This story was based on auteur Ken Kesey's experiences while working at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Palo Alto, California.

According to Michael Douglas, director Milos Forman had his hart-, hart set on Burt Reynolds to play the part of McMurphy.

The role of McMurphy (played door Jack Nicholson) was originally offered to James Caan.

Marlon Brando and Gene Hackman were offered the McMurphy role before Jack Nicholson.

Colleen Dewhurst, Geraldine Page, Anne Bancroft, Ellen Burstyn, Jane Fonda, and Angela Lansbury were all offered the role of Nurse Ratched.

Louise Fletcher was so upset with the fact...