The bustling energy of Chicago in the third week of March 1985 provided the perfect backdrop for the start of principal photography on Ferris Bueller's Day Off. The city, with its iconic architecture and vibrant street life, was as much a character in the film as Ferris himself. John Hughes, a native of the Chicago suburbs, was in his element, meticulously orchestrating scenes that would capture the essence of a perfect day of truancy.
Today, all scenes of Ferris Bueller at his home were being filmed. Throughout the day, the cast and crew moved through various locations within the house, capturing the vibrant energy of Ferris's world. Later, as the day wound down, they returned to the bedroom set for the final shot of the day: the post-credits scene.
The crew gathered. Alex, still in character as Ferris, walked into the frame from his room, wearing a robe, his eyebrows furrowed as he approached the camera.
"You're still here? It's over. Go home."
As he turned away, he shooed with his hand, a dismissive gesture. "Go." He then disappeared back into his room.
"And that's a cut!" Hughes announced, clapping his hands together. "Fantastic work, Alex, as always."
"Well, that's the point, right?" Alex replied with a smile, stepping out of character.
John Hughes was not exaggerating. Alex Hayes truly delivered a fantastic performance. The crew had anticipated that filming all his home scenes would take at least two to three days, but Alex completed them all with remarkable efficiency, often in just one or two takes. Even the intricate opening monologue scene, a complex combination of different shots, was executed flawlessly in a single take. It was like Alex conjured Ferris Bueller into his body.
As the crew began packing up for the day, John Hughes approached Alex, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Listen, I've been thinking about another project after this. Do you—"
Alex stopped him before he could finish. "Stop right there, John. After this film, I'm committed to one more high school project after this, and that's it. I'm getting out of playing these characters."
Hughes's smile faltered, replaced by a look of genuine disappointment. "Oh. I... I see. That's a shame, Alex. A real shame. I had a feeling you might be heading in that direction, but I was hoping... well, I was hoping I could convince you otherwise. You're just so good at it."
"Even I need to grow up, John," Alex said, a soft, understanding smile on his face.
Hughes paused, then his curiosity got the better of his disappointment. "What is your last high school project, then?"
Alex looked around, ensuring their conversation was private. "It's a project I've been invested in for at least three years now. I was developing it with Cameron Crowe."
"Cameron Crowe?" Hughes repeated, surprised. "The writer of Fast Times at Ridgemont High?"
Alex nodded. "That's the one. It's going to be my last film as a teenager before I grow up."
Hughes sighed, a mix
of resignation and genuine well-wishing in his voice. "Well, I hope that you will be successful in your next phase of your career."
"Come on, John," Alex said, clapping him on the shoulder, a renewed energy in his voice. "We still have this movie to complete. Let's make it count. Let's make it a classic." The conversation, though tinged with Hughes's disappointment, reaffirmed Alex's commitment to his evolving career path.
******
As the filming progressed, Universal Studios ramped up the marketing for Catch Me If You Can. The film was being promoted as a collaboration between the hottest director and actors in Hollywood right now. Alex even had to take brief breaks from the Ferris Bueller's Day Off set to participate in talk shows and promotional events.
If 'Catch Me If You Can' became a success, it would mark Alex Hayes's tenth consecutive hit, an unprecedented achievement.
For Steven Spielberg, it was an opportunity to prove his versatility, demonstrating he could direct compelling films beyond his established reputation for aliens, sharks, and Indiana Jones adventures. The day of the film's premiere was fast approaching, and the anticipation was immense. Catch Me If You Can was set for release in 2000 theaters, the biggest release of Alex Hayes's career to date.
The evening of April 4th, 1985, arrived, bringing with it the glittering spectacle of the Catch Me If You Can premiere in Los Angeles. The red carpet, a vibrant river of flashbulbs and cheering fans, stretched before the grand entrance of the theater. Alex, looking sharp in a tailored suit, walked hand-in-hand with Kathy Ireland, who was absolutely stunning in a shimmering golden gown with a daring slit that showcased her long, elegant leg. Their presence together ignited a fresh wave of excitement from the crowd.
They paused for photos, the air thick with the murmur of their names. Alex spotted Steven Spielberg and Sidney Sheinberg, Universal's President and COO, making their way through the throng.
"Steven, Sidney!" Alex called out, a genuine smile on his face as he navigated towards them.
Spielberg clapped him on the shoulder. "Alex! Good to see you. Exciting night, isn't it?"
"Indeed," Sheinberg added, his gaze sweeping over the enthusiastic crowd. "The buzz is incredible."
After a brief exchange, Alex moved to greet his co-stars. He embraced Gene Hackman, a warm handshake for John Lithgow, and a friendly nod to Dianne Wiest. As Kathy drifted to chat with some other industry friends, Alex saw Diane Lane approaching, her smile bright. There was no awkwardness between them; their past was firmly in the rearview, replaced by a comfortable friendship.
"Diane!" Alex exclaimed, pulling her into a warm, platonic hug. "You look fantastic tonight."
"You too, Alex," she replied, pulling back, her eyes sparkling. "This is quite the night. Are you nervous?"
"More excited than nervous," he admitted, "especially after seeing the crowd. Speaking of which..." Alex's gaze drifted to a small group of teenagers tucked away in a designated corner,Janet was among there holding special passes provided by Alex. She was in her junior year of high school, 17 years old, and had clearly brought her friends along to show off her famous "big brother."
"Excuse me for a moment, Diane," Alex said, already moving towards Janet's group. He winked at Janet, who practically vibrated with excitement.
She introduced them: three girls and two boys.
The three girls immediately started gushing, their eyes wide with stars. "Oh my god, Alex Hayes! We loved you in The Breakfast Club! And Footloose! Can we get a picture?" They practically tripped over themselves, their voices a flurry of adoration. The two boys, clearly boyfriends of two of the girls, stood stiffly beside them, their expressions a mix of annoyance and thinly veiled jealousy at their girlfriends' behavior.
The two boys, clearly boyfriends of two of the girls, eyed Alex with a mix of curiosity and thinly veiled comparison. Alex, ever gracious, smiled and chatted with them, answering their questions and posing for a quick photo. Just then, Kathy Ireland, having finished her conversation, approached, hooking her arm through Alex's.
"Hello, everyone," Kathy said, her voice warm, her smile radiant. She gave Janet a quick, friendly hug. "Janet, so good to see you again!"
"You too, Kathy!" Janet replied.
The two boys in the group, who had been trying to regain their composure, suddenly found their eyes widening, their jaws almost imperceptibly dropping as they took in Kathy's breathtaking presence in the golden dress. The girls, who had been basking in Alex's attention, now looked distinctly less pleased as Kathy's undeniable allure stole the spotlight.
With a final wave and a shared glance that conveyed unspoken amusement, Alex and Kathy excused themselves from the star-struck teenagers.
"Well," Alex whispered to Kathy as they walked towards the theater entrance, "you certainly made those boys tongue-tied. You look absolutely marvelous in that golden dress, by the way. That slit is... distracting."
Kathy chuckled, a low, throaty sound that sent a shiver down Alex's spine. She squeezed his arm, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "Are you jealous, Mr. Hayes?"
He leaned in, his lips brushing her ear, his voice a low, possessive whisper. "Jealous? No. They can look all they want, but I'm the one who gets to touch you and hold you tonight."
Her breath hitched, a soft gasp escaping her lips. She leaned closer, her voice a sultry murmur. "And I have plans for you, Mr. Hayes, that involve a lot more than just holding."
A thrill shot through him at her suggestive comeback. With a shared, knowing glance, they entered the theater, ready for the premiere to begin.