What a way to make a living, eh? Wed have certain times where wed be shooting scenes and the rest of the time we were just hanging out on the film set watching shit happen. Click Here to learn about Dan. In the last sequence of the film, the three are reunited to face the Great swell of 74, which represents the final moment in this maturation process. The board I was riding was an 86, so it wasnt really a longboard, but it worked kind of fun. Barbara Hale, mother of William Katt, plays a small role in the film. Surfing is a strange thing. IC: Well in May we were in El Salvador, in the summertime, from August to September we were in the Ranch, then we did surf the winter events on the North Shore. Behind The Scenes On Big Wednesday: Tales & Trivia From The Making Of A A day will come that is like no other. These were all props, created for the film, since this portion of it was taking place in the early sixties. I was the number one money winner in 76, I earned $8000 prize money. . Also starring Jan-Michael Vincent ("The Winds of War"), real- life mother and son Barbara Hale . Townend was just gearing up to embark on the tours second spin around the sun when he received a phone call from John Milius a long time Malibu surfer and Hollywood director inviting him to fly to LA to stunt double on a new film he was working on. n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; With the advent of VCRs and DVD players, it is now a full blown cult classic. We grabbed our boards from the bushes and had a session with the pros for the 45 minutes it took for the truck with everyone elses boards to show up. Those [guerrillas] looked at him and absolutely freaked. WATCH Surfing Massive 20-30 Ft Waves in Cape Town on Big Wednesday By what name was Big Wednesday (1978) officially released in India in English? Above is George Greenough, Denny Aaberg with the guitar, Peter Townend and Townends girlfriend. He flew to Hollywood and headed straight for Warner Brothers studios, where he happened to pull up a chair alongside another of the films stars, Billy Kat. Here it goes, the good, old story of the dog chasing its tail. Big Wednesday (1978) Classic Movie Review 153 It combines brilliantly heart gripping surfing action, heart wrenching emotions, and heart uplifting humour, all set against the back-drop of the Vietnam War, teenagers growing up, the wisdom of elders (Bear) and of course, the surfing. Vincent was covered in The Undefeated (1969). WL: Tell me about the filming of the final sequence? Official Sites The fictional "Bear surfboards" logo and t-shirts, originally created by the filmmaker as props for the film, went on to become a popular surf trademark owned by Milius himself. Copyright 20102023, The Conversation US, Inc. Give me a break! Terry Remick was spending a lot of her time with friends on the beaches of Hollister Ranch, enjoying her early twenties, when out of nowhere, a major Hollywood production drops in her lap. This is one of Terrys favorite shots. Wed have certain times where wed be shooting scenes and the rest of the time we were just hanging out on the film set watching shit happen. Milius and his friends George Lucas and Steven Spielberg famously agreed to exchange a percentage point of Big Wednesday, Star Wars and Close Encounters of the Third Kind prior to the release of the three films throughout 1977-1978. "The 40th-anniversary edition of 'Big . There was no one living there and you had to come in by boat, even until today its really uncrowded. We had a huge bottle of water, and what they didnt tell us was they were filling it up out of the well, so everyone got amoebic dysentery. Next day, the cars had new (old) license plates. director of photography Film Editing by Casting By Karen Rea . Milius created a mythical aura around the protagonists of Big Wednesday. WL: Of course, that was right in the middle of the whole Bustin Down The Door saga. Crumple Car was a nickname for Little Drakes. He didnt really surf, where as Jean Micheal and Billy were reasonable surfers, so they were down there to have fun, hang out and shoot as many scenes as possible. Ian Cairns, shown above, was the surf double for Gary Busey. IC: One day I was at home in Australia and the phone rang and it was Hollywood calling. Forty years after its release the passion and lyricism of the film are even more compelling. "Big Wednesday" follows three young surfers in the LA area (Jan-Michael Vincent, William Katt and Gary Busey). I tore up your lawn with my '40 Ford Matt Johnson: Took my pants off in front of your friends Matt Johnson: And I even passed out in your closet, but I never, and I don't know who could have if I didn't, but I never, and I repeat never, ever pissed in your steam iron. IC: The guys were held at gun point at Sunzal one morning as part of the revolution thing, but that was before I got there. This thing would be wrapped up in two weeks. Although two of the lead actors Jan-Michael Vincent and Willliam Kat had been surfing since childhood, Milius brought in an all-star cast of surfing talent to serve as stunt doubles, including World Champ Peter Townend (whose surfing shines throughout), Ian Cairns, Billy Hamilton, Jay Riddle and Jackie Dunn. In early 77, the