Summary

In Chapter 5: Wresting R.O.U.S. in the Fire Swamp, Elwes was nervous about the first shoot day. Elwes and Wright were performing the escape through the Fire Swamp scene. Elwes wrote, “Everything about the setting screamed, “Big-Time Hollywood movie.” What I felt could be akin to the thrill that perhaps a minor-league baseball player experiences when he’s called up to the majors and walks into a 50,000-seat stadium for the first time” (89). Reiner had to teach Elwes how to say some lines, but he performed well.

William Goldman was also on set. Screenwriters were not often invited to productions, but it depended on the dynamic between the writer and director. Goldman was extremely anxious. He accidentally ruined several takes after his fervent praying could be heard in the background of some shots. Goldman also walked in while they were filming...