Legendary actor Paul Newman once orchestrated an unforgettable prank involving alarm clocks on set for John Malkovich, turning a moment of professional anxiety into a story that would become Hollywood lore. This John Malkovich alarm clock prank unfolded during filming of The Glass Menagerie in 1987, reminding everyone involved of Newman’s wit and his commitment to both craft and camaraderie.
How the Prank Came About on The Glass Menagerie Set
Paul Newman, known for iconic performances alongside artists such as Marlon Brando and James Dean, played a significant role in developing American cinema during the 1950s, often portraying characters dealing with complex and darker emotional themes. His film legacy includes charismatic roles in “The Hustler” and
“Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid”
as well as intense performances like in the adaptation of Tennessee Williams’
“Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.”
Even late in his career, including his appearance in 2002’s “Road to Perdition,” Newman continued bringing acclaimed and memorable characters to the screen before passing away six years later.
However, Paul Newman did more than just act—he also built a notable if lesser-known directorial career, with four directorial features by the time he took the helm for “The Glass Menagerie” in 1987. This celebrated production starred John Malkovich as Tom Wingfield, and received warm critical attention on its release. Yet, during this period, Malkovich experienced a professional mishap that led to Newman’s memorable prank.
Malkovich’s Jetlag and the Missed Call Time
After completing rehearsals, John Malkovich took a quick trip to London and then returned to his residence in New York, the night before filming was set to commence. Overcome by jetlag, he was unable to wake at the proper time, eventually being roused not by his alarm, but by the building manager entering his apartment to check on him. This unplanned awakening was prompted by concern from the film’s team, as Malkovich had overslept by seven hours on the very first day of shooting. In a rush, he hurried to the studio, offered his apologies to the waiting crew, and worked determinedly to accomplish as much as he could for the rest of the day.
Newman’s Response: A Well-Planned Joke
Word of Malkovich’s late arrival reached Paul Newman, the project’s director and leader on set. At the day’s end, Newman motioned for Malkovich to join him outside the studio, setting the stage for his lighthearted response to his co-star’s blunder. Malkovich recounted the event in Paul Levy’s 2009 biography:
“about 60 or 70 alarm clocks went off. There were cars, there were ducks, there were golf balls, there were fancy alarm clocks and not-fancy ones and electric ones and battery-powered ones and song-playing ones. And he pushed his sunglasses down and said, ‘They’re all for you.’”
— John Malkovich, Actor (Paul Levy’s biography)
The Impact of the Prank and Its Aftermath
Rather than react with frustration or embarrassment, Malkovich took Newman’s alarm clock gesture in stride, responding with good humor and wit of his own:
“And I said, ‘Thank you, that’s very kind. But tomorrow, if my car breaks down on the way to work, does this mean you’ll buy me a Ferrari?’ And he said, ‘Try me.’ And I thought, ‘Probably I won’t.’ They packed up all the clocks and gave them to me, and I gave them away for years. It was such an incredible thing that you could give someone an alarm clock that Paul Newman had given to you because you were such a dick as to sleep through your call on his film.”
— John Malkovich, Actor (Paul Levy’s biography)
Malkovich’s ability to appreciate the humor in the situation turned what could have been a career-threatening error into a unique memory, gifting him and others with stories and mementos of Paul Newman’s offbeat genius. The production’s crew, from the building manager to the actors and director, became part of an unforgettable moment that still circulates as an example of professionalism wrapped in practical jokes.
Why the Prank Still Resonates Today
While the panic of oversleeping and missing an important call time is common, few people can say their mistake prompted such an elaborate and thoughtful stunt from a Hollywood legend like Paul Newman. This John Malkovich alarm clock prank endures as a classic tale in film circles, underscoring the camaraderie and occasional light-heartedness even among serious professionals. For Malkovich, that morning’s shock surely transformed the sound of alarm clocks for years—while reminding anyone hearing the story that even on a set full of industry greats, a sense of humor remains essential.
