Facts About ‘The Shawshank Redemption’: Frank Darabont’s “The Shawshank Redemption” is a masterpiece that focuses on perseverance and teaches one to dare to dream even when there is no visible way out. It’s a timeless classic that will leave you inspired and prepare you to be hopeful even on the worst days of your life. No matter your preferred genre, this exceptional movie has something in store for everyone. The film has inspired every viewer in some way or another, and it definitely has the spark that establishes a connection with its audience even 30 years after its release.
Now, here are ten facts that you probably were unaware of about “The Shawshank Redemption,” a 1994 American prison drama based on Stephen King’s 1982 novella, “Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption.”
Director Frank Darabont purchased the adaptation rights of ‘Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption’ from Stephen King for $5,000, but do you know what happened to that money?
Well, King never encashed the $5,000 check. Instead, he later got it framed and sent it back to Darabont along with a note that read: “In case you ever need bail money. Love, Steve.”
Where is the real Shawshank prison located?
The Shawshank prison used in the movie is fictional, just like the story itself. In reality, the movie was shot in the Ohio State Reformatory, also known as the Mansfield Reformatory, located in Mansfield, Ohio. The facility was shut down in 1990 due to inhumane living conditions.
What happened to the oak tree that united Andy and Red?
The oak tree, which was a symbol of hope in the film and under which Andy left a letter for his dear friend Red, was located near Malabar Farm State Park in Lucas, Ohio. But to one’s dismay, the iconic oak tree was first split by lightning in 2011 and then finally destroyed by the winds in 2016.
The movie had a cameo of Morgan Freeman’s son as well. But wait, when did this happen?
Most of us were so engrossed in resonating with Morgan Freeman’s emotions when his paroles were rejected one after the other that it skipped our eyes that the pictures of the young-looking Morgan Freeman attached to his parole papers are actually photos of Morgan Freeman’s son Alfonso Freeman.
A still from The Shawshank RedemptionDid you feel bad for Andy as he had to crawl through a sewer pipe described in the film as a “river of shit” to regain his much-deserved freedom?
In that case, you must know that, in reality, Andy crawled through a mixture of water, chocolate syrup, and sawdust. Well, it wasn’t that bad “river of shit” after all. But it is also true that the stream in which Andy emerges free was actually toxic.
The alternate ending:
In the ending envisioned by Darabont, Red boards a bus to head to Zihuatanejo alone, leaving the audience to wonder about his fate. But it was the test audience who got it altered, as they found the initial ending unsatisfying. So we definitely owe them a thank you for the addition of the uplifting reunion scene between Red and Andy on the beach. I mean, it was that much-needed closure that put a smile on all our faces and contentment in our hearts.
What was so special about the hat worn by Red in the film?
The distinctive hat worn by Morgan Freeman’s character, Red, throughout the film became an iconic symbol. However, the hat wasn’t originally part of the costume design. It belonged to director Frank Darabont, who wore it during production. When Freeman admired the hat, Darabont incorporated it into Red’s character, giving him a unique and memorable accessory.
How many yards did Andy slog in the sewage to attain his freedom?
As per dialogue narrated by Red, “Five hundred yards…the length of five football fields…just shy of half a mile.” But wait a minute, 500 yards do not even make a third of a mile. So yeah, bad maths!
What was Red’s actual crime for which he served the life term?
Though in the movie, Red says that his crime was a robbery that turned into a fatal shooting, the book says something else. In Stephen King’s story, Red was jailed for murdering his wife by disabling her brakes, which accidentally killed a neighbor and child, as well.
What was so special about the Rita Hayworth poster that Andy had?
That wasn’t some random printed poster. To much surprise, the Rita Hayworth poster that conceals Andy’s escape tunnel was an actual vintage poster from the 1940s. The motive behind it was a pretty simple one: to maintain the authenticity of the props used, be it the poster or the chess pieces used by Andy and Red.
“The Shawshank Redemption” was not a box-office success, as it was a slow-burn character drama, or maybe prison films were not the top choice of the audience then. However, when we look at it now, the film is one of the evergreen choices and tops almost every list of all-time favorite movies. It offers a strong emotional connection and a resonating message about hope, finding joy in little things, and the importance of friendship, all of which can cast a spell on viewers of different generations.
