Revealing the Cocaine-Fueled Set of Robert Altman’s ‘Popeye’
The film industry has long been known for its excesses, but one production stands out for its sheer audacity. According to Barry Diller, a former studio executive, the set of Robert Altman’s 1980 film ‘Popeye’ was the most coked-up film set in Hollywood history. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, promoting his new memoir "Who Knew", Diller spilled the beans on the rampant cocaine use that characterised the production.
Diller, who oversaw the production of ‘Popeye’, claimed that the set was awash with cocaine, with film cans even being used to smuggle the substance back and forth to Malta, where filming took place. "You couldn’t escape it," Diller said. "Everyone was stoned." The film, which starred Robin Williams as Popeye and Shelley Duvall as Olive Oyl, was a box office success, despite receiving mixed reviews from critics.
As reported by Entertainment Weekly, Diller’s claims offer a fascinating glimpse into the unglamorous side of 1970s and 80s Hollywood, where substance abuse was often rampant. According to Diller, the cocaine use on set was so prevalent that it seemed to fuel the entire production. "This is a movie that runs at 78 RPM and 33 speed," he said, likening the film’s frenetic pace to a record playing at multiple speeds.
The allegations of widespread cocaine use on the set of ‘Popeye’ are a remarkable revelation, particularly given the film’s eventual success. Despite the critical mixed reviews, ‘Popeye’ has since become a cult classic, with many praising its innovative storytelling and visuals. As Diller noted, "You can watch it. If you watch ‘Popeye’, you’re watching a movie that… you think of it in the thing that they used to do about record speeds, 33 [RPM], whatever."
Diller’s comments, as reported by Entertainment Weekly, offer a remarkable insight into the production of a classic film. According to the source, Diller’s memoir "Who Knew" provides a candid look at the inner workings of Hollywood during its most decadent era. As the film industry continues to evolve, stories like this serve as a reminder of the wild excesses of old Hollywood.
The set of ‘Popeye’ was clearly a unique and combustible environment, with Diller’s claims painting a picture of a chaotic and substance-fueled atmosphere. While it is impossible to verify the extent of Diller’s claims, his comments, as reported by Entertainment Weekly, have added to the lore of ‘Popeye’, already a beloved and quirky film. As film enthusiasts continue to dissect the production of this cult classic, Diller’s comments will undoubtedly remain a fascinating footnote in the film’s history.
This information was originally reported by No Film School, and has been republished with permission. The article is based on an interview with Barry Diller, as reported by Entertainment Weekly.
