The Blues Brothers is one of those films that never gets old. Released in 1980, it quickly became a cult classic, known for its high-speed car chases, epic musical numbers, and an ensemble cast of legendary stars. It has everything: comedy, music, unforgettable performances, and a whole lot of heart. Here are 50 fun facts that will make you love The Blues Brothers even more:
- 1. The Blues Brothers started on Saturday Night Live: The iconic characters Jake and Elwood Blues were born during a musical sketch on SNL, where John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd performed live music.
- 2. The movie was a big gamble: Universal Pictures took a risk with the film, betting on the musical and comedic chemistry of Belushi and Aykroyd, and it paid off big time.
- 3. A 300-page script: Dan Aykroyd wrote a 300-page script, which was so detailed that it was bound in the cover of a Los Angeles Yellow Pages directory when handed in.
- 4. The car chases were real: The film holds the record for the most cars destroyed during a movie shoot, with 60 police cars bought and many destroyed during wild chase scenes.
- 5. Carrie Fisher played Jake’s ex-fiancée: She was not only a love interest in the film, but also the “mystery woman” who relentlessly tried to kill Jake.
- 6. Cameos by music legends: The film is packed with cameos from music legends, including James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, and Cab Calloway, adding to the movie’s soulful atmosphere.
- 7. The original budget was exceeded: The movie’s budget ballooned from an estimated $12 million to $27.5 million due to delays, car chases, and Belushi’s off-set behavior.
- 8. Elwood’s driving skills: Aykroyd did most of his own stunts while driving the Bluesmobile, including the iconic bridge jump scene.
- 9. The mall chase was filmed in a real mall: The wild shopping mall chase scene took place in the Dixie Square Mall in Harvey, Illinois, which had already been abandoned.
- 10. John Landis directed the film: The director of Animal House, John Landis, brought his comedic genius to The Blues Brothers, mixing music and comedy effortlessly.
- 11. Aretha Franklin’s “Think”: The scene where Aretha Franklin performs “Think” in the soul food restaurant became one of the most memorable moments of the film.
- 12. A whole new use for the Bluesmobile: The Bluesmobile, a 1974 Dodge Monaco, was originally just a beat-up police car. It became a star in its own right, performing outrageous stunts.
- 13. Belushi and Aykroyd’s deep friendship: The chemistry between Belushi and Aykroyd was key to the film’s success, with their long friendship translating into their characters’ bond.
- 14. A legendary musical number: James Brown’s performance of “The Old Landmark” was the film’s most powerful gospel scene, setting the tone for the musical numbers that followed.
- 15. The 100-piece orchestra: The grand finale concert scene at the Palace Hotel Ballroom included a live orchestra to make the final musical performance even more epic.
- 16. Police were involved: Real police cars were used in the film, and during one sequence, hundreds of extras were hired to play officers, including a National Guard troop.
- 17. Not just a comedy: While the movie is known for its slapstick humor, it also incorporates classic blues and R&B music, making it a love letter to the genre.
- 18. The Chicago connection: Filming took place all over Chicago, including at Wrigley Field, which makes a cameo when Elwood uses it as his “home address” on his driver’s license.
- 19. Classic rock shout-outs: The film features songs from some of the best of the best in rock and roll, from “Soul Man” to “Shake a Tail Feather,” showcasing some of the greatest musical legends of the time.
- 20. The cult following: Though not an instant hit at the box office, The Blues Brothers gained a massive cult following and eventually made more than $115 million worldwide.
- 21. The Blues Brothers Band: The film’s music wasn’t just for show. Many members of the Blues Brothers Band were actual musicians, including Steve Cropper and Donald Dunn of Booker T. & the MGs.
- 22. The film’s wildest stunt: The Bluesmobile actually went airborne in one of the most outrageous car chases, a move that pushed the boundaries of what was possible in movie stunt driving.
- 23. Elwood’s signature move: Aykroyd’s Elwood has a distinct way of driving, which made the Bluesmobile’s wild stunts even more entertaining to watch.
- 24. John Landis made a cameo: Director John Landis appeared as a state trooper chasing the Bluesmobile in one of the many car chase scenes.
- 25. The Blues Brothers’ debut album: The movie also resulted in a successful album, Briefcase Full of Blues, which was certified platinum.
- 26. The heart of the movie: At its core, The Blues Brothers is about redemption and brotherhood, with the two main characters on a mission to save the orphanage they grew up in.
- 27. The revival of classic blues: The movie played a huge part in bringing blues and R&B to a younger generation who may not have known about the genre.
- 28. The iconic car chase through the mall: The film’s most infamous scene, the Bluesmobile barreling through a mall, was totally unplanned but became a highlight of the movie.
- 29. A reunion of blues legends: The film brought together blues legends from various generations, giving them a platform to showcase their talents.
- 30. John Belushi’s performance: The late John Belushi’s portrayal of Jake Blues was one of his best performances, blending humor with sincerity.
- 31. The mystery woman: Carrie Fisher’s role as Jake’s vengeful ex-fiancée added an extra layer of intrigue to the movie.
- 32. The enduring legacy: The Blues Brothers became one of the most important movies in music cinema, influencing countless films in the decades that followed.
- 33. The greatest music film of its time: At its release, it was hailed as one of the best music-based films of all time, featuring live performances from music icons.
- 34. A full-circle moment: The band performed live on Saturday Night Live after the film’s success, marking their return to their roots.
- 35. The memorable chase sequences: The car chases in The Blues Brothers have since become some of the most iconic sequences in movie history.
- 36. The script’s wild origins: Dan Aykroyd originally wrote a 300-page draft that wasn’t structured like a typical screenplay, leading to some hilarious improvisations.
- 37. Classic jokes: The Blues Brothers is full of one-liners that have become as iconic as the music itself, like “We’re on a mission from God.”
- 38. Recreating the Bluesmobile’s look: The Bluesmobile was designed to be intentionally funny, but it quickly became the star of the film.
- 39. Behind-the-scenes chaos: The production was notorious for delays due to Belushi’s partying, but it only made the movie more legendary.
- 40. A love letter to Chicago: The city of Chicago played a huge part in the movie, with locations like the Daley Center and Wrigley Field getting screen time.
- 41. The epic rooftop concert: The final rooftop concert, which featured the band playing “I’m a King Bee,” was one of the film’s most memorable moments.
- 42. An extended shootout scene: The movie features a wild shootout as the brothers try to evade the police, with high-speed chases and lots of action.
- 43. A groundbreaking movie for its time: The film pushed the boundaries of car stunts and musical performances, making it a true cinematic classic.
- 44. Iconic musical moments: The Blues Brothers is responsible for some of the most memorable musical moments ever captured on film.
- 45. Legendary performances: The ensemble cast included some of the most iconic musicians of all time, making the film a who’s who of music legends.
- 46. The Bluesmobile’s own fame: The Bluesmobile has become a symbol of the film, with replica cars appearing in museums and car shows across the country.
- 47. It’s more than a comedy: While hilarious, the film also features some deeply emotional moments, especially in terms of the brothers’ redemption.
- 48. The iconic “Soul Man” performance: The band’s performance of “Soul Man” in the movie is still considered one of the best music moments on film.
- 49. Belushi’s commitment: Belushi was completely committed to his role, and his dedication to the film was a big reason why it was such a hit.
- 50. The timeless legacy: The Blues Brothers continues to be a beloved film, watched by new generations of fans who are still discovering its charm and its music.