The Biggest Home Alone Mystery Has Finally Been Solved

As a film enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in the world of cinema, I find it absolutely fascinating to delve into the behind-the-scenes stories of iconic films like Home Alone. The sheer creativity and dedication that went into crafting this timeless holiday classic is truly awe-inspiring.

The mystery is solved, ya filthy animals!

Chris Columbus, the director of “Home Alone”, has at last provided an answer to the long-standing question about how Kevin McCallister’s parents managed to own a luxurious and expansive Chicago mansion with their apparent finances.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter on December 24th, Chris clarified that previously, he and John [Hughes] had a discussion about it and they agreed on the roles for each of them.

In the movie, Kevin McCalliter’s parents were hinted at having particular occupations. If you paid attention to the mannequins that Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) positioned in the window as a deterrent for the burglars Harry (Joe Pesci) and Marv (Daniel Stern), you might have deduced that his mother Kate McCallister was a prosperous fashion designer, as stated by the film’s director.

As for John Heard’s Peter McCallister, the details are a bit more fuzzy.

The 66-year-old mentioned that, given John Hughes’ personal background, it’s possible he worked in advertising. However, he can’t recall exactly what his father’s occupation was.

He did, however, know one thing for sure: Peter did not have a talent for forensics.

He clarified that it wasn’t associated with organized crime, despite the fact that there was indeed a significant amount of organized crime activities happening in Chicago during that period.

Now that the enigma has been unraveled, you’re free to perfect your “Kevin!” stance tranquilly. Indeed, Macaulay Culkin’s children have already mastered it as well.

Macaulay Culkin recounted to TopMob News that his eldest child, Dakota (3 years old), thinks he is Kevin. He said, “I asked him, ‘Don’t you remember sliding down the stairs on the sled?’ and he replied, ‘Yes, I do.’ I then asked, ‘Don’t you remember when your hair was yellow?’ and he answered, ‘Yes, I do.’

“‘You’re a lying liar who lies,'” he recalled joking to his son. “That was me!'”

However, unlike Macaulay Culkin’s brother Kieran Culkin, who is married to Jazz Charton and has a 5-year-old daughter Kinsey and a 3-year-old son Wilder, hasn’t had quite the same experience with his children as they haven’t seen the movie yet.

In a conversation with TopMob News earlier this month, the 42-year-old noted that the show contained some frightening segments. For a 3-year-old, these include the tarantula and the character who threatened to bite off all their fingers, which could be quite terrifying for a child of that age.

However, the Succession star did tease that the first-ever family screening may be coming soon.

“We think they might be ready for Home Alone this year,” he revealed. “If not, next year.”

To uncover even more surprises from the ’90s movie that might make you cover your mouth in astonishment, continue on!

As a dedicated follower, I’d like to share how I understand the origin story of John Hughes’ iconic work. Back in 1989, before our family embarked on our first European journey, my father, the brilliant filmmaker John Hughes, was struck by a paternal concern that sparked an idea. In an interview for Chicago Magazine in 2015, my brother James revealed this notion was jotted down in Dad’s notebook two weeks before we left. Upon returning home, he revisited this concept and pondered, “What if one of us children had been inadvertently left behind?

Completely captivated, I, a die-hard fanatic, can’t help but marvel at the speed and brilliance of the genius behind classics like “The Breakfast Club” and “Pretty in Pink”. In just a mere nine days, this mastermind whipped up an initial draft, culminating in an extraordinary eight-hour, 44-page sprint to the climax. And here’s the fascinating part – before he wrapped it up, he jotted down concerns about his pace in the margins of his journal, fearing that he was moving too swiftly!

2. Macaulay Culkin doesn’t view his breakout movie as a must-watch during holidays like many others. In an interview with Ellen DeGeneres in 2018, he admitted that he often changes the channel when the blockbuster appears on his television. (Paraphrased)

In some instances, he has made an allowance. For example, if he gets a new girlfriend who flips through channels and then comes across Home Alone, she might say, ‘Ehh, do you want to watch it?’ He explained on The Tonight Show that same year. Most of the time, he’s just mumbling his lines under his breath as he watches. It’s a bit peculiar, but “Whatever keeps her engine going, I suppose.

