The 1991 film Fried Green Tomatoes is a classic southern movie.
Starring Kathy Bates, Jessica Tandy, Mary Louise Parker, and Mary Stuart Masterson, the female-driven cast transcends timelines for a compelling narrative that has inspired countless women to embrace their own "Towanda" in the decades since it was released.
But how much do you really know about the classic film?
I've watched the movie more times than I can count, but I had never noticed the surprising fact about Buddy listed below — and I can't believe you can still visit the actual Whistle Stop Cafe!
Take a look to learn even more fascinating tidbits about Fried Green Tomatoes, and you'll either want to whip up your own recipe of the title dish or watch the film again ASAP.
And don't forget to SHARE all of the amazing facts about the beloved film with your friends on Facebook!
1. Two Of The Lead Actresses Went By Nicknames On Set
Because Mary Louise Parker and Mary Stuart Masterson had such similar names, director Jon Avnet would refer to them as "Lou" and "Stu" to keep things from getting too confusing, according to official information from the Juliette, Georgia, website.
2. Buddy Didn't Have A Southern Accent
You might not have noticed this because of his brief time onscreen, but Chris O'Donnell was the only actor not to use the traditional southern accent found in Alabama and Georgia, where the story is set.
3. The Stunt Double Quit Right Before The Bee Scene
Also according to the Juliette official website, the actual stunt woman was too afraid and backed out at the last minute, so Mary Stuart Masterson was forced to do her own stunt work with the buzzing bees.
4. The Original Author Had A Cameo
Fannie Flagg, who wrote the original novel and was previously known for her appearances on Match Game throughout the '70s and early '80s, plays the woman leading a self-help group, who tells the women attendees: "You can get that spark back into your marriage!"
5. Ninny's Hair Grew Back Super Fast
In one scene, Evelyn visits Ninny and finds her hair cropped super short and dyed a lavender hue.
When she visits again later, Ninny's hair is back to its original long white strands.
6. There's A Real Whistle Stop Cafe
On top of really serving fried green tomatoes, as well as many other southern food staples, the actual restaurant in Juliette, Georgia, was used as a set for the film, according the official website.
7. Two Of The Leading Ladies Were Oscar Winners
Jessica Tandy won an Oscar for her work in 1989's Driving Miss Daisy and Kathy Bates won for her role in 1990's Misery.
Jessica was also nominated for her role as Ninny in this film.
8. Two Of The Leads Share The Same Birthday
Both Kathy and Mary Stuart Masterson were born on June 28, though Kathy is 18 years Mary's senior.
9. Ninny's Suitcase Disappeared
At the very end of the film, Evelyn looks for Ninny at the Whistle Stop Cafe and finds her sitting on a suitcase where the old house had been.
When they make their way to the car, neither remembers to bring that suitcase with them.
10. Evelyn's Husband Couldn't Count
An exasperated Ed asks how Evelyn could have "accidentally" smashed into the younger girl's car at the grocery store six times, but she really only hit the car four times.
11. The Film Omitted A Romance From The Original Book
In Fannie's original novel, Idgie and Ruth's relationship clearly included romantic elements.
Although it's hinted at in the film, the characters' relationship is never expressly shown despite the wishes of both lead actresses and author Fannie Flagg, which Mary Louise Parker revealed in an interview back in 2008.
Did any of these facts about the beloved film surprise you? Be sure to SHARE all the info with your friends on Facebook!
