Danny DeVito Describes How Young Actress Was Swung By Her Pigtails in Iconic "Matilda" Scene

The 1996 film Matilda featured many memorable performances by its young cast, including Jacqueline Steiger, who played Matilda's classmate Amanda Thripp. One of the films most talked-about moments is the scene where Miss Trunchbull swings Amanda by her pigtails, often referred to as the "pigtail hammer throw."

In 1997, Danny DeVito, who directed, produced, and acted in the movie, discussed how the scene was created while filming bonus content for the DVD release. He explained that bringing the dramatic moment to life relied entirely on careful planning and practical effects rather than post-production editing.

DeVito described the process: "We had a crane, a very large crane. We attached her to a harness, and Jacqueline loved it." The young actress was enthusiastic about participating in the stunt, demonstrating both bravery and professionalism.

He also noted Jacquelines love for reading, saying she constantly read the Matilda book on set. Footage from the DVD extras shows her reading while suspended in the harness and being lifted off the ground, clearly enjoying the experience.

During rehearsals, Jacqueline was given a safety code word, "jellybeans," to call out if she felt dizzy while performing. She and Mara Wilson, who played Matilda, found the idea amusing and laughed at the thought of shouting it mid-scene.

The scene required Jacqueline to wear special braids to allow wide shots with the swinging effect, which were glued back on after each take. The rest of the young cast watched the filming with awe as the sequence came together under DeVitos careful direction.

Nearly three decades later, the behind-the-scenes footage highlights the care taken with Jacqueline and the excitement on set, making it a cherished moment in the films history.

Author: Aiden Foster