Sylvester Stallone and Richard Gere: A Tale of Mustard, Egos, and Hollywood Mishaps
Introduction
The film industry, with all its glitz and glamour, is also a place where egos clash and personal chemistry conflicts lead to memorable moments. One such episode revolves around the star-crossed pairing of Sylvester Stallone and Richard Gere in the 1974 film Lords of Flatbush. Although the Lords of Flatbush was a well-received sports drama, behind the scenes, it was a battlefield of tensions and misunderstandings.
The Feud over Mustard
According to various accounts, a particularly dramatic moment occurred during an improvisation scene. Richard Gere, known for his intense and sometimes confrontational demeanor, reportedly got too close to Sylvester Stallone during one of these scenes. To exaggeratedly dramatize the point, Stallone described Gere as a person with whom he and Richard Gere had a chemistry akin to oil and water, meaning they just did not mix. The situation escalated dramatically when Gere was allegedly caught by Stallone slathered in mustard and about to ruin Stallone's outfit with his hot dog sandwich.
In a fit of exasperation, Stallone reportedly elbowed Gere in the side of the head, which caused Gere to abandon the scene. This incident led to Gere’s abrupt termination from the production. While these accounts are highly imaginative, there is no concrete evidence or records of such an incident in official reports or contemporary interviews around the time of the film's production.
Egos, Mustard, and More
The mustard incident was further fueled by more drama. In the 2009 autobiography of Elton John, he dropped a bombshell suggesting that Richard Gere and Princess Diana might have had more than just a professional relationship. This revelation caused friction between Stallone, who witnessed this claim, and Gere, who continued dating Diana. Stallone felt left out and attempted to pursue a romantic interest in Diana, only to be thwarted by Gere, who seemed intent on maintaining their relationship.
Whether these accounts are true or exaggerated, it certainly provides an intriguing backdrop of personal and professional drama that colored the film's production.
A Hollywood Standoff
The Lords of Flatbush incident described, though largely fictional, echoes the common experiences of merging high-profile actors on set. The clash of egos and personality conflicts can often lead to such memorable and dramatic moments. While the actual scene involving mustard may be more of a theatrical exaggeration, the underlying tensions and romantic entanglements paint a vivid picture of the passion and chaos that often reign supreme in Hollywood.
In conclusion, the tale of Sylvester Stallone and Richard Gere highlights the complex and sometimes dramatic nature of Hollywood productions. From mustard mishaps to royal romances, the story is a fascinating blend of fact and fiction, making it a tale worth telling over a bucket of popcorn.