Next day, the cars had new (old) license plates. He created this waterproof fiberglass housing for a big, bulky 35 mm movie camera. The prevailing wind is offshore, summertime theres swells. 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. Then in 77, they were getting paid, so we were cordial. According to a famous Hollywood legend, Big Wednesday was part of a three-way profit point swap between Milius and his old friends, George Lucas and Steven Spielberg. In the late 1950s, Milius surfed regularly in Malibu, where he met Denny Aaberg, the brother of surf legend Kemp Aaberg and the future co-writer of Big Wednesday. 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. A 1940s film star but best known as Della Street from the long-running Perry Mason television series, this was Hale's last appearance in a feature film. Nowadays, he lives inland in Connecticut, having traded trimming the waves down the Bu for clay pigeon shooting and smoking cigars in his later years. When we saw these photos, we contacted surf legend Denny Aaberg to give us some more insight. Shown here walking out to the surf with Dan Merkel and one of his legendary lightning bolt boards. Im actually really stoked on the surfing in that final sequence, they did a really good job stitching it all together . [8], "Because I surfed, I'm the only director in the world who could have made his picture," said Milius. 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. Above he is shooting Billy Hamilton and Ian Cairns in action. n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; The board I was riding was an 86, so it wasnt really a longboard, but it worked kind of fun. Ian Cairns, shown above, was the surf double for Gary Busey. With this reunion, the transition in their lives becomes the end point of what the 1960s meant to so many as they see that the times have changed, and what was a time of innocence is gone forever. The extras got paid $60 a day, plus a catered lunch and a bus ride up from Santa Barbara everyday. Great feature on Big Wednesday. Other highlights included a complex dual scoring system and hilariously swollen heats sizes, often featuring up to eight competitors, (which sounds like a heavy crowd, but thanks to a lack of leashes and clean up sets, still resulted in frequent periods of entirely empty lineup. [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. While Milius has been forgotten by most contemporary viewers and critics, the legacy of Big Wednesday continues to live on. Several surf legends - Peter Townend, Ian Cairns, Jay Riddle and Bill Hamilton - were involved in the making of the film as stunt coordinators or doubles. 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. When Milius saw them sat next to each other, he couldnt believe the likeness, immediately switching PTs role to that of Kats double instead. Honestly, the whole experience completely ruined me for being back on the pro tour. 2022 Goleta Surfing. !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod? Last accessed: December 1, 2009. "I've been working on Big Wednesday a long time," Milius said. Its the artful portrayal of these hardy perennials that allows Big Wednesday to still resonate so thoroughly with wave riders over forty years on. Jack's induction notice says he is to serve in the United States Marine Corps. Robb Report. "[14], Milius at one stage intended to play the role of the Bear himself. The films authenticity was enhanced by Milius connection to the surfing world, which enabled him to bring in experienced surf documentary maker Greg MacGillivray. The enforcer (played by Reb Brown) was loosely based on a Malibu icon Ray Kunze, who patrolled the lineup and looked out for Milius and Aaberg in the late 50s, while Jack Barlow was loosely based on Aabergs older brother, Kemp. Initially, Milus and Aaberg set out to write a novel that combined some of Malibus real characters with a grander narrative around surfings mythology. He looked at these little skinny surfer idiots and he thought these guys are total pussys! (2) On the surf trip to Mexico, reportedly inspired by true events. I said of course, who wouldnt! Finally, a nice shot of Denny Aaberg, co-writer of the film, enjoying the fruits of his labor. 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.. The mythical resonance of the Big Wednesday, the hump-day, when the weeks beginning tips into its end, when the gods of surf and youth reach the apex of their glory, continues to fascinate new generations of viewers. Big Wednesday went as far as moulding surfing iconography. This was their first production. director of photography Film Editing by Casting By Karen Rea . I was the number one money winner in 76, I earned $8000 prize money. She is the guide for a few of these private rail trips which travel through the Gaviota Coast. Those [guerrillas] looked at him and absolutely freaked. The nostalgic celebration of friendship is strongly associated with the critique of contemporary capitalist American society. Can't play on this device. I was the number one money winner in 76, I earned $8000 prize money. Too bad the movie sucked, the premiere at the Arlington was pretty exciting anyway.. "[9], Milius and producer Feitshans had met at American International Pictures, where they worked on Dillinger (1973). The first week was fairly fraught, beset by illness, bad waves and a standoff with a gun-toting local militia. The film engaged with universal themes such as the passage to adulthood and the nostalgic celebration of an irrevocably lost golden age. You know theyve got craft services there so you can go to the catering truck and order anything you want. The Endless Summer 2 (1994) - IMDb On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. This movie is about friendship: surfing is just the background. Above is a distant view of the set they made, a replica of the Malibu wall, complete with lifeguard tower. It's about their friendship, and the value of friendship. Big Wednesday, and she had a front row seat. The surfers and stunt doubles with director John Milius. Youlll see in the movie Jean and Billy paddling out, pushing under and catching a couple of waves and then youll see the stunt doubles come in. This film about three Malibu surfers in the 1960s has been branded major statement and it's got Big Ideas about adolescence, friendship and the 1960s. Privacy Policy / Terms & Conditions. Behind The Scenes On Big Wednesday: Tales From The Set With Stunt Hamilton was surfing for Jan Michael Vincents character and Cairns was the double for Gary Busey. It was work that you got to have fun and got paid for, which was rare back then., Being a lifelong surfer himself, Jan-Michael Vincent had no trouble pulling off an authentic-looking knee paddle. Big Wednesday Collection by Roger Hinds - Bing Surfboards Ahead of the release, Hollywood was abuzz with talk of Big Wednesdays impending success. The idea of the ocean as the new Far West is reinforced by the films references to Milius favourite Westerns, including The Wild Bunch (the scene in which four characters walk to the draft office) and The Searchers (Hank Worden, the actor who played Mose Harper in Fords classic was cast as one of the secondary characters in Big Wednesday). 