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On this day in 1976 (in the U.S.), Carrie enjoyed a limited theatrical release in order to build up enthusiasm for its full domestic release a few weeks later. Directed by Brian De Palma and based on a story by Stephen King, the film starred Sissy Spacek, Piper Laurie, Amy Irving, and others.
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Carrie White, a shy, friendless teenage girl who is sheltered by her domineering, religious mother, unleashes her telekinetic powers after being humiliated by her classmates at her senior prom."
For the record:
- At the 1977 Academy Awards, Spacek received a nomination in the category of 'Best Actress In A Leading Role' while Laurie received a nomination in the category of 'Best Actress In A Supporting Role.'
- At the 1977 Saturn Awards, Carrie received a nomination in the category of 'Best Horror Film.'
- At the 1977 Hugo Awards, Carrie received a nomination in the category 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
- In 2022, Carrie was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry, that organization which seeks to preserve films which have demonstrated a lasting historical, cultural, or aesthetic contribution to the medium.
From Google.com:
Sissy Spacek's extreme commitment to the fake blood
The iconic prom scene took over two weeks to shoot. To maintain visual continuity on set, Sissy Spacek refused to wash off the sticky concoction of Karo syrup, food coloring, and theatrical adhesive. Spacek spent three consecutive days covered in the fake blood and even slept in her ruined prom dress to ensure that every frame matched perfectly.
Furthermore, during the final jump-scare sequence where a bloody arm reaches out from the grave, Spacek refused to let a stunt double take her place. She insisted on being placed inside a box, buried underground beneath real rocks and gravel, so that it would be her actual hand popping out of the earth.
Multiple main actors thought they were filming a comedy
Because the script featured highly dramatic, over-the-top dialogue, multiple key cast members completely misread the tone of the movie. Piper Laurie (who played Carrie's fanatically religious mother, Margaret White) initially believed the film was a satirical dark comedy. She would routinely burst out laughing between takes because she thought her lines were a joke, only realizing it was a serious psychological horror film when De Palma corrected her on set. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Similarly, Nancy Allen (who played the villainous Chris Hargensen) believed that she and John Travolta were playing "self-centered, bickering morons" meant strictly for comic relief. She didn't realize just how genuinely evil her character was until she saw the finished film. [1]
The "Carrie" and "Star Wars" joint auditions
In 1975, directors Brian De Palma and George Lucas were close friends and decided to hold joint casting sessions for Carrie and Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope. They sat in the same room and ran a massive pool of the same young talent through auditions for both films.
Because of this unique setup, many of the actors came incredibly close to swapping franchises:
Carrie Fisher heavily auditioned and was seriously considered for the role of Carrie White.
Amy Irving (who played Sue Snell) auditioned to play Princess Leia.
William Katt (who played Tommy Ross) auditioned and read lines for Luke Skywalker. [1]