Highpoint (film)

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

Highpoint
Directed byPeter Carter
Produced byDaniel M. Fine
Written byRichard Guttman
Ian Sutherland
StarringRichard Harris
Christopher Plummer
Beverly D'Angelo
Music byJohn Addison
(European cut)
Christopher Young
(North American cut)
CinematographyAlbert J. Dunk
Edited byEric Wrate
Annette Tilden
Barry Zetlin
William Kowalchuk
Distributed byNew World Pictures (US)
Release date
August 20, 1982
(Europe)
August 31, 1984
(North America)
CountryCanada
LanguageEnglish

The film was shot on location in Montreal and Toronto, and is perhaps best remembered for its climax atop CN Tower, in which stuntman Dar Robinson (doubling for Plummer) makes the 700-foot 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 henchman, Centino and Falco. He eventually outwits them.

Cast

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 movie was financed by Canadian money, raised under tax concessions which led to the Canadian film boom at the time.[3][4]

The movie 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
  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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