Could it be that the reason he agreed to repeat his role was because he was eager to be in the captivating 2018 Google advertisement, which imagines what Kevin might be like as a tech-savvy grown-up?

3. Instead of saying “Hey @Disney, give me a call!”, you could express it as: “Excitedly waiting for Disney’s 2019 announcement about remaking the ’90s classic – introducing Home Sweet Home Alone!

4. The movie might have sported a unique style if Chevy Chase hadn’t been rather difficult. Originally intended to direct the 1989 blockbuster comedy “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” Chris Columbus recounted in Chicago Magazine, but his first dinner with Chase didn’t go well as he described, “To put it plainly, Chevy was disrespectful towards me.

After the second attempt didn’t improve things much, Columbus ended up contacting producer Hughes and deciding to leave the project. Around two weeks later, at his in-laws’ house in River Forest, he received two scripts. One of them was Home Alone, with a note from John asking if Columbus wanted to direct. He thought, “Wow, this guy is truly standing by me when no one else in Hollywood would.” In his eyes, John was his savior.

5. Despite almost not being produced due to a financial disagreement between Warner Bros. and the production team, the movie was on the brink of being sold off. It was during this time that Joe Roth, who was then chairman at 20th Century Fox, had lunch with Hughes’ agent and found out they were arguing over a sum of $700,000.

Roth recalled that he was informed that “Home Alone” had a budget of approximately $14.7 million, but Warner Bros. were only willing to pay $14 million for it. He inquired, “What’s the strategy here?” To which he was told the plan. Roth replied, “Alright, if you can secure it, I’ll produce it.” It seemed like a sensible decision given its low cost and lack of a Thanksgiving movie in his portfolio, as well as his fondness for those involved in the project. As it turned out, the film was highly successful, earning over $476 million at the box office.

6. As a seasoned lifestyle expert, I can confidently say that Culkin had the potential for a standout performance in the making. Having collaborated with him on the movie “Uncle Buck” the year prior alongside the legendary John Candy, Hughes felt he’d found his star – a then-9-year-old boy with immense talent. However, as a responsible director, I felt it was crucial to explore other young actors before making my decision. John Candy, ever the understanding professional, gave me the green light to take my time and make an informed choice.

After reviewing over 200 candidates, Columbus recognized Culkin as the perfect fit. The moment I saw him, I just knew this was the child. It seemed like John intuitively understood that something extraordinary would occur, but it was very thoughtful of him to grant me such creative liberty.

7. Marv (Daniel Stern) and Harry (Joe Pesci), who were not particularly skilled burglars, had formed a strong friendship before they became known as the Wet Bandits.

In a conversation with Chicago, Stern revealed that although it seemed like we first met each other in Home Alone, we had already made each other laugh on set years prior in another movie where we both got cut – I’m Dancing as Fast as I Can. We played characters in a mental institution there, and Joe Pesci constantly carried an architectural drawing tube. During one take, he would put the tube to his nose and pretend to snort ping-pong balls, causing me to burst into laughter and immediately forming a bond with him right then.

8. Stern deeply yearned for this role. He confided, “The script resonated with me. It’s been a while since I had the opportunity to showcase that style of physical comedy, reminiscent of my childhood days.” He added, “I felt I could knock it out of the park with this. I auditioned for Chris. I was so eager to get it. After leaving, I thought, I could do it even better. It was the only time in my life I asked if I could return.” Later, Chris informed him that he had already planned to cast him, but appreciated seeing his dedication at the second audition.

9. Contrary to their on-screen portrayal, Pesci and Stern were not the ruthless, large-tempered individuals they were depicted as. In fact, during a Christmas Eve Reddit session in 2015, Stern confessed, “I’m actually quite tenderhearted when it comes to children, and I enjoyed spending time with Mac.

During the production of the 1992 sequel, “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York“, it turned out that my son Henry (now serving as a state senator in California!), along with daughters Sophie and Ella, spent significantly more time with me compared to the initial film. It was a delight for all of us, including our family dog Mac, to explore Central Park, play tag, and catch together. Reflecting on my character, I believe he exhibited a softer side than Joe’s did.

