Three Men and a Baby Is It True

Twin Trouble

Three Men and a Baby was a huge success despite its unlikely story line, and is still a fan favorite 30 years later. We've got all the behind-the-scenes dirt! Baby Mary was played by two twin sisters, Lisa and Michelle Blair. The pair was 4 months old at the time of filming and today hold regular jobs. Michelle works in insurance and Lisa in customer service. Neither sister admits to having a memory of filming but admitted that during their teenage years they felt the affects of fame. "People started coming up to us a lot more" Michelle shared.

Baby Boom

There was something about the 1980's that inspired a string of films based on or around babies. Although all were quite popular, perhaps you'll remember Baby Boom, which starred the talented Diane Keaton or Look Who's Talking with Kirstie Alley and John Travolta. There's no real reason for this phenomenon but we can't say we have a problem with it, each film was lighthearted and still touching. Look Who's Talking and Three Men and a Baby both had successful sequels.

Mary

After Three Men and a Baby, producers wanted to cash in on their success and quite quickly made a sequel, Three Men and a Little Lady. In this production, little Mary was played by Robin Weisman. Weisman can also be seen in the Thunder in Paradise film with Hulk Hogan. Following the success of the film, she was chosen to continue on the Thunder in Paradise Television series. Today, Weisman is divorced and living in Fort Lauderdale where she works in marketing.

Big In The East

Thoovalsparsham, translated in English to "Feather Touch", was a popular Malayalam film in 1990. Inspired by Three Men and a Baby, the movie follows a similar plot line except that the baby is found abandoned on the bachelors' doorstep. Unni, Vinod, and Boney spend their days drinking and gambling until baby Kingini changes everything. The baby's mother eventually returns for her daughter and the truth comes out that the trio's neighbor is actually the real father. The same film was made again in the Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi languages after it was released to good reviews.

Sponsorship

It's not uncommon to see corporate sponsorship in films. After all, it is a way to share your product with a wide audience. Pampers diaper company paid $50,000 for their brand of diapers to be the sole product used in the film. Just imagine how many nappies Tom Sellek changed over the course of filming! Another example that might surprise you is for Optimo Cigars. In the entire film, no one smokes but you see Tom Selleck's character purchasing something from a mobile news vendor and the camera hovers on the sign.

Pop Culture Hit

In the past few years there has been a resurgence in pop culture references to the classic 1987 film. Just look at the outrageously funny flick, The Hangover. You have three main characters who some how acquire a missing baby while searching for there wayward friend… already the similarities are obvious. Then comes the kicker, character Alan Garner references the film directly and says "It's got Ted Danson, Magnum P.I, and that Jewish actor". The movie was also spoofed on an episode of In Living Color by actors David Alan Grier, Keenan Ivory Wayans, and Tommy Davidson.

Director Spock

Everyone knows Leonard Nimoy as Spock, the stoic yet faithful Vulcan comrade of captain James T. Kirk from Star Trek. Nimoy made his acting debut at age 20 in the film Queen for a Day and only managed to land small bit parts until landing his famous role in 1966. Nimoy began directing in 1973 with one episode for the series Night Gallery and has a total of twelve credits to his name. He even directed two separate Star Trek Films, talk about coming full circle in your career!

From Stage To Screen

Actor Steve Guttenberg plays Michael, one third of the bachelor pad in the funny film. Steve is an accomplished comedic and dramatic actor who got his start on stage which allowed him to easily transition between the two genres. Guttenberg has a host of critical and box office hits under his belt and starred in four major film franchises including Cocoon and Police Academy. He is among the company of the highest grossing film stars and is still working. He manages his own production company in New York City, Mr. Kirby Productions.

Reprising Their Roles

There has been speculation over the years that the production team was gearing up for a third installment of the popular series. The film, tentatively titled Three Men and a Bride, is a go as far as the original cast mates are concerned but there hasn't been any real progress on the project. Tom Selleck recently appeared on The Talk and said while he and co-stars Ted Danson and Steve Guttenberg have spoken to Disney about the film, there's still no definite answer.

Thumbs Up

Film critic Roger Ebert had mostly positive things to say about the feel good comedy when it was originally released. On his webpage you can see that he even gave it 3 full stars. Ebert applauded the writing team and director Leonard Nimoy for focusing on the budding love the bachelors feel for the baby bundle as opposed to the underlying drug plot. In the original French film, there is more time devoted to the seedy side of the plot to which Ebert is thankful the American version avoids.

