Chances Are

The inspiration for the movie came to screenwriters Perry Howze and Randy Howze, who are real-life brothers, from a true story their grandmother told them about their great-aunt. "Our aunt", related Perry, "was married to the love of her life, a southern stock broker, for one year. They were a young, beautiful, glamorous couple. After a year of bliss, he died of a brain tumor, and our aunt never recovered. She was that committed and devoted to him." Randy continued: "We thought, wouldn't it be a joyous thing if her husband came back into her life. We like that notion of life and love not ending with death, just continuing and changing form."

The on-screen chemistry of Cybill Shepherd and Robert Downey, Jr. reflected an off-screen rapport that developed as Shepherd helped Downey ease into his role. Downey said, "Cybill helped me to take my time at what I was doing. She taught me that I didn't have to be talking every minute, 'It's alright if you just look at me for five seconds and don't say anything', she'd say."

Once Cybill Shepherd was secured, the filmmakers then faced the formidable task of casting a young actor to star opposite her, as her "recycled" husband. The part required an accomplished performer who could portray a multi-dimensional role, an appealing leading man who could balance romance with comedy, as well as convincingly playing two characters in one. Robert Downey, Jr., named the "Hottest Actor of the Year" by Rolling Stone Magazine, was their man. A veteran film actor, Downey's memorable performances in a variety of roles, both supporting and starring, had earned him critical respect and audience popularity. Emile Ardolino said, "Robert is an extraordinary talent, who is skillful, passionate, innately funny, sexy, and always surprising. He brings a tremendous amount of vitality and complexity to all of his performances.

The film's theme song, "After All", performed by Cher and Peter Cetera, was a Billboard Top 10 single hit, and went to the number six spot on the American Billboard Hot 100 in May 1989.

To add further realism to Corinne Jeffries' (Cybill Shepherd's) fund-raising gala for the exhibit, the filmmakers enlisted America's foremost band-leader, Lester Lanin, to preside over the dance orchestra. Lanin who had played (nine out of the last ten Presidential Inaugural balls as well as) at the wedding receptions for King Charles III and Princess Diana, and Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, was delighted to participate in the film.