As we progress further in the month of October, we revel in the spirit of Halloween and all the spookiness it has to offer. After another hot summer, it’s nice to finally stay inside and watch a good movie. There’s nothing we love more this time of year than cozying up in front of our propane fireplaces and watching a good movie.

Now is the perfect time for watching the 1984 classic comedy, Ghostbusters. Starring Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, Ernie Hudson and Harold Ramis, this movie is a classic film staple of the 1980s. This movie has an interesting history, which we would like to discuss:

Who Was Considered For the Roles Originally?

The writers behind the film were two of its actors, Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis. Originally, Ackroyd wanted John Belushi and Eddie Murphy as two of the Ghostbusters, but Belushi passed away. Murphy turned down the role as he was shooting Beverly Hills Cops at the time.

Dan Ackroyd’s Spooky Family History

Ackroyd’s great-grandfather was a famous 19th-century spiritualist, Samuel A. Ackroyd. In Eastern Ontario, this spiritualist would hold seances in his home. Ackroyd’s grandfather Maurice Ackroyd worked by day as an engineer for a telephone company. He attempted to manufacture a crystal radio that could effectively contact ghosts. Even Dan’s father, Peter, had a huge collection of books about paranormal experiences.

Slimer’s Inspiration

Of all the ghosts in the film, none are as gross, crude, or out of control as Slimer. However, his party boy antics are hilarious, and they were inspired by Ackroyd’s dear friend, comedian John Belushi.

Bill Murray as Dr. Peter Venkman

Originally, the role of Dr. Peter Venkman was written for John Belushi. When Belushi passed away, the role went to Saturday Night Live alumni Bill Murray, who provided an outstanding performance.

Sigourney Weaver’s Audition

Following her intense performance in the movie Alien, actress Sigourney Weaver really wanted to be in a comedy. Apparently, she landed her role as Venkman’s love interest, Dana Barrett, in a rather unusual manner. She basically performed as one of the evil dogs in the movie without saying a word, and she was offered the job.

Louis Tully

One of the signature characters in the film is Louis Tully, a dorky nerd who transforms into a crazed demon, Gozer. Originally, Ackroyd wanted fellow Canadian comedian John Candy, to play the part. However, Candy wanted the character to be rewritten as a starring role as a humorless German man with a thick accent. Filmmakers weren’t open to his suggestion and offered Rick Moranis instead.

The Fragile Ectomobile

The Ghostbusters rushed around New York City saving its residents from ghosts in the Ectomobile, a 1959 Cadillac station wagon. The movie schedule was packed tightly, leaving little room for reshoots. The Ectomobile ended up biting the dust after the main production stopped filming and was never used again.

This Friday night, curl up in front of your propane fireplace with some popcorn and watch Ghostbusters. To ensure that your propane supply doesn’t runout, sign up for our automatic propane delivery services at DiSanto Propane. Our propane company in upstate new York provides reliable business and home propane services throughout the state of New York. Contact DiSanto Propane today to get started.