Casting Questions

In his charming and honest memoir, The Guttenberg Bible, actor Steve Guttenberg opens up about how he almost missed out on his chance to be a part of the film. As Guttenberg tells it both Michael J.Fox and Tony Danza were in the running for the coveted role in the film. No stranger to show biz, Steve won out and aren't we happy he did! Over the course of his career he has had the privilege of working with Hollywood greats such as Laurence Olivier, Sharon Stone, and Gregory Peck.

The Love Interest

Talented American actress Nancy Travis played Sylvia Bennington in both Three Men and a Baby and Three Men and a Little Lady. Her relationship with character Jack, played by Ted Danson, was central to the story line. Travis is a fantastic actress who began her career on the stage and soon found her self working in front of the camera to great success. She reunited with her co-stars on other projects over the years. In 2000, she starred with Selleck in the TV movie Running Mates and appeared regularly on Danson's TV series Becker.

Production Team

When the movie was originally pitched, Nimoy ran into some issues getting a company to sign off on it. At first it was pitched to TriStar Pictures but the company passed and next up came Universal Studios. Sid Sheinberg, the President of Universal Studios, thought the film was too "soft" for his tastes and said no thanks. Finally, The Walt Disney Company realized the gold mine in their presence and happily took on the project. I wonder what TriStar executives think about their fateful decision today?

The Big Game

There is a scene where Peter and his guests are gathered around the TV excitedly watching an NBA game and the "greatest clutch shot in basketball history". What's funny about this scene is that the game they are referencing is actually from Game 3 of the 1970 NBA Finals. Jerry West of the LA Lakers miraculously sunk a ball from 65 feet with just two seconds left to tie the game. In actuality, the NY Knicks ended up winning the game in overtime and took the championship.

Little Lady

Although the first film was so successful, Leonard Nimoy declined to be a part of the sequel, Three Men and a Little Lady. He was busy directing the film Funny About Love with Gene Wilder. Funny About Love also centers around love and babies, a trending topic for Nimoy in the 90's, it appears. Director Emile Ardolino took on the job Nimoy declined. He is also the director behind the hit films Dirty Dancing and Sister Act. Ardlino's career was cut short when he passed away at age 50 in 1993.

Troubled Writer

Screen writer James Orr was part of the writing team for Three Men and a Baby along with countless other big motion pictures from the decade. Hailing from Canada, he studied at Carelton University Journalism School and was the first Canadian to be accepted as a Director Fellow at the American Film Institute in LA. Orr worked on big pictures like Sister Act 2, and Love on the Run. His name has also been associated with less than positive things. He was arrested on more than one occasion for assaulting his girlfriend at the time, Farrah Fawcett. He was put on probation for domestic abuse in October of 1998.

Bachelor Life

During the two weeks prior to the intensive production schedule for the film, the cast and crew was already setting up and settling in to life in Toronto. Danson, Guttenberg, and Selleck went out on the town in Toronto to get back into the swing of single life. Out of the trio, Danson was the only one married and more out of the loop in the bar scene. Apparently, their appearance at local bars and clubs caused quite the stir or excitement. Imagine going to your neighborhood pub and doing shots with Magnum P.I.

Lucky Ladies

During filming for major films, a lot of extras are needed. When it was announced that one hundred women would be needed for a party scene in the flick, over five thousand women showed up.  Apparently they thought there might be a chance to catch a glimpse of the dashing Tom Selleck, even if they weren't eventually selected for the film. Sadly, most of those women never met Selleck or any other celebrity as they were busy on another sound stage. The lucky 100 ladies did got to party with Tom over the course of four days of filming, though.

Character Actor

Ted Danson was well known before this film for his role on the sitcom Cheers. A charming bachelor for much of that series as well, it's no surprise he would be chosen to play the playboy Jack in Three Men and a Baby. Today, Danson is perhaps better known for his character Dr. Becker, described as the "American Medical Association's answer to Basil Fawlty." Over the course of his career he has been a central character in three separate series, Cheers, Frasier, and Becker.

Design

The interior design featured in the film manages to pack in an amazing multitude of 1980's interior design styles. Neon arcade doors, eclectic pieces, crazy and bright color schemes – its got it all. Many of the film's most touching scenes take place in the neon deco games room with the magnificent pool table. And we can't forget to mention how much little Mary loves spending time in Michael's colorful bedroom. We can't get over how extravagant his bedding is!

