‘Twilight Zone: The Movie' faced harsh criticism upon its release 40 years ago.
Critics described it as flabby and unimpressive, despite being directed by renowned filmmakers Steven Spielberg, John Landis, Joe Dante, and George Miller.
The film grossed over $6 million in its opening weekend but failed to become the massive hit executives had hoped for.
However, the true tragedy of ‘Twilight Zone: The Movie' occurred during the filming process.
In one segment directed by John Landis, actor Vic Morrow and two Vietnamese-American children, Myca Dinh Le and Renee Shin-Yi Chen, lost their lives in a horrific accident.
The decision made by Landis and his team resulted in a devastating outcome.
The fatal scene took place on July 23, 1982, at the Indian Dunes ranch near Los Angeles.
Landis decided to add an alternate ending to the segment, which involved rescuing two Vietnamese orphans during a bombing sequence.
This decision led to a series of reckless choices and a complete disregard for safety protocols.
Firstly, Landis hired child actors who were in direct violation of California labor laws.
Myca Dinh Le and Renee Shin-Yi Chen were only seven and six years old, respectively, and the law prohibited their employment at night.
Furthermore, Landis failed to obtain the necessary permits for hiring minors.
To recreate the bombing scene, a military helicopter was used.
During an explosives test, the pilot, Dorcey Wingo, noticed abnormal shaking but was warned not to mention it by a colleague.
When filming began, pyrotechnic fireballs engulfed the helicopter, causing Wingo to suffer a panic attack.
Conflicting instructions were given, leading to the helicopter crashing and tragically killing Morrow and the two children.
The aftermath of the accident resulted in legal proceedings.
Landis, along with several others involved in the production, faced charges of involuntary manslaughter.
However, they were ultimately acquitted after a high-profile trial.
Despite the legal outcome, Landis and the film's producers received significant backlash from the media and public.
The tragedy had a profound impact on the film industry.
Stricter safety regulations were implemented, and actors gained the ability to step away from projects if they felt unsafe on set.
The Director's Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild played crucial roles in enforcing these changes.
John Landis, once known for his successful films, faced the consequences of his actions.
In later interviews, he expressed remorse for the tragedy and acknowledged the profound impact it had on his career.
The incident also strained his friendship with Steven Spielberg, who stated that no film is worth dying for.
Today, the film industry prioritizes safety and encourages professionals to assert themselves when faced with dangerous demands.
The tragic deaths of Vic Morrow, Myca Dinh Le, and Renee Shin-Yi Chen serve as a reminder of the importance of responsible filmmaking and the devastating consequences of negligence.