points were counted and Peter Townend emerged as the first-ever winner, with fellow Bronzed Aussie Ian Cairns taking the runner up spot. by Information Press, Behind The Scenes On Big Wednesday: Tales From The Set With Stunt Double Ian Cairns Wavelength Surf Magazine, Alan Nafzger's Los Angeles Surfing Drama - VERITY'S SURFING MOVIE, Kanga The Trials and Triumphs of Ian Cairns, Historic San Augustine is Set for This Weekends Heritage Days, Judge Revives Lunada Bay Lawsuit: Localism Is Illegal and Cities TheInertia.com, From Hawaii to South Africa: Top 10 surfing destinations around the world, Matthew McConaugheys dashing young son collects , Architect Ed Niles Designed This Massive Geometrical Manse on the Malibu Coast. [1], Big Wednesday was a box office flop upon its release, and was quickly pulled from theatres after taking in only $4.5 million. (1) Cairns in a Sunset tube (2) PT off the bottom. "It was the most personal film I'd done," said Katt. Monster waves swept into Cape Town this week, with surfers jumping at the chance to experience the unforgettable huge surf. No Hype.No Sponsors. And thats what the movie is. Free Delivery on all Orders Over 80. I have fond memories of being one of the extras. Another famous water photographer, Dan Merkel, was hired to shoot this film. She said it was the last shot on the roll. I have fond memories of being one of the extras. 2022 Goleta Surfing. Frank McRae played a tough Army Sergeant at the induction center. On the set, from left to right, Billy Hamilton, director John Milius, Peter PT Townend, Ian Cairns, Ray Riddle and Gary Busey. Not to mention a few vintage lenses. Big Wednesday (1978) - Summer Surfing Scene (2/10) - YouTube Among these was Kym Herrin, who later gained fame as a Playboy bunny. IC: The guys were held at gunpoint at Sunzal one morning as part of the revolution thing, but that was before I got there. [1] William Katt explained in a 1979 interview with Roger Ebert a year after the film's release that he believed the movie's failure was due to the marketing focusing only on the fight scenes and surfing angle. In addition, two-time Pipeline Masters champion Gerry Lopez, who served as one of the six surfing masters in the production of the film, also appears in a cameo as himself during the final surfing section of the film. WL: I just watched it the other day and its incredible the surfing you guys are doing on those big single fin longboards. We were treated like rock stars and I still get a cheque every year from the screen actors guild. WL: And then you all jetted off to Hawaii. He encourages such stiffness in his players that Barbara Hale, for instance, is quite unconvincing as Mr. Katt's mother. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Remick says this was typical Greenough attire; barefoot, jeans, sweatshirt and self cut hair. Categories . You can see the wave all over Instagram today, with all the surf teams there. Lucky for us, Terry was a photographer, and she happened to be friends with George Greenough, who was hired as a photographer for the film. The Los Angeles Times reported that it was one of the very few to really capture the surfing life., Surf journalist Paul Gross concurred, writing in The Surfers Journal on the films 25th anniversary that even its harshest critics had to acknowledge that Big Wednesday remains true to the sport., While Surfer Magazine went one further in their modern appraisal bestowing what may be the ultimate compliment, declaring simply that Big Wednesday makes you proud to be a surfer.. At 62 and 190 lbs., he was a big, powerful Australian surf star that had won lots of international contests. [The Wavelength Drive-In Cinema is back for 2021, bringing you a range of surf cinema, cult classics and family favourites from the clifftops of Cornwall, kicking off with Surf's Up and Big Wednesday on Friday 16th July. I was the number one money winner in 76, I earned $8000 prize money. No Ads. Surf star Gerry Lopez, who would later appear as an actor in other films directed by Milius, played himself in the last sequence of the film. Writer/director John Milius was born in 1944 and the material draws on a ten year span of his life from the early 1960's to the early 1970's. . So, PT told Milius, hey, Ive got a bronzed Aussie buddy who could replace him. big wednesday stunt surfers big wednesday stunt surfers Three friends who share a passion and talent for surfing are separated by military service in Vietnam, but return to the same beach ten years after the summer they ruled the waves. Terry was commuting from the Ranch and Goleta to attend SBCC and UCSB. They said, Hey, its Warner Brothers, do you want to come to El Salvador?. PT leapt at the chance. According to surf journalist Paul Gross, hard-core surfers found the film too cheesy. The opening and closing sequences of Big Wednesday feature the three protagonists walking through the ruins of a decaying portico like kings of an ancient civilisation where traditional values such as heroism, courage and loyalty are still upheld. Big Wednesday is a movie that follows the Hollywood cinema canons, filmed by a well-known director who embodies the surfer's spirit. All Rights Reserved. Nineteen seventy-six was a big