Rap Stars

The stars of the film really showcased their musical chops on set! In the first film, the three dads sing an adorable lullaby to sooth an over tired Mary. Their skill at barbershop quartet is commendable and made for one of the most memorable scenes in the film. In the sequel they change up the genre a bit and bust out a killer rap. Now I wish my dad would have been that up to date with the latest trends. What a fantastic addition to the film.

On The Sound Stage

Don't you love the magic of film where you can be transported to another place or time with a few visual affects? Despite the fact that our main characters are supposedly New York City bachelors, much of the film was actually produced in Toronto, Ontario on a local sound stage. The entire apartment was constructed on location. Production did go on location a few times and there are specific scenes that were filmed in Central Park and around Manhattan to ensure legitimacy. Fun fact: the construction site that Peter visits is the real Scotia Plaza in Toronto!

The Man With The Mustache

Tom Selleck became a mega star after starring in the smash hit Magnum P.I. Tom has found the most success in his television roles and has never been wanting for work. He played Monica's love interest on Friends, Dr. Richard Burke, in 1994 and since 2010 has been in NBC's crime drama Blue Bloods. He's been fortunate enough to have appeared in more than fifty made for TV and general release films. At 72 years old, Tom is still rocking his trademark mustache and would happily do another Three Men and a Baby film.

Real Life Player?

Ted Danson made his mark playing the charmer on Cheers and then in Three Men and a Baby he is the veritable playboy actor who fathers a child he knows nothing about. But is it true in real life? Danson did appear on the cover of GQ Magazine of three separate occasions, in 1984, 1988, and in 1993. In reality he has been married to his wife Mary Steenburgen since 1995 and has two children with his ex-wife Casey Coates. As far as we can tell he is happily married and far removed from the bachelor roles he is so well known for.

Great Success

Three Men and a Baby was the highest grossing film in the year 1987. Its total gross income was $167,780,960! Pretty impressive when you consider the budget of the film was only $11 million. In its opening weekend it brought in significant sales – just over $10 million. In 1987 it was up against other box office hits like Fatal Attraction and Good Morning Vietnam. It also holds the record for the highest grossing remake of a French film in North American History.

Famous Image

The film's movie poster is all kinds of adorable and so easily recognizable but did you know it's concealing a hidden secret? The urine on Tom Sellecks shirt was not staged to look the part, it was real! The baby actress peed during the photo shoot and famous photographer Annie Leibovitz captured the moment. What a classic picture! Annie Leibovitz is one of the most famous photographers and credited with taking the last picture of singer John Lennon before he was assassinated.

Trouble On Set

Apparently, it wasn't all roses and sunshine on the set of Three Men and a Baby. According to Steve Guttenberg, there were a few instances of conflict between Ted Danson, Tom Selleck and Leonard Nimoy. All three were very much used to being their own boss and had trouble relinquishing control to another person. Guttenberg said, "Leonard was a good director, and being an actor, he knew the problems actors face – although sometimes I think he forgot." At least the group produced an amazing film despite their differences.

Different Director

Coline Serreau is the woman behind the original French version of the film. She was originally signed on to direct the American version but dropped out of the project after the casting of the four leads. Coline was nominated for a BAFTA Award for her work on the french film Romuald et Juliette (1989) and won a Cesar Award for Trois Hommes et un couffin. She helped write the screenplay for the sequel and then returned to primarily French language projects.

Babies and Animals

There is an age old Hollywood adage that says if you want to be a successful actor then you should avoid working with animals and babies. Toward the end of filming, the twin babies used to play Mary began to lose their focus. They started noticing the mic booms and camera equipment and would follow their movement with their eyes. Director Leonard Nimoy was forced to come up with creative ways to disguise the filming equipment to continue with taping.

I Am Not Spock

Leonard Nimoy's persona as Spock was so strong in the public mind that he actually released two separate autobiographies that addressed the issue. I Am Not Spock came out in 1975 and I Am Spock in 1995. The books were written from the unique viewpoint of having shared his public existence with the character for so many years. In September of 2016 a feature film documentary was released covering his life and career and was called For The Love Of Spock.

What About Steve?

