Trivia / L.A. Story

• Deleted Role: Both John Lithgow and Scott Bakula filmed scenes that were later cut during the editing process. Lithgow's character Harry Zell is mentioned by other characters in a couple of scenes.
• Missing Trailer Scene: Several scenes in the various teasers and trailers were cut from the actual release. Examples of this were: John Lithgow played the part of Harry Zell, a movie agent that Harris contacts after being fired. The part was cut (in a blink-and-you-miss-it moment, when Harris is driving down the highway, he sees a man standing in front of the highway sign, which is Harry), but there are still references to his character in this movie: during the freeway shoot-out, and in the "California Cuisine" luncheon. Scott Bakula's role as Harris' boxer neighbor was filmed, but cut. Scenes where Harris K. Telemacher is told that "skipping is the perfect compromise", and where Harris skips across the street were shown in trailers, but not in the movie.
• Inspiration for the Work: The movie's inspiration came from the traditional Irish ballad song "Maid of Coolmore".
• Real-Life Relative: Steve Martin and Victoria Tennant were married at the time.
• The Red Stapler: Fans were disappointed to find out those shoe-skates don't exist. Or at least didn't: They became Hilarious in Hindsight in 1999 with the creation of Heelys.
• Star-Making Role: Sarah Jessica Parker has stated that this movie changed her career. Up until this point, she had always played mousy girls or the best friend. She said that no one in Hollywood had thought of her as "sexy". Once she was cast in this role, several new doors opened for her.
• Uncredited Role:
  • Paula Abdul as a roller skater in front of Tail O' the Pup.
  • Terry Jones as the voice of Sara's mother.
  • Rick Moranis as the gravedigger.
  • Chevy Chase as Carlo Christopher at L'Idiot.
  • Woody Harrelson as Harris' boss at the TV station.
• What Could Have Been: In the first draft of the script, it was revealed that the signs could interact with people, because an alien, disguised as a repair man, tampered with it. The role of the alien was written with Jon Pertwee in mind, he couldn't accept it, due to failing health. The script was quickly re-written, and the alien was written out.

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