The Sand Pebbles Movie Message Board (2009)

(Although individual responses are not usually listed here, I do answer all email I receive)


From: John R. Parish
Sent: Thursday, December 31, 2009 11:01 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: Matt Munro version of "And We were Lovers"

Mr. Garcia,

I very much enjoy the availability of Matt Monro’s version of “And We Were Lovers” on your website. This song is hard to find nowadays. Is there any place that I might purchase this track from? Thanks again for making this version available.

John Parish

------------------------------------------

Response - John, although my copy was pulled off a 45 rpm record this song is also on a Matt Monro 3 CD collection titled "Matt at the Movies" which is available at Amazon and eBay. - CG

_____________________________________

From: Craig
Sent: Friday, November 13, 2009 9:27 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: Sand Pebbles Memorabilia - Holman's Dungarees for Sale

Hello Cris,

Totally by accident, I stumbled upon this tonight and just had to send it on to you for your site!

Simply amazing to see something like this offered..and at a cool $5,000 at today's exchange rate!

I have no plans to purchase them myself, but perhaps one of the many fans of the site might.

https://www.frasersautographs.com/gallery.asp?stock_code=68229

Best regards,
Craig in NJ

_____________________________________

From: Burt Schneider
Sent: Friday, October 23, 2009 11:56 AM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: Simon Oakland interview

Greetings,

Just came upon your site thru a link on beautifulinstrumentals.com.

The Sand Pebbles is one of my favorite movies, too. I was stationed in Taipei from 1967-1969 as a Navy lieutenant. I was officer in charge of Armed Forces Network Taiwan. We received our programs recorded on transcriptions. I remember a flap caused by an interview with Simon Oakland. I'm not sure on what program (It could have been Carson since we carried the audio as a radio program). Anyway, he was asked about the filming in Taiwan and he said something about President Chiang Kai Shek's "pipe dream of taking back the mainland of China." That remark offended some Taiwanese officials and I had to