Tom Hanks Reveals Intentional Absence from ‘A League of Their Own’ Scene
Tom Hanks recently shared a humorous revelation about his role in the classic film “A League of Their Own.” During an appearance on “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” Hanks discussed a specific scene he intentionally avoided to save time and energy.
Tom Hanks on His Strategic Absence
While reflecting on his career, Hanks described “A League of Their Own” as “the greatest gig in the world.” However, he recalled one dugout scene that he was keen to escape. Hanks revealed that he had the first and last line in that scene, which made him realize filming could drag on for days.
Behind-the-Scenes Decision-Making
During the interview, Hanks elaborated on his tactical thinking. He explained, “I knew if I didn’t get out of that dugout, I was going to be shooting that scene for three and a half days.” Each actress in the dugout had a line, which meant extensive shooting time. To avoid this, he quickly devised a plan to exit the scene.
“I said ‘I’m going to give the… uh, lineup to the umpire,’” Hanks recounted. He then timed his return so that he could rejoin the shoot just before delivering his final line, enthusiastically rallying the other characters with a motivating chant. “I can’t remember what the line is,” he noted, but the strategy was clear.
The Benefits of His Decision
Hanks humorously pointed out the condition of the filming, mentioning that due to the sun’s position, they shot the scene over several afternoons. “While they were shooting, I was playing Three Flies Up and eating turkey franks,” he said with a smile. His decision allowed him to avoid a tedious shoot while still contributing to the film.
Hanks concluded by emphasizing the importance of strategic thinking in acting. “That’s what pros do, baby! They read the script and say, ‘I don’t think I have to be in this scene,’” he quipped.
This anecdote serves as a testament to Hanks’ professionalism and ability to navigate the demanding world of filmmaking. You can view his full interview on “Late Night with Seth Meyers” to catch all the details of his experience.
