Hollywood Set Secrets! Take a Look Behind the Camera of These Fan-Favorite Films Including 'E.T.,' 'Mission: Impossible,' 'Indiana Jones' and More
These classic films have stood the test of time, but their set secrets are now slipping out.
March 31 2025, Published 8:30 p.m. ET
'Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark'
Steven Spielberg has George Lucas to thank for 'Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark.'
Director Steven Spielberg worked on the set of the 1981 classic Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Speaking about how he created the masterpiece with George Lucas and Philip Kaufman, Spielberg recalled the time he had a casual conversation with the Star Wars creator while they were on a holiday.
"George and I happened to be in Hawaii at the same time. This was before Star Wars had been released and George was hiding out, feeling very nervous and convinced he had a flop on his hands. We started complaining to one another about the problems you get making these big films," Spielberg said.
He added: "He'd tell me about his difficulties with the robots on Star Wars and I'd tell him my nightmare stories about the mechanical shark in Jaws.
"Then I mentioned I'd always wanted to make a James Bond picture and George said, 'I've got something better than Bond.' He told me the plot of Raiders and he said the very best thing would be, we wouldn't have a single piece of hardware in the film."
'The Island'
'The Island' stars Scarlett Johansson and Ewan McGregor went above and beyond for the film, despite it flopping at the box office.
Scarlett Johansson and Ewan McGregor filmed the action scenes together on the set of the 2005 flick The Island.
'Mission: Impossible'
Tom Cruise and Jon Voight joined forces for the 1996 film, in what has turned out to be a massive franchise.
Jon Voight and Tom Cruise shot exhilarating scenes for Mission: Impossible, released in 1996.
'The Misfits'
Legendary actor Clark Gable was able to see his stepson while filming 'The Misfits.'
Clark Gable got a visit from his stepson, Bunker Spreckels, during a break while shooting the 1961 movie.
'The Italian Job'
Charlize Theron had quite the way to pass the time while filming 'The Italian Job.'
Charlize Theron played backgammon during a break as Jason Statham watched on the set of the 2003 flick.
'Yentl'
Broadway legend Barbra Streisand directed and co-wrote the classic film.
Barbra Streisand also worked behind the scenes of her 1983 film.
'E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial'
The film's special effects artist was left in tears after wrapping up production on the popular film.
Italian special effects artist Carlo Rambaldi was famous for his E.T. creations. The special-effects virtuoso, who died in 2012, reportedly "cried a little" when he finished the movie.
'Ben-Hur'
Never Miss an
Daily updates from the heart of Hollywood, right to your inbox
By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you’re agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Charlton Heston and his 'Ben-Hur' co-star Stephen Boyd made sure to take advantage of Rome during breaks from filming.
Actors Stephen Boyd and Charlton Heston rode a Vespa between takes at Cinecitta Studios in Rome in 1959.
'West Side Story'
Spielberg's 'West Side Story' reeled in plenty of Academy Awards nominations.
Spielberg and his crew reimagined the 1961 West Side Story and filmed the 2021 version of the movie classic.
