To hide the flaw, Natalie always wore a bracelet, and it was never out of sight. In fact, you’ll rarely find a picture of her without it.
Can you spot Leif Garrett?
Did you know that Leif Garrett made his film debut in the film Bob and Carol, Ted and Alice?
Yes, the future teen idol first appeared on the big screen in this 1969 film, long before he became a famous pop star and heartthrob in the 70s.
Leif was 5 years old when he first appeared in the film, which incidentally became the fifth highest-grossing film of the year.
A cameo you might miss if you blink.
The film Bob & Carol, Ted & Alice is full of sneaky cameos. Firstly, Bill Cosby makes a very quick appearance in the film – blink and you’ll miss him.
Here’s how to spot him: Bill Cosby is wearing a hat, red shirt and sunglasses. He makes a quick appearance, bumping into Bob in the nightclub scene as Bob and the others head to their table.
If you pay attention, you’ll notice Donald F. Mujic, who plays Alice’s therapist. The best part is that he was actually Paul Mazursky’s therapist in real life – what to say about life imitating art….
And don’t forget the guy screaming in the background at the Esalen Institute – that’s Paul Mazursky himself.
Natalie’s wardrobe
Natalie Wood’s fashion sense has always been on point. Whether it was a concert, charity event or premiere, glamorous or casual look, Natalie Wood was the epitome of beauty.
She effortlessly combined stardom with down-to-earth charm, and this was especially evident in the films Bob & Carol and Ted & Alice. Her wardrobe, designed by the legendary Moss Mabry, became a fashion icon of the era.
From casual bohemian looks to chic outfits in the more sophisticated scenes, Natalie’s wardrobe in the film reflected her ability to be both iconic and approachable.
Mabry even created a special bra designed specifically for Natalie Wood, which became known as the ‘Natalie Wood bra’. However, he kept the secret of its design a closely guarded secret.
The triumphant return of Dyan Cannon
Natalie Wood was not the only actress to make a dramatic comeback in Bob & Carol, Ted & Alice. Her colleague in the film, Dyan Cannon, also returned to the big screen after a tumultuous period in her personal life. Diane endured a media storm during her bitter divorce from Cary Grant, which was accompanied by accusations of his inappropriate behaviour under the influence of LSD. She sought full custody of their daughter but was left destitute as a result of the legal proceedings.
Behind this heartache, Diane was determined to revive her career, and ‘Bob & Carol and Ted & Alice’ gave her just the opportunity she needed. The role of Alice Henderson was a turning point in her life and she embraced it with renewed determination.
‘For eight months I couldn’t do anything. I was too stunned, confused and upset by what had happened. But one day something inside me clicked. I realised I wasn’t going to get anywhere by sitting around feeling sorry for myself, it was time to get out and do something,’ she told the AP in 1968.
Bloopers: Find the mistakes in the BCTA
No film is without bloopers, and ‘Bob & Carol, Ted & Alice’ has plenty of them! In one scene, Alice and Ted dive into desserts at a restaurant, but in the very next shot, those same desserts are served to them. Later, after the party, Bob puts on a record, but as the music continues in the background, the turntable is clearly shown without a record on it.
And at another point, when Carol confesses to cheating, Bob heads for the stairs with his coat on. But in the next shot, the coat is already off – and Carol is holding it in her hands. These little missteps may not spoil the fun, but they definitely add to the film’s unexpected charm.
Threw the actors to bed
A fun fact about the iconic ‘Bob and Carol, Ted and Alice’ scene in which Mazursky throws the actors into bed is that it was virtually unscripted.
The director wanted to capture a raw and natural performance, so he deliberately left the actors to improvise. In fact, only Robert Culp, who plays Bob, felt comfortable in the chaotic environment, while the rest of the cast, including Natalie Wood and Elliott Gould, didn’t know what to do at first. According to critics, this improvisation added to the film’s authenticity.
Testament
The film Bob & Carol, Ted & Alice may have been a turning point for many stars, but for Natalie Wood, it marked the beginning of a bittersweet chapter. After the film’s success, she stepped away from the limelight, taking a break from acting.
Sadly, this film was her last major film before her untimely death in 1981. While the film reflected the free-spirited, no-holds-barred atmosphere of the 1960s, Wood’s personal life remained much more complicated, marred by tragic events that ended far too soon.
Nevertheless, her role in Bob and Carol, Ted and Alice remains a testament to her incredible talent and timeless beauty, forever etched in cinematic history. Share this article on Facebook to honour her legacy!