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. It never strayed from that. Milius said that while the story was inspired by his own life experiences as a young surfer in Malibu, he was interested in achieving a balance between a realistic depiction of true events and the mythologising of surfers and surfing culture. She said it was the last shot on the roll. She said it was the last shot on the roll. Much of the authenticity of the film was due to the fact that Milius was himself an avid surfer. No Ads. At some point, Lance bailed. Above is Peter Townend, with a classic arch stance. And Denny should know, he co-wrote the film with the director John Milius! [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 Surfs Up and Big Wednesday on Friday 16th July. It was the golden era of surfing in the region, a time when surf historian Matt Warshaw says just about everything that was progressive [in surfing] was taking place on that one beautiful beach, without a crowd.. 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 . This is a great shot of Jan Michael Vincent, one of the actors that actually could surf. Vincent was covered in The Undefeated (1969). We pitched up at Sunzal, which happens to be where theyre holding the ISA World Games this week. This thing would be wrapped up in two weeks. A coming of age story, it chronicles the three characters transition to adulthood with parties, surf trips, marriage and the Vietnam War in the background. We were really fortunate to have those big days at Sunset. With the advent of VCRs and DVD players, it is now a full blown cult classic. Milius, well-known for his involvement in successful productions such as Jeremiah Johnson, Dirty Harry and The Wind and the Lion, was considered to be one of the most promising filmmakers in Hollywood. 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. [10] In August Milius announced Big Wednesday would be postponed because the script was not ready and he would instead make Extreme Prejudice. 1977 BEAR John Milius' Personal Cojo Point Big Wednesday It's a movie that I have never forgotten. The final treatment drew on many of the writers own experiences, with the trip to Mexico and the famous draft dodging scene reportedly both based on real events. 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. Once you select Rent you'll have 14 days to start watching the movie and 48 hours to finish it. Some say the best surf movie Hollywood has made yet! Big Wednesday (1978) - IMDb Give me a break! Which brings us to the extras. to hear the song and see some stills from the film. It was super fun. Denny Aaberg continues his life long passion for playing music. . When they were shooting you werent allowed in the water. Another luminary brought in for this film was none other than Gerry Lopez. 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"[15], Milius invented the Bear brand of surfboard as a fictional brand to be used in the movie,[16] and even had surfboards made and arranged for a Californian designer to create a logo. Director Bruce Brown Writers Bruce Brown Dana Brown Stars Patrick O'Connell The film is set in California between 1962 and 1974 and follows the lives of three surfers: Matt Johnson (Jan-Michael Vincent), a self-destructive local surf star, and his two best friends, Leroy The Masochist Smith (Gary Busey) and Jack Barlowe (William Katt). Big Wednesday Jump to Edit Summaries The lives of some California surfers from the early 1960s to the 1970s. s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window,document,'script', NYC teen busted subway surfing just days after death of 15-year-old It's about growing up and relationships and the surf is the exotic background. Back then they built the whole Hollywood wall set and we were staying in this country town called Lompoc, which is just north of the Ranch, in the middle of farmland, with all the actors and crew. In the background you can see them setting up a shot near the crumple car. Surf is a reoccurring trope in Milius work. Actors - Big Wednesday (1978) Returning Jan-Michael Vincent played troubled surfer Matt Johnson. 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. (as Karen Rea Grossman) Milius cancelled shooting for the day and let everyone surf. But to be perfectly candid my interest in competing on the tour dramatically diminished, because I realised there was another world out there. Theories behind the failure are wide-ranging; the scars of Vietnam were still too raw, there was too much fighting, too much binge drinking and, with the transition brought on by the shortboard revolution complete, the surfing audience viewed the longboard-centric surf scenes as pass. Matt Johnson: Well, I did a lot of things around here I'm kind of ashamed of. The lives of some California surfers from the early 1960s to the 1970s. 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 later appear as an actor in other films directed by Milius, played himself in the last sequence of the film. The film makers had what they refer to as a cattle call up at the Riviera theater to select the lucky folks. That camera looks heavy. So's John. 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. It's based on the lives of three friends ten years ago. [13], The leads were played by Jan Michael Vincent, Gary Busey and William Katt. 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. ). It was pretty bizarre. Click here to buy a ticket, or subscribe now for free entry. 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. They were getting $20 a day plus a whole lot of sunburn to watch perfect waves go unridden.. We know these are freesurfing shots because hes riding a late 70s shortboard. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Recently, we called him up at home in Laguna Beach to see what he could remember from his time working on the film. 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. When they were shooting, they would be riding longboards and no wetsuit, or maybe a top only. ), Cairns was renowned for his big wave prowess and radical manoeuvres in smaller waves. I have fond memories of being one of the extras. It's the most personal film I'll probably ever make, and I figured I ought to do it now, before I get too far away from it. Conceived by Randy Rarrick and Fred Hemmings, The IPS, as it was known, was a little haphazard during that first foray according to those in attendance (or chaos if a certain wounded winged Novocastrian is to be believed. Overview System Requirements Related. 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. The cult success lay in its ability to combine the accurate observation of real people and events, the reproduction of believable stunts and performances, and a supercharged sense of the mythic. Together with percussionist Sam Adams, they are the Saltwater Cowboys and play gigs on a regular basis. Its pretty sweet, Ill tell you that. Big Wednesday is a 1978 American coming of age film about California surfers facing life, the Vietnam War, and use of the ever-changing surf as a metaphor for the changes in life..