Ever wonder what happened to Steve Guttenberg? The funny guy is still working, albeit a bit less than he was at the peak of his career in the 1980's. He is reportedly working on a sitcom with fellow comedian Jon Lovitz and will soon be shooting a movie, The Pride of San Quentin, about activist Clinton Duffy. At 57 years old, Steve is still making us roll with laughter. Just look at his ridiculous spoof comedy 2 Lava 2 Lantula to see why!

Ridiculous Plot

In Three Men and a Little Lady, the plot of the film takes a turn for the more extravagant. Peter, Michael, Jack, and Sylvia are all living together but things change suddenly when Sylvia announces she's moving to London to get married. Peter, Tom Selleck, realizes he's in love with Sylvia and the guys hatch a plan to stop the wedding. Crazy disguises, dramatic confrontations, and international travel make this film all the more fantastic! Spoiler – Sylvia and Peter marry at the end of the film with little Mary as their oh-so-cute bridesmaid.

Cameo

Remember Earl Hindman? We are positive that you do but maybe not by his face. This talented character actor is famous for his role on the 90's sitcom Home Improvement where he played the kooky but wise neighbor, Wilson. We never saw Wilson's face but in the film Three Men and a Baby we most certainly do. He has a brief walk on role as a character named "Satch". Hindman sadly passed away in 2003 at the age of 61.

You Saw It Here First

We have already mentioned how the set design does a fantastic job of using various popular design models from the 1980's. If you look closely you'll see that there is a famous piece of furniture in Michael's bedroom – Michele De Lucchi's First Chair. The chair cost a crazy $2,500 in 1983 and would be worth more today. This tubular steel and lacquered wood circle chair doesn't look all that comfortable to us but in it's time it was the epitome of chic.

Title Track

The film's opening sequence is back tracked by Miami Sound Machine's famous song, Bad Boy, which I guess kind of makes sense. After all, our three main characters are supposed to be playboys running wild on the streets of New York. The song was released in 1985 and features the voice of Latina superstar Gloria Estaban. The song was a huge hit for the band following their previous mainstream number one hit, Conga. We love the song and the opening sequence, and really, how much more "80's" can you get?

Title Designer

Penelope Gottlieb is responsible for the stunning title design of the film. You might recognize her bright and colorful style from the opening sequence of the teen series Saved by the Bell or Honey I Blew Up the Kids. The title sequence of the movie is very much in tune with the style of the 1980's. Gottleib doesn't work in film and television as much any more and is instead focusing on her art. Her current collection is included in galleries and museums across the Southern United States.

Daddy's Girl

Peter Cetera is an American singer/song writer responsible for the title song in the movie, Daddy's Girl. The song was used for the film's major music montage scene. Although it wasn't a massive hit on its own, it added depth to the film and is still a popular song for weddings. Cetera is quite prolific in terms of his work, he has produced and written songs for countless films and TV programs. More recently he has produced music for popular TV shows like Modern Family, Criminal Minds, and The Bachelorette.

Heyy Babyy

Heyy Babyy is the Hindi title of another Three Men and a Baby remake. It was released quite recently, in 2007, and very well received. The movie changes the plot up a bit, there is no mention of drugs but there is a bet over who will get to keep the baby. Her name is Angel in this Hindi interpretation. The movie ends with a surprise marriage between one of the bachelors and the baby's mother. All in all it's a feel good comedy!

Family Features

Holiday season 1987 was all about family movies and comedic mishaps! Three Men and A Baby was the number one flick at theaters followed closely by Throw Momma From the Train. Throw Momma was a dark comedy starring Billy Crystal and Danny Devito. Over the New Year's holiday it stayed a solid #2 in comparison and brought in a whopping $38 million in less than three weeks. Throw Momma From the Train gets our vote for most entertaining trailer and is for sure the reason the movie was so well received. They just don't make 'em like that anymore!

Ghostly Visions

In the scene when Jack, Ted Danson, is walking around the apartment with his mother and baby Mary, there is an unsettling image in the corner window. If you look closely you'll see a faint outline of what looks like a young boy. Rumor has it that the same young boy committed suicide inside the apartment and his ghost is making his big screen debut. False. After years of speculation, it's been cleared up. It's actually the reflection of a cardboard cut out of Danson himself wearing a top hat.

Three Men and a Baby Is It True

Source: https://ninjajournalist.com/entertainment/secrets-of-three-men-and-a-baby-fb/

Share this post