Kiefer Sutherland tells the story of STAND BY ME co-star River Phoenix and how he inspired the film’s title

When it comes to coming-of-age films, Stand by Me It holds a special place in my heart and in the hearts of many film fans. 1986 Rob Reiner-direct masterpiece, based on Stephen KingThe tale of “The Body” introduced audiences to a group of young friends who go on an adventure to find a dead boy, and along the way, it becomes a journey of self-discovery and friendship. Kiefer Sutherlandone of the film’s stars, recently shared a touching story from the set, shedding light on how an experience shared with Phoenix River led to the film’s iconic title.

During a recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy FallonKiefer Sutherland recalled his time filming Stand by Me and fondly remembered his late co-star, River Phoenix, saying:

“We were making Stand by Me, which was a Stephen King story called The Body, and River Phoenix was learning guitar and playing guitar and was really, really good. And he was getting really good at a very, very fast pace, and I was playing Stand by Me and singing that song, and he said, “Oh, I love the melody of that song,” and he’d never heard it before. ”

Inspired by Phoenix’s curiosity and desire to learn, Sutherland took it upon himself to teach him the song. Little did they know that this simple act would have a significant impact on the film’s title.

Director Rob Reiner was passing by during Sutherland and Phoenix’s little music lesson. Sutherland said:

“So I taught him, and Rob Reiner came by and said, ‘Oh, I haven’t heard that song in a long time, I love it. And then that was the end of the discussion.’

Reiner ended up incorporating the classic Ben E. King song “Stand by Me” in the film’s soundtrack. He became a key element in the film, beautifully complementing the heartfelt journey of the young protagonists. Naming the film after the song “was part of the conversation,” Sutherland revealed.

Published in 1986, Stand by Me captures the essence of childhood friendships and the bittersweet moments of growing up. The film also starred a talented cast, including Wil Wheaton, Corey FeldmanAND Jerry O’Connellwho delivered unforgettable performances that have continued to resonate with audiences for generations.

This is a really fun little piece of information about an incredible movie. Reiner was recently asked about his most underrated film and took the opportunity to share his feelings about it Stand by Me. He explained why this particular film has unprecedented emotional meaning for him.

“This is the one that means the most to me, that has the most emotional connection for me of all the films I’ve made. I don’t know if it’s my best, but it’s what means the most to me. I was 12 years old in 1959. I had three other friends; I didn’t go through what they went through, but I also had the feeling of not knowing how my father felt about me.”

We talk about it in depth Stand by Me and its making in an episode of our Secret Level podcast, which you can listen to here.