Former child stars Jerry O’Connell, Corey Feldman and Wil Wheaton reunited in Los Angeles Wednesday to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their 1986 coming-of-age classic Stand By Me and the release of the film on Blue Ray DVD. The film’s other child star, River Phoenix, older brother of Joaquin, famously died in 1993 outside of Johnny’s Depp’s bar, “The Viper Room.”  He was only 23. Co-star Richard Dreyfus and director Rob Reiner were also on hand to partake in the celebration.

Based on a novella by Stephen King, Stand By Me was based around a writer, (played by Dreyfuss), who is reflecting on his childhood. Rejected by his father following the death of an older brother, Gordie, (Wheaton), finds comfort in the company of his pals Chris Chambers, (Phoenix), Teddy Duchamp, (Feldman) and Vern Tessio (O’Connell). Together they set off on a summer excursion to find the body of a boy killed by a train.

Stand by Me was the recipient of Golden Globe nominations for “best motion picture, drama” and “best director,” and an Academy Award nomination for best adapted screenplay.

The movie was Jerry O’Connell’s first at age 11.  The now svelte star recalls being known then merely as the “fat kid.” Who would have thought in 86 that he’d grow up to marry super model/actress Rebecca Romijn?  Some Trivia from the film courtesy of www.breakfastclubquotes.com:
  • Corey Feldman and director Rob Reiner tested thirty different laughs before deciding upon the one for Teddy Duchamp. The laugh happens to be similar to that described in Stephen King’s original story.
  • While practicing his lines, Jerry O’Connell was incredibly impressed that, as an 11-year old, he was being allowed to swear.
  • At the insistence of director Rob Reiner (an avid non-smoker who campaigned for anti-smoking laws in California), the cigarettes smoked by the boys were made from cabbage leaves.
  • When they were filming the scene where Gordie and Vern are about to be run over by the train, Wil Wheaton and Jerry O’ Connell did not look scared enough; In frustration Rob Reiner yelled at them to the point where they started crying and that’s when they were able to film the scene.