Two videos, recently uploaded on those lovely series of tubes known as the Internet, show possible alternate versions of two of the most beloved blockbusters of all time.
First off, we get one of those typical ’80s making-of documentaries where the host pretends to interact directly with the audience a good twenty years before video chat became available to the general consumer. During the eight-minute doc, Disney historian John Culhane takes us through the early developmental stages of a pre-Robert Zemeckis attempt to bring “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” to the big screen.
Between 1981 and 1983, a group of Disney animators worked on an earlier effort to clear Roger’s good name, which laid the groundwork for Zemeckis’ version. The most fascinating detail from this attempt is that Roger was supposed to be voiced by Paul Reubens, a.k.a. Pee Wee Herman.
It’s interesting to note that a lot of details from this version made it to the 1988 blockbuster. It seems like the only character that got cut was a cruel detective named Captain Cleaver, who might have been retrofitted into the terrifying Judge Doom. Also, Jessica Rabbit sports a more slender look and wisecracking persona, a-la Katherine Hepburn or Lauren Bacall, as opposed to the voluptuous Marilyn Monroe or Jayne Mansfield-type we know and love. [Film Divider]
Next, we get a peek into Han Solo’s pre-Leia love life in this rough-cut clip from the Mos Eisley Cantina scene in “A New Hope." This clip was first released on the "Star Wars: Behind The Magic" CD-ROM in 1998 and was re-released on the "Star Wars Saga" Blu-ray box set, although fans might have been too pissed off from hearing Vader yell “Nooooo!!” to notice that special feature.
Aside from letting us hear the original, entirely non-threatening cockney voices of the actors portraying the aliens, this clip shows us the only appearance of Han Solo’s girlfriend, affectionately named Jenny by fans after the actress’ real name, Jenny Cresswell. Jenny, there’s an exotic space opera name for you.
Since her appearance is very brief and dialogue-free, there are a lot of questions left unanswered. What is the nature of their relationship? Are they friends with benefits? Are they dating but have an open relationship? Are they committed to each other? If that’s the case, why doesn’t Han mention her to Leia? Leia, Han’s no good for you girl, he’s a two-timing snake, you deserve better. I hear Lando’s available. But whatever you do, DO NOT hit on Luke. Skip to 2:28 to lay eyes on Jenny. [Yahoo Movies]