Highpoint (film)

Highpoint
Highpoint
Directed by	Peter Carter
Written by	Richard Guttman; Ian Sutherland
Produced by	Daniel M. Fine
Starring	Richard Harris; Christopher Plummer; Beverly D'Angelo
Cinematography	Albert J. Dunk
Edited by	Eric Wrate; Annette Tilden; Barry Zetlin; William Kowalchuk
Music by	John Addison; (European cut); Christopher Young; (North American cut)
Distributed by	New World Pictures (US)
Release dates	August 20, 1982 (Europe); August 31, 1984 (North America);
Running time	86 minutes
Country	Canada
Language	English

Highpoint is a Canadian 1982 action comedy-thriller film directed by Peter Carter and starring Richard Harris, Christopher Plummer and Beverly D'Angelo.

The film was shot on location in Montreal and Toronto, and is perhaps best remembered for its climax atop the CN Tower, in which stuntman Dar Robinson (doubling for Plummer) makes the 700 ft (210 m) jump in freefall, protected only by a hidden parachute.^[1]

The film underwent a lengthy and troubled post-production period. Originally filmed in 1979 as a comedic thriller in the vein of North by Northwest, the film was shelved for two years during which extensive reshoots took place. The film was given a limited release in Europe in 1982. Due to negative critical and audience reception concerning its convoluted plot and poor pacing, the film was heavily re-edited by North American distributor New World Pictures, removing much of the comedy and replacing John Addison's original score with one by Christopher Young. This version was released in theaters in 1984, and provided the basis for future home video releases.

Plot

Lewis Kinney is an accountant who goes to work for a wealthy family, the Hatchers. James Hatcher has embezzled $10 million from the mafia and the CIA, and now they are both seeking him. Kinney falls for James' sister Lise and is pursued by two bumbling henchmen, Centino and Falco. He eventually outwits them.

Cast

Richard Harris as Lewis Kinney
Christopher Plummer as James Hatcher
Beverly D'Angelo as Lise Hatcher
Kate Reid as Mrs. Hatcher
Peter Donat as Maronzella
Robin Gammell as Banner
Saul Rubinek as Centino
Maury Chaykin as Falco
George Buza as Alex

Production

The film was based on a script by Richard Guttman, who was a partner in a Hollywood public relations film. It was originally to star Richard Harris and Katherine Ross.^[2] Ross was replaced by Beverly D'Angelo.

Filming started 30 July 1979. The film was financed by Canadian money, raised under tax concessions which led to the Canadian film boom at the time.^[3]^[4]

The film was reportedly so bad that another $2 million was spent on re-editing.^[5]

Proposed Follow Up

Harris and Plummer were to appear in another Canadian film, The Burning Book but only $3 million of the $7 million budget could be raised.^[6]

References

^ "Man Jumps From CN Tower With No Parachute (Thirty Years Ago)". Torontoist.
^ Buckley, Tom (1 June 1979). "At the Movies". New York Times. p. C8.
^ Thomas, Bob (18 September 1979). "'Highpoint' Enhances Boom in Canadian Film Industry". Toledo Blade. p. 61.
^ Malcolm, Andrew (27 September 1979). "Canada Enters Ranks of Top Film Nations: Location-Shot Attraction Natives May Be Lured Back Sale of Investment Units Co-Investment at the Start Includes Many Hollywood Stars Companies and Producers Grow". New York Times. p. C13.
^ Goodwin, Cliff (2011). Behaving Badly: Richard Harris. Random House. ISBN 9780753546512.
^ Harmetz, Aljean (20 November 1979). "Boom in Canadian Film Making Hits Snag: Explosion in Canadian Movies Stuck With the Movie 'A Necessary Shakeup' Begging for Distribution Shortage of Producers'". New York Times. p. C7.

External links

IMDB

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[robinson-1] "Man Jumps From CN Tower With No Parachute (Thirty Years Ago)". Torontoist.

[2] Buckley, Tom (1 June 1979). "At the Movies". New York Times. p. C8.

[3] Thomas, Bob (18 September 1979). "'Highpoint' Enhances Boom in Canadian Film Industry". Toledo Blade. p. 61.

[4] Malcolm, Andrew (27 September 1979). "Canada Enters Ranks of Top Film Nations: Location-Shot Attraction Natives May Be Lured Back Sale of Investment Units Co-Investment at the Start Includes Many Hollywood Stars Companies and Producers Grow". New York Times. p. C13.

[5] Goodwin, Cliff (2011). Behaving Badly: Richard Harris. Random House. ISBN 9780753546512.

[6] Harmetz, Aljean (20 November 1979). "Boom in Canadian Film Making Hits Snag: Explosion in Canadian Movies Stuck With the Movie 'A Necessary Shakeup' Begging for Distribution Shortage of Producers'". New York Times. p. C7.

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