Writing on the Den of Geek web site, Kirsten Howard relates how the forthcoming auction of the late actor David Prowse's personal script for "The Empire Strikes Back" demonstrates the length that producer George Lucas went to in order to preserve the legendary surprise ending regarding the relationship between Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker. While Prowse was hired to physically play Vader, Lucas always intended to have his voice dubbed in the final cut by James Earl Jones. Prowse was unaware of this during filming. The script copy he used did not have the famous shock revelation that Vader was Luke's father. Even Mark Hamill, who played Luke, was unaware of this shocker right up until the pivotal scene was being filmed, though director Irvin Kershner was in on the secret. The scripts had omitted the revelatory line entirely. These tactics caused hard feelings between Prowse and Lucas, as Prowse had felt deceived that it had been decided all along not to use his voice in the final cut. However, few would argue that the gravitas of Jones's instantly recognizable voice added far greater impact to character of Darth Vader. For more, click here.
When it was released in 1985, director/star Sylvester Stallone's "Rocky IV" was lambasted by critics who griped about the film's abbreviated running time (91 minutes) and Stallone's use of considerable footage from previous movies in the franchise to pad out the production. Still, Sly had the last laugh when fans embraced the Cold War-themed plot and ensured the movie would gross over $700 in today's equivalent if adjusted for inflation. Now Stallone has let it be known that he is finishing his director's cut of the film but is being mum about precisely what changes will be made. Click here for more.
Cinema Retro has been invited by Kino Lorber to premiere the trailer for
the new feature film "Lust for Gold: A Race Against Time.". Here is the
official press release:
Like
the 1949 Columbia Pictures release of Lust for Gold, this present-day true
story is about obsession, greed, and the hunt for gold. Boyhood dreams of
treasure lead to a lifelong search when a retired missile scientist makes a
monumental discovery and tempts fate for fortune as he hatches a secret plan to
prove his claim. With his estranged son at his side, he secures an
entertainment/personal injury lawyer who assembles a team –a retired blackjack
dealer, a veterinary assistant, and a dog. The plan? To covertly remove gold
bullion from within the most restricted area of Federal land deep within
Superstition Mountain, Arizona. But the one risk greater than facing the
unforgiving terrain and Federal prosecution is time.
The
Feature Presentation is preceded by a Featurette,The Tomb, which follows the
same team in their efforts to unearth a Jesuit Tomb said to contain millions of
dollars of gold bars, jewels, coins and paintings.
Director’s Statement:
When we’re young, our futures seem endless. Yet time has a
way of passing at increasing speed. Lust for Gold: A Race Against Time is about
holding onto our dreams and embracing adventure. For gold hunters, it’s the
search for an undiscovered vein or a buried cache. What drives us to seek
something that’s not ours –to risk injury or death to find an unearned prize?
For most, that prize eludes them. For some, it hides right under their feet,
while others are just too late. But for all, their undying belief lives on. It
is the human condition that interests me. All the characters in our film have a
thirst for adventure, but they’re also in search of something else. While
finding gold is at the forefront of their minds, they each have other
motivations, some conscious, some unconscious. They seek redemption, praise,
purpose, to prove their human value, to change their lot in life –all part of
the human experience. While our story rides on the surface of our characters’ actions,
their actual story plays deeper and is there for the observant. It’s not just
about a lust for gold, but for life–what’s left to discover, what will be our legacy?
I’m inspired by those who have taken the risk in their search and allowed us to
follow them on their adventure.
Robert May
LUST FOR GOLD: A RACE AGAINST TIME will have its premiere
Sunday, April 18 as part of the Arizona Film Festival. The screening will be
preceded by a Treasure Hunt (Lust
For Gold Treasure Hunt - Senart Films), from 11am to 4pm at the
Mercado District. The Treasure Hunt event is free and open to the public.
The film is available from Kino Lorber for
virtual/theatrical screenings. The Blu-ray, DVD and digital release date is
June 15th.