Did You Know These Behind-The-Scenes Facts About "Cast Away"?

"Philadelphia" Was Inspired By Real People

Director John Demme told Rolling Stone that "Philadelphia" was inspired by his artist friend Juan Botas. He wanted to make a film about people who don't have AIDS and need to be informed. Botas passed away from AIDS after he and Demme worked together on a project, and he wanted to spread awareness about the disease to people who look down on HIV/AIDS patients. He also pulled from two discrimination cases that parallel Tom Hanks' character. Two men were wrongfully fired after it was revealed they had HIV, and both men won their cases.  

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The More You Know

  • The idea that a man should spend two months salary on an engagement ring was popularized by De Beers' ad agency.
  • Water makes different pouring sounds depending on its temperature.
  • The world record for the tallest stack of doughnuts totaled more than 3,000.
  • Lightning can heat the air it passes through to 50,000 degrees.
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