"Home Alone," the beloved holiday film franchise, has etched itself into the hearts of audiences worldwide since its debut in 1990. What began as a simple tale of childhood fantasy and slapstick humor quickly evolved into a cultural phenomenon, spawning several sequels that continue to captivate audiences with their blend of comedy, heartwarming moments, and unforgettable characters.
Yet, over the years, various myths and misconceptions have woven themselves into the narrative surrounding these beloved films. We'll unravel five facts about the "Home Alone" series, separating truth from fiction and shedding light on the fascinating behind-the-scenes details. From dispelling rumors about a possible political statement to uncovering the secrets behind fictional movie productions within the films, this journey peels back the curtain on the magic of "Home Alone," bringing fans closer to the truths and delights hidden within these timeless cinematic treasures.
"Home Alone” sparked rumors about a hidden Easter egg in an address shown in the sequel, claiming it matched a real filming location. A Snopes fact check confirmed that the luggage tag address of “Peter McCallister 671 Lincoln Blvd. Winnetka, ILL” that is shown in “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” is the address of the shooting location for the McCallister family home.
IMDb and Google Maps identified 671 Lincoln Avenue as the McCallisters’ home despite the movie's "Boulevard" designation. Google user photos affirmed the location, establishing the authenticity of the address, nestled in a Chicago suburb.
"Home Alone” stirred social media intrigue in 2021 with claims that Kieran Culkin, Macaulay Culkin's real-life younger brother, played cousin Fuller in the movie. IMDb confirmed Kieran's role, marking his film debut at age 8 in the 1990 hit. He also had a small role in the sequel, "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.”
Kieran's acting career progressed, including notable roles in "Father of the Bride" and "Succession." In 2020, he earned Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. The viral claim about Kieran's portrayal of Fuller in "Home Alone" stands true.
In "Home Alone," Kevin McCallister enjoys forbidden activities before setting traps for burglars. He watches the gangster movie "Angels with Filthy Souls," which viewers mistakenly believed to be real. Cinematographer Julio Macat revealed it was created for the film, styled to resemble a 1930s piece.
The movie-within-a-movie was inspired by the 1938 James Cagney movie “Angels with Dirty Faces.” The gag was so well-received that a fictional sequel —“Angels with Even Filthier Souls”— was made for the second movie.
“Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” came out nearly 10 years before the 9/11 attacks. A scene depicting Kevin on the observation deck of one of the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers did not play in full on the Freeform channel in December 2020, and it appeared to have been cut in previous years' showings.
In December 2019, a social media uproar claimed that CBC had omitted Donald Trump's "Home Alone 2" cameo due to political bias. Trump Jr. called it "pathetic," and supporters accused CBC of censorship. However, the network clarified that the 2019 broadcast used an edited version from 2014, unrelated to Trump's presidency.
CBC cited time constraints for TV adaptations, explaining the 2014 edits removed non-essential scenes, including Trump's cameo. Approximately eight minutes were cut to fit commercials and the time slot.