year for innovation. We were treated like rock stars and I still get a cheque every year from the screen actors guild. Published by at June 22, 2022. Much of the authenticity of the film was due to the fact that Milius was himself an avid surfer. Greenough arrived with his own custom-built water housing and proceeded to take apart the 100 grand film camera provided to him by the production to fit it inside. Big Wednesday (1978) - IMDb In early 77, the points were counted and Peter Townend emerged as the first-ever winner, with fellow Bronzed Aussie Ian Cairns taking the runner up spot. An 8' 6" BEAR Surfboard single fin made for Big Wednesday. (1) Cairns in a Sunset tube (2) PT off the bottom. Honestly, the whole experience completely ruined me for being back on the pro tour. Recently, we called him up at home in Laguna Beach to see what he could remember from his time working on the film. I went there 190 pounds and ended up a 170, and in fact one night I was 110 pounds, vomiting and shitting, just incredibly sick. I mean, you had George Greenough in his black and white Highway Patrol car, burning down the dirt roads and then coming into the lot doing donutsIt was more like a party than a working situation, and for me it was just like another day at the beach. Surf star Gerry Lopez, who would. Along the way we see many of the people and locales Bruce visited during the filming of Endless Summer (1966). Milius was later responsible for the creation of the surf-obsessed Captain Kilgore (Robert Duvall) in Francis Ford Coppolas Apocalypse Now. Did working with them that winter help smooth things over a bit? Big Wednesday (1978) - Turner Classic Movies That experience working on Big Wednesday was kind of how I hoped pro surfing would be. IC: Well, it was pretty horrible in 76. !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s) IAN will be signing his new book from 6:30 to 7:30. Cameras were stolen and the whole crew got sick, but in the end, it was an encounter with a local militia that really sent them packing. "Big Wednesday" started as a novel written by John Milius and Denny Aaberg and was initially published in 1978 by Bantam Books. Apple Computers was founded, NASA unveiled its first space shuttle, Concorde took its maiden commercial flight and, of equally critical importance, surfing had its very first crack at a joined-up international contest circuit. Without going to Hawaii it would have fallen flat, but those big wave sequences at the end of the movie are pretty amazing. The nostalgic celebration of friendship is strongly associated with the critique of contemporary capitalist American society. The fictional Bear surfboards logo and t-shirts, originally created by the filmmaker as props for the film, went on to become a popular surf trademark owned by Milius himself. [24], Milius later said the film was "sort of a numb spot in my life. "[7], Anthea Sylbert was an executive at Warners at the time. This is one of Terrys favorite shots. Youre not allowed to drive into the Ranch, so every day youd just wait for your car to come and pick you up. His presence had been specifically requested by one of the films starring trio, Jean Michelle Vincent, who happened to be a personal friends of Townends after the pair had met half a decade earlier surfing at Californias Hollister Ranch. However, in the 1990s and 2000s his career declined rapidly. Above is George Greenough, Denny Aaberg with the guitar, Peter Townend and Townends girlfriend. And Denny should know, he co-wrote the film with the director John Milius! You just get treated like a king, youre part of the crew, hanging out with the actors, writers and directors. This is a great shot of Jan Michael Vincent, one of the actors that actually could surf. Shop Now, 8 OF THE BEST FEMALE SURF RETREATS FOR 2023, Where To Surf In Italy The Wavelength Guide. Its pretty sweet, Ill tell you that. There goes Greenough to get some water shots, with an assistant, we guess. Above he is shooting Billy Hamilton and Ian Cairns in action. When it comes to authentic depictions of a surfing life, few Holywood films hold a candle to 78 cult classic Big Wednesday. Release Dates Another famous water photographer, Dan Merkel, was hired to shoot this film. 1977 BEAR John Milius' Personal Cojo Point Big Wednesday Because we were at a beach club far away from the city, and werent travelling back and forwards too much, we didnt see much of that stuff, but yeah, they had some bugs out there and we all got sick. In the 1980s, Milius would go on to make commercially successful films such as Conan the Barbarian and Red Dawn. We got alot of emails regarding this page from folks that were extras. I said of course, who wouldnt! "I don't want to put it off any further but I don't want to work on it until its ready either. When John Milius made Big Wednesday in 1978, he was considered one of the most promising filmmakers in Hollywood. Movie Info. Malibu in the early 60s, immediately post-Gidget, when some old-timers were already arguing the breaks best day were behind her. It was super fun. He created this waterproof fiberglass housing for a big, bulky 35 mm movie camera. Surf star Gerry Lopez, who would. And just when they were finally