“Sunset Boulevard” remains one of Hollywood’s most iconic films, offering a dark and cynical portrayal of fame, ambition, and the price of success. Released on August 10, 1950, director Billy Wilder’s masterpiece explored the bleak realities of stardom and Hollywood’s underbelly, long before the rise of tabloid journalism and reality TV. From unorthodox casting choices to a chilling narrative, here are 15 fascinating facts that will give you a deeper appreciation for this cinematic classic.

1. The Film Was Originally Conceived as a Comedy

At first, Billy Wilder and his writing partner Charles Brackett envisioned “Sunset Boulevard” as a comedy about a washed-up actress attempting a comeback. They initially cast Mae West in the lead role of Norma Desmond. However, when West found the script unflattering, they reworked it into a dark drama. The search for the right actress led them to silent-film star Gloria Swanson, who had retired from Hollywood but was still active in television in New York.

2. Gloria Swanson Was Persuaded by George Cukor

The legendary director George Cukor, who was known for his sensitivity to actresses, suggested Swanson for the role of Norma Desmond. Though initially resistant, Swanson finally agreed after Cukor convinced her that this role would cement her legacy. Swanson was so insulted by Paramount’s request for a screen test that Cukor joked, “I’ll shoot you if you don’t take it.” He persuaded her that playing Norma Desmond would be the role she would be remembered for.

3. “Can of Beans”: The Film’s Fake Title

To keep the plot of the film under wraps, Wilder and Brackett kept the production a secret from the studio and the Production Code censors. They told everyone the film was a comedy called “Can of Beans.” This clever subterfuge allowed them to avoid interference while making one of the most scandalous films of the era.

4. Montgomery Clift Was Originally Cast as Joe Gillis

Before William Holden took the role of Joe Gillis, the filmmakers wanted Montgomery Clift to play the part of the struggling screenwriter. However, Clift backed out two weeks before filming, citing that the role mirrored his own off-screen romance with older singer Libby Holman. Ultimately, Holden took the part, propelling his career into superstardom.

5. Norma Desmond’s Mansion Wasn’t on Sunset Boulevard

While the title of the film suggests that the mansion of Norma Desmond is located on the famed Sunset Boulevard, the actual house was on Wilshire Boulevard. The mansion had once belonged to J. Paul Getty’s family and would later appear in “Rebel Without a Cause.” It was torn down a few years after filming, replaced by an office high-rise.

6. The Chilling Funeral of Norma’s Chimpanzee

In one of the film’s most bizarre and memorable scenes, Norma Desmond holds a funeral for her deceased chimpanzee. Wilder’s response when asked what kind of set-up was needed for the scene was simply, “You know, the usual monkey-funeral sequence.

” This darkly comic moment is a reflection of Norma’s fragile mental state and her desperate need to relive her past glories.

7. The Isotta-Fraschini Car Was a Silent-Film Era Icon

Norma Desmond’s lavish, leopard-upholstered car was an Isotta-Fraschini, a rare Italian automobile popular among silent film royalty. The car’s inclusion in the film added to Norma’s larger-than-life persona. However, when it came time to film the scene where Max drives it onto the Paramount lot, director Erich von Stroheim couldn’t drive. The car was towed onto the set, and von Stroheim accidentally steered it into the Paramount gate!

8. A Controversial Opening Was Cut

The original opening of “Sunset Boulevard” featured a morgue scene where dead characters discussed their causes of death. The sequence was intended to introduce Joe Gillis’s story in a surreal, absurd way. However, test audiences found it too humorous, which led to the scene being cut. The film ultimately began with Joe’s body floating in the pool, setting the tone for the movie’s haunting and dark narrative.

9. Erich von Stroheim’s Role Was Personal

Erich von Stroheim, who played Max, Norma Desmond’s director-turned-husband-turned-butler, had a personal history with Gloria Swanson. He had directed her in the silent film “Queen Kelly,” but their collaboration ended when Stroheim was fired for going over budget. His role in “Sunset Boulevard” was a nod to their previous work together.

10. The Unique Camera Angle in the Pool Scene

The haunting shot of Joe Gillis’s lifeless body floating in the pool was one of the film’s most difficult to achieve. Initially, Wilder attempted to lower a camera into the pool in a waterproof box, but the results were unsatisfactory. Instead, he placed a mirror on the pool floor and filmed the reflection, capturing the eerie image of the body surrounded by police and paparazzi.

11. The Silent Film Stars Who Played “Waxworks”

In one of the most memorable scenes, Norma Desmond invites a group of former silent-film stars, whom she calls her “waxworks,” to play bridge. These characters were portrayed by real-life silent film veterans Buster Keaton, Anna Q. Nilsson, and H.B. Warner. Interestingly, Keaton was known as one of Hollywood’s best bridge players, and Wilder coached the other actors to mimic his style of play.

12. Cecil B. DeMille’s Cameo as Himself

Legendary director Cecil B. DeMille made a cameo as himself in “Sunset Boulevard.” DeMille had made Gloria Swanson a star in the silent era, and the two had a close professional relationship. In the film, DeMille is shooting “Samson and Delilah,” and he refers to Norma as “young fella,” a nickname he had for her during their earlier collaborations.

13. The Hollywood Backlash Against “Sunset Boulevard”

When the film premiered in Hollywood, it was met with outrage from the industry’s elite. MGM chief Louis B. Mayer publicly denounced Wilder, claiming that the film disgraced Hollywood. Wilder’s blunt response was, “Go f–k yourself,” reflecting his defiant attitude toward the establishment.

14. A Financial Gamble That Paid Off

“Sunset Boulevard” had a production budget of $1.6 million, which was a significant investment at the time. Initially, the film only grossed $2.5 million in its first American release, not enough to break even. However, by 1960, the film had grossed over $5 million worldwide, solidifying its status as a classic.

15. Academy Recognition Despite Hollywood’s Outrage

Despite the film’s controversial subject matter, the Academy recognized its artistic merit, nominating it for 11 Oscars. The film won three: Best Screenplay, Best Art Direction, and Best Score. It also received acting nominations in all four categories, a rare achievement, though it did not win in any of them.

Conclusion: A Timeless Hollywood Classic

“Sunset Boulevard” is a film that continues to captivate audiences with its sharp commentary on the illusions of fame and the inevitable decline that often follows. From its dark narrative to its unforgettable performances, the film remains one of the most significant works in Hollywood history. Understanding the behind-the-scenes details of its creation adds layers to its already profound impact, making it even more worthy of its place in cinematic lore.