghost. At a press event before the film’s release, he admitted, “I cried six times reading the script.” For a man known for action and drama roles, this was a deeply emotional connection.
Even more surprising? Swayze fought hard to land the role. The studio originally considered casting Kevin Kline, but Swayze insisted the film needed raw romance—not just charm. He practically begged for the part and poured his soul into it once he got the chance.
Video: Ghost (1990) Trailer #1 | Movieclips Classic Trailers
Director Didn’t Want Swayze at First
Talk about awkward beginnings. When Patrick’s agent reached out about the role, director Jerry Zucker reportedly said, “Over my dead body.” Not exactly the warmest welcome.
Later, Zucker softened, saying he didn’t remember saying it—but added, “Well, now that I think about it, maybe he’s correct.” Thankfully, he changed his mind, because it’s hard to imagine Ghost without Swayze as Sam.
The Pottery Scene? It Wasn’t Supposed to End Like That
Let’s talk about the most iconic scene—the pottery wheel moment. It’s steamy, it’s artistic, it’s Unchained Melody at full blast.
Here’s the twist: the pot breaking was not planned. It just happened as they filmed. But instead of stopping, Swayze and Moore stayed in character, creating what might be the most sensual accidental moment in movie history.
Also? That scene was originally followed by a more explicit love scene, but director Jerry Zucker cut it. Why? “We didn’t need it,” he said. The pottery did all the talking.
Oops! The Magic Clay Clean-Up
During the pottery scene, Molly and Sam are covered in wet clay—hands, arms, clothes, everything. But right after, in their intimate bedroom moment? Spotless. Not a speck of clay.
Unless one of them had super-speed cleaning powers, this is one of those classic movie goofs. Still, we’ll let it slide—it’s Hollywood love magic, after all.
Swayze Chewed Ice for Ghost Effect
Ever wonder how Swayze’s character, Sam, managed to roam chilly New York without visible breath in the cold night air?
Simple: he chewed ice before takes. It kept his breath from showing up on camera, maintaining the illusion that he was a ghost. Now that’s some behind-the-scenes dedication.
Whoopi Goldberg Wasn’t the First Pick
Believe it or not, Whoopi Goldberg’s role almost went to someone else. The studio didn’t envision her as Oda Mae Brown at all.
But Swayze insisted. He had seen her perform and demanded she be cast, even telling producers he wouldn’t do the film without her. They flew out to meet her, hit it off immediately, and the rest is Oscar-winning history.
Dark Shadows with a Dark Secret
Remember those creepy spirits dragging souls to the underworld? Yeah, they gave us all nightmares.
Want to know how they made those terrifying sounds? They slowed down recordings of baby cries and played them backward. Not even kidding. Creepy and brilliant all at once.
Demi Moore’s Paycheck Controversy
After Ghost, Demi Moore became the highest-paid actress in Hollywood. But not everyone celebrated that win.
The press nicknamed her “Gimme Moore,” and critics accused her of being greedy. Moore later reflected, “It felt like I betrayed men by becoming successful.”
Success should be celebrated. But for Demi, the backlash made it bittersweet.
Video: Ghost (1990) – the bank scene
Swayze’s Emotional Connection to His Role
Swayze wasn’t just acting—he was channeling real grief. He said he drew inspiration from his late father, Don “Big Buddy” Swayze, who passed away in 1982.
“I thought of my father being dead and I loved the idea of maybe him being right there with me,” he shared. That emotional depth is probably why Sam’s ghost felt so heartbreakingly real.
Cemetery Spelled Wrong in the Credits
Here’s one you probably missed—unless you watched the credits closely. Cemetery Ghost is listed as “Cemetary Ghost”. Yep, a good ol’ spelling error right there in the final moments. Classic blooper territory.
Sam’s Blood Magically Disappears
In the tragic scene where Sam dies, Molly cradles him, and her clothes are covered in blood. But when she shows up at the police station later?
Poof—blood’s gone. Not even a stain. Another continuity error, but hey, maybe she just had time for a quick outfit change. Or maybe it’s just movie logic doing its thing.
Unchained Melody Took Over the Charts
Let’s not forget the power of the soundtrack. Unchained Melody, originally released in 1965 by The Righteous Brothers, skyrocketed back into the charts thanks to Ghost.
Demand was so high, record stores ran out of the single, and fans started buying The Righteous Brothers’ Greatest Hits just to hear it. Total comeback moment for the song—and it gave a whole new generation chills.
Conclusion: Flawed, But Still Flawless
Sure, Ghost has its share of bloopers and behind-the-scenes quirks. From accidental pot shattering to baby-cry demons and disappearing clay, there are plenty of moments that’ll make you chuckle once you spot them.
But none of it takes away from what the film accomplished—it made us feel. It made us cry. And most importantly, it made us believe in love beyond this world.
So next time you watch it, keep your eyes peeled. You might catch something new. And even if you don’t? You’ll still get swept up in the magic.
