Franklin J. Schaffner directed Islands in the Stream, a drama adapted from Ernest Hemingway’s posthumously published 1970 novel of the same name.
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Theatrical release poster
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The film stars George C. Scott, Hart Bochner, Claire Bloom, Gilbert Roland, David Hemmings.
George C. Scott plays Thomas Hudson, an American artist who has left the civilized world for a simple life in the Caribbean.
The narrative unfolds in four parts:
The Island: The tale is set in The Bahamas, circa 1940. Tom and the residents celebrate the Queen mother (1936–1952) anniversary.
The Boys: Tom is reunited with his three sons, in a bittersweet event, due to the fact that he left them and his wife.
The Woman: Tom’s wife Audrey turns up unexpectedly and Tom wonders if she wants to get back together.
The Journey: Tom attempts to help refugees escape the Nazis, accompanied by Joseph and Eddy.
While Tom’s crew survives, he is cut down by gunfire from the Cuban boat. As he hovers between life and death, Tom has a vision of his beloved house by the sea, joined by Audrey and his sons.
Realizing that his life is about to end, Tom muses about his luck to have the life he had.
Oscar Context:
The film was nominated for the Best Cinematography Oscar, but it lost to Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
Cast
George C. Scott as Thomas Hudson
David Hemmings as Eddy
Gilbert Roland as Captain Ralph
Susan Tyrrell as Lil
Richard Evans as Willy
Claire Bloom as Audrey Hudson
Julius Harris as Joseph
Hart Bochner as Tom Hudson
Brad Savage as Andrew Hudson
Michael-James Wixted as David Hudson
Hildy Brooks as Helga Ziegner
Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner
Screenplay by Denne Bart Petitclerc, based on the novel “Islands in the Stream” by Ernest Hemingway
Produced by Peter Bart, Max Palevsky
Cinematography Fred J. Koenekamp
Edited by Robert Swink
Music by Jerry Goldsmith
Distributed by Paramount Pictures
Release date: March 9, 1977
Running time: 105 minutes
Box office $8 million