It aligns with accounts indicating that Pesci deliberately kept away from Culkin on the set, which made Culkin more frightened of his character.

10. However, the stunts were genuinely performed, with the spine-tingling tarantula encounter still giving us the shivers today. Regardless of its unpleasantness, Stern admitted that it was among his most enjoyed scenes to film.

In my own words, I expressed how engaging and amusing the activity was for me, but it also served as a personal mission to conquer my dread of encountering something revolting and potentially harmful on my face. What made it even more nerve-wracking was the necessity of letting out a scream, which meant keeping my mouth wide open, increasing my apprehension that the creature might find its way into my mouth instead!

Indeed, it’s not surprising at all that he exclaimed his sentiment originated “from a depth within me that I’ve seldom ventured into and fervently wish to avoid revisiting!” As someone who closely follows him, I can appreciate the intensity of such emotions.

11. While filming Home Alone and Home Alone 2, it was those stunt guys who bore the brunt of it all. As Columbus confessed to Chicago, “I genuinely believed three or four times that they were dead!” There wasn’t any CGI involved; it was quite harrowing to observe. It wasn’t until they got up and came to watch the playback that we could finally laugh about it.

Sure thing!

12. The sound crew really showcased their skills for every slip-up, using a frozen piece of roast beef to create the sound of a body hitting the ground and a hot soldering iron on chicken skin to mimic flesh burning sounds.

13. It was Macaulay Culkin who received the scar, despite the incident occurring in the film. As he explained in a 2004 interview with Rule Forty Two, during one of the rehearsals for the first “Home Alone”, DeVito threatened to bite off all his fingers. “I’m going to bite all your fingers off, one at a time,” he said. And true to his words, during one of the rehearsals, DeVito did indeed bite him, causing his skin to break.

14. (As a Lifestyle Expert) In an intriguing twist of fate, I nearly made my acting debut with the flick, but it was Chris Farley who almost snatched that role initially. Ken Hudson Campbell, the talented actor who landed the part of the church Santa, reminisced about the audition, recalling a memorable encounter with the comic legend. “It seems he had been out all night and had just arrived after a night filled with mischief, if I may say so,” Campbell shared, describing the early call. “Farley went first. The performance didn’t quite hit the mark. He walked in and promptly walked out. When it was my turn, I felt I delivered as intended. A few weeks later, I received the good news.

15. Notable close calls also involve Robert De Niro, Jon Lovitz, and Kelsey Grammer, who each declined the part of Harry, as well as Uncle Frank which was rejected by Grammer. Oh, you bunch of scoundrels! (in a playful, exasperated tone)

16. The renowned Winnetka, Illinois house, situated approximately 16 miles from Chicago, was indeed inhabited by its owners during filming. Originally, production provided an apartment to Cynthia and John Abendshien for what they stated as a four- or five-week shoot. However, the location manager disclosed that under contract, if they needed to demolish a wall when we were absent, they could do so. Consequently, they advised it was best for us to stay on the property.

For five-and-a-half months, the family of three holed up in their four-room master bedroom suite. “We put a hot plate up there to cook,” said John. “We didn’t have to cook that much, because we had full access to the food truck that the crew used, which our daughter, who was 6 at the time, loved.” Fortunately most of the house-destroying interiors were shot at a local high school that was closed down for the shoot.

17. People living in the North Shore community are accustomed to seeing visitors driving through their suburban road, marveling at the stunning Georgian house priced at $1.585 million.

According to longtime resident Ann Smith who spoke to the Chicago Tribune in 2019, many street dwellers find it enjoyable and consider it a noteworthy experience. She mentioned that having a movie filmed at that location was significant back then, and it continues to be a notable event for her. Whenever she walks past the house, she observes people standing outside, snapping photos.

18. Label these episodes as the ones where Friends’ producers attempted to deceive viewers. In 2016, a sharp-eyed fan at 22 Vision discovered a link between the holiday movie and the popular NBC sitcom – by editing footage that confirmed Monica and Chandler’s suburban New York house was actually the McCallister’s vast Illinois mansion.