convinced, out of the water comes one of our surfers, Dan Merkel, with his skin suit on and a knife strapped to his leg. big wednesday stunt surfers big wednesday stunt surfers. In 1971, Milius discussed the idea of writing a book about their youth in Malibu with his Aaberg. At some point, old cars were placed on the beach by ranchers to try to keep the surfers out. WL: Of course, that was right in the middle of the whole Bustin Down The Door saga. The picture stars Jan-Michael Vincent, William Katt, and Gary Busey as California surfers facing life and the Vietnam War against the backdrop of their love of surfing. Renew Premium Membership Now; My Account; Personal Info & Password; Payment & Settings; Premium Benefits; Site Settings; Help Center; Try Premium Free Now; My Account By 1998, following a 20th anniversary showing at the Newport Film Fesival, the turnaround in opinion appeared to be complete. Finally, a nice shot of Denny Aaberg, co-writer of the film, enjoying the fruits of his labor. Great feature on Big Wednesday. Free Delivery on all Orders Over 80. George had broken it up into pieces and [stuffed it into] that yellow fibreglass thing. He would then either place the big homemade housing on his shoulder while sitting on a board in the channel or balance it on his surf mat. Sign up for the Wavelength newsletter to get the latest news, announcements, special offers and event information, Wavelength Media, Unit GF43 & GF55, Winslade HouseManor Drive, Exeter, EX5 1FY, UK, Wavelength Magazine. Some say the best surf movie Hollywood has made yet! Sure enough, the next morning we arrived to 4-6 perfect Cojo with only P.T., Cairns, Mark Warren, and Gerry Lopez out. [The Wavelength Drive-In Cinema is back for 2021, bringing you a range of surf cinema, cult classics and family favourites from the clifftops of Cornwall, kicking off with Surf's Up and Big Wednesday on Friday 16th July. So anyway one Sunday we took him out surfing at Sunzal, it was about 3 feet, and he got smashed and almost drowned and had to be rescued and brought in. The extras got paid $60 a day, plus a catered lunch and a bus ride up from Santa Barbara everyday. But not just any BEAR Surfboard made for Big Wednesday -- we have for you the Original Bear Surfboard made for Big Wednesday director John Milius. Privacy Policy / Terms & Conditions. Warner Brothers rented the Bixby Ranch to film a major motion picture called Big Wednesday, and she had a front row seat. We surfed there and down at La Libertad and it was pretty fun, just hanging out with the crew. We were outlaws, juvenile delinquents, anarchists and rascals. It was written by John Milius and Dennis Aaberg, who met hanging on the beach at Malibu in the late 50s, alongside characters like Miki Dora and Lance Carson. Similarly, the ocean and the American west coast symbolise the possibility of a return to the frontier, the physical and symbolical home of the authentic American character. "I've been working on Big Wednesday a long time," Milius said. Recently, we called him up at home in Laguna Beach to see what he could remember from his time working on the film. IC: Well, it was pretty horrible in 76. The Big Wednesday Premiere: May 17, 1978 | SURFLINE.COM Working on big Wednesday in 77, we earned 50 grand. Other filming locations included El Paso, Texas; Hollister Ranch near Santa Barbara; Surfrider Beach (in Malibu); Ventura, California; and La Libertad, El Salvador. Our best coup was stashing our boards in the bushes the night before a swell was supposed to hit. She later called the film "a classic example of an egomaniacal insane man going over budget and not listening to anyone. Written by Milius and Dennis Aaberg, it is loosely based on their own experiences at Malibu, California. You had to have permission from the director, John Milius [to paddle out]. Surf star Gerry Lopez, who would later appear as an actor in other films directed by Milius, played himself in the last sequence of the film. He looked at these little skinny surfer idiots and he thought these guys are total pussys! was also an Aussie surf legend and was the first professional world champion. The film production hired the Hui to clear the water for us. The friends include Matt Johnson, a self-destructive type who has a devil-may-care attitude; Jack Barlow, the calm and responsible one of the bunch; and Leroy "The Masochist" Smith, whose nickname tells a lot about his personality. When Milius saw them sat next to each other, he couldnt believe the likeness, immediately switching PTs role to that of Kats double instead. Big Wednesday - Rotten Tomatoes It's about their friendship, and the value of friendship. We were really fortunate to have those big days at Sunset. The points were aggregated and surfers were informed of their standing and which competitions would constitute the second half of the tour. Big Wednesday is a 1978 American coming of age buddy sports comedy-drama film directed by John Milius. Here hes getting pulled behind a boat, probably just killing time between takes. We never got a Big Wednesday day down there, and I was always just saying to Milius, dude, you should have just gone to Western Australia.
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