10 Truly Disturbing Behind-The-Scenes Movie Facts
5. Three People Were Killed By Helicopter Blades On Set Of The Twilight Zone Movie
A silver-screen adaptation of a classic sci-fi/horror television series produced by Steven Spielberg sounds like a recipe for an 80's classic.
The Twilight Zone: The Movie never quite achieved that status, however, as it was released to indifferent critical reception and mild commercial success. The film itself was overshadowed by what is considered one of the most tragic onset accidents in Hollywood history. Actor Vic Morrow along with two child actors were killed by the blades of a helicopter that was being used on set.
Both child actors, Myca Dinh Le and Renee Shin-Yi Chen, were hired illegally, a fact that was factored in heavily during the high-profile legal case that ensued.
The young actors were hired in violation of California law, which prohibits child actors from working at night or in proximity to explosions, and requires the presence of a teacher or social worker.
The incident also resulted in the establishment of the Motion Picture & Entertainment Unit within the CAL FIRE Office of the State Fire Marshal to enforce fire safety regulations and requirements in the entertainment industry.