They Almost Called It...? Unveiling the Rejected Titles of "Philadelphia"
Ah, "Philadelphia." The 1993 courtroom drama that tackled AIDS discrimination and prejudice with a powerful punch. But did you know this iconic film almost had a name that could rival MC Hammer's pants? Buckle up, trivia buffs, because we're diving deep into the hilarious, head-scratching, and downright bizarre titles that almost graced Tom Hanks' legal crusade.
From Lawsuits to Laughs: A Title Odyssey
The original script, titled "At Risk," was based on a novel of the same name. Catchy, right? It screams legal thriller like a judge screams "Objection!" Thankfully, someone (probably with a functioning funny bone) realized this wouldn't exactly draw in the crowds.
QuickTip: Scan quickly, then go deeper where needed.
Next up was "Probable Cause." Sure, it sounds vaguely legal, but also like a particularly sleepy allergy medication. Imagine the trailer: "This winter... suffer from discrimination? Take Probable Cause... twice a day for mild relief." Not exactly award-worthy.
Things Get Interesting (and a Little Inappropriate)
QuickTip: If you skimmed, go back for detail.
Things took a turn for the truly bizarre with "Prejudice." Now, the film certainly dealt with prejudice, but the title itself is about as subtle as a brick to the face. We can practically hear the test audiences now: "Prejudice? Sounds like a documentary about laundry detergent."
Then there was the unfortunate "Suing for Life." While the sentiment is there, it sounds more like a Lifetime movie about a woman battling a rogue insurance company over a hangnail. Not exactly the dramatic gut punch the film was aiming for.
Tip: Reread sections you didn’t fully grasp.
The Title That Almost Was (and Thank Goodness It Wasn't)
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Finally, we reach the title that almost stuck: "And the Band Played On." Hold up, isn't that a book about the AIDS epidemic? Apparently, the connection was deemed a tad... on the nose. Thankfully, they steered clear of an unintentional musical metaphor for a deadly disease.
QuickTip: Read actively, not passively.
Phew! We Dodged a Bullet (or Several Lawsuits)
Thankfully, "Philadelphia" emerged victorious. It's simple, evocative of the setting, and packs a punch. Can you imagine asking your friends, "Did you see 'Probable Cause' last night?'" No, thank you.
How-To: Title Your Own Award-Winning Film (Maybe)
Here are some quick tips, inspired by "Philadelphia's" near-misses:
- How to Avoid Blandness: Spice it up! Don't be afraid of wordplay or unique metaphors.
- How to Steer Clear of Confusion: Make sure your title isn't misleading or easily mistaken for something else (looking at you, "Prejudice").
- How to Keep it Short and Sweet: A concise title is easier to remember and packs a punch.
- How to Make it Searchable: Avoid overly obscure references or puns that might go over audiences' heads.
- How to Get Feedback: Run your title ideas by friends, family, or even that sassy parrot you keep as a pet. Trust your gut (and maybe the parrot's judgment).
So there you have it! The next time you watch "Philadelphia," be thankful for the title that wasn't. And who knows, maybe this inspires you to come up with the next cinematic masterpiece (with a killer title, of course).
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