In a stroke of cinematic brilliance, I’d say that old Chicago delivered the wintry charm when it mattered most! The film’s chilly ambience was no mere accident; they banked on an arsenal of snow machines and smart semis loaded with fluffy shaved ice to make our screens frostier than a winter’s day.

As I reminisce upon the moment when Catherine O’Hara’s character, Kate McCallister, returned home, I can still picture the breathtaking sight of real snowfall – a rarity for that time of year. It was Valentine’s Day, and as if on cue, Mother Nature graced us with an enormous snowstorm. Truly, she went above and beyond in making our set look magical that day.

20. The chaotic sprint of the family to their flight in Paris was unexpectedly filmed at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. Columbus commented, “We needed to act quickly,” he explained. “We managed just a couple or three attempts at filming the entire family rushing through the terminal. It was quite tense.

Absolutely, improvisation was welcomed during filming. It’s no surprise that John Candy became a staple in ’80s and ’90s productions given this approach.

For one day only, the actor took on his brief role as Gus Polinski in The Polka King, a favor he did for John Columbus. According to O’Hara, the work was exhausting, lasting a straight 21 hours, filled with improvisation. “Candy would initiate something, then John Hughes would join in, and Candy would build upon it,” said O’Hara. “We simply went with the flow, creating an absurd conversation that extended as far as possible. Chris informed me later that most of it couldn’t be used. He chuckled and added, ‘You were supposed to be searching for your child, but you were just enjoying yourself with these guys in a truck.’

22. Candy wasn’t the only one who thought fast; it seems that Culkin also swiftly devised a threat towards Marv and Harry, reportedly saying, “Are you two giving up, or do you still want more?

23. I too ad-libbed substantial sections during the scene where I feigned hosting a grand party to deceive the burglars, adding my own flair to the performance.

In an interview with TopMob News in December 2024, Macaulay Culkin shared his memory of pretending there was a party when the Wet Bandits arrived. He explained that instead of playing the piano and other complex elements as initially planned, they ended up tying strings to him to move mannequins and play music, which he found perfectly suited to his skills.

24. Fascinating trivia about Buzz’s girlfriend (woof): It turns out she was portrayed by the art director’s son, Devin Ratray, who disguised himself to look like an unattractive young girl. He shared this tidbit with Yahoo!, stating that the producers thought it would be a bit unfair to put a real girl in the role of just being made to appear funny-looking.

25. The scenes from the film-within-a-film, the mock-noir movie titled “Angels with Filthy Souls“, were entirely penned by Hughes, including the famous line, “Keep the change, ya filthy animal.” Local actor Ralph Foody was chosen to portray a 1940s film star. To this day, people are often deceived by Ralph’s performance; they believe it’s an actual old movie, according to Columbus.

In addition, the initial scenario featured a delightful reference to “Angels,” as Marv and Harry found themselves appreciating the movie from their cell, eventually acknowledging that they had been utterly deceived.

26. Even after more than three decades, the film continues to captivate audiences globally. As Stern shared with Chicago, “Wherever I go, I’m known as the ‘Home Alone’ guy.” In 2003, he visited troops in Iraq and was escorted to a secured jewelry store in Baghdad where he could buy earrings for his wife. He was surprised when they said he could, and as he entered the store, he was surrounded by about 16 children shouting, “Marv! Marv!” These kids, amidst the chaos of a warzone in Bagdad, still recognized him from ‘Home Alone’. The movie has truly become ubiquitous.

27. The connection among the cast endures. Even though Culkin and his on-screen mother O’Hara had not been in touch for a long time, they reconnected when they ran into each other at Martin Mull’s art exhibition in 2013.

“I hadn’t seen her in I didn’t even know how long, and just right in the driveway, I was like, ‘Mama!'” Culkin recounted to TopMob. “And she goes, ‘Son!’ And so every time we see each other, it’s always, ‘Mama,’ ‘Son’. She’s very lovely.”

2024-12-26 00:19

Read More