Trailer:
Our Favourite Trivia:
Originally called Killing Mrs. Tingle, the film was intended to have an earlier release date and an R rating. Its overall tone was darker, with certain characters being killed off. Holmes' character, Leigh Ann, was also much less sympathetic; in a 2023 interview, Williamson revealed the character was supposed to be a "take no prisoners" type of person, who had no issue with people dying if it meant accomplishing her goals.
Owing to the Columbine High School massacre that occurred on April 20, 1999—and the ensuing public outcry over the portrayal of violence in the media—the re-titled film was pushed back, with certain scenes being reshot or re-edited to earn a PG-13 rating.
The original title was an homage to the suspense thriller “Killing Mr. Griffin” by Lois Duncan, as Kevin Williamson had previously adapted her book “I Know What You Did Last Summer.”
This movie's basic plot bears a strong resemblance to 9 to 5 (1980) in which three subordinates hold their superior captive in their own home, bound and gagged, hoping that they can somehow improve conditions that were made unbearable before they have to release them.
Meryl Streep, Glenn Close, Sigourney Weaver, and Sally Field were considered for the role of Mrs. Tingle. Similar to The Faculty, Gillian Anderson was offered the role but turned it down. Helen Mirren got the part and described playing Mrs. Tingle as her "dream role", noting that the appeal was the ability to lay in bed all day in the "most comfortable costume I've ever worn."
Alicia Silverstone was considered for the role of Leigh Ann Watson.
Michael McKean (Principal Potter) and Lesley Ann Warren (Faye Watson) appeared in Clue (1985), which was based on the Parker Brothers board game.
The end of this movie was subject to reshoots. Originally, the students learned their lessons, Leigh Ann Watson admits that she altered the grades, accepts her position as second in the class ranking, and Trudie Tucker wins valedictorian. However, Leigh Ann is awarded a scholarship for her exceptional grades anyway and even thanks Mrs. Tingle in her acceptance speech at graduation (rather ironic, since Leigh Ann felt that coming in second would mean her future was destroyed). Mrs. Tingle also doesn't go to jail for attempted murder. In fact, she doesn't report the students to the authorities in exchange for their discretion about her affair with Coach Wenchell. This movie originally ended with Mrs. Tingle mending her wounds, willingly lying in bed with her dog, who is revealed to be named Richard.
The film was a box-office bomb; it made US$3.3 million in its opening weekend, debuting at number 10 at the North American box office. However, by its second week, the film dropped down to number 15 and brought in $2,344,298. The film continued to drop, and on its final week in the box office, the film was at number 44. By the end of its run, the film grossed $8,951,935 at the domestic box office against an estimated budget of $13 million.
What's Up Next?
Kevin Williamson re-teams with Wes Craven to make an old Hollywood werewolf film with Cursed.Contact Us:
Follow the show on Facebook Instagram Threads TikTok or Bluesky
Visit the WEBSITE
