'First Blood' trivia and fun facts
No bow and no arrows
Rambo does not use a bow and arrows in this film.
Kirk Douglas
Kirk Douglas was originally cast to play Colonel Samuel Trautman. Because of script issues (Kirk wanted Rambo to die at the end, as in the novel), he dropped out of the film and Richard Crenna was cast at the last second.
John Rambo
In the novel Rambo doesn't use a first name and is just referred to as Rambo. Sylvester Stallone decided to make Rambo's first name John.
Age change
When the film was released in the UK in cinemas and on VHS, it was given the 18 certificate. When the film was released on DVD, the British Censorship Board changed the rating to a 15 certificate.
A violent movie?
This film has a reputation of being overly violent. However, the total body count of the movie is one: Galt falling from the helicopter. All others survive, even Teasle.
United States
The only Rambo movie that takes place entirely within the United States.
Art Galt
Art Galt was considered to be more of a villain than Sheriff Teasle because of his attitude to the horrible acts he commits upon Rambo, and was loathed by fans of the film, who thought of him as the least likable antagonist of the entire series.
Radio Operator
The role of "Radio Operator" was played by assistant director Craig Huston.
8 years
After the movie, Rambo is tried and sentenced to 8 years in a labor camp prison.
Always wear your seat belt
It's Galt's own fault that he gets killed. If Galt had obeyed Teasle's order to spot Rambo and to capture him alive, and if he had worn a safety belt, he wouldn't have gotten himself killed.
A different appearance
In the novel, Rambo has long hair and a fully grown beard. In the film, he has long hair and a stubble.
Trautman
In the book, Trautman was brought in to kill Rambo because he had trained him. Thus, he was the only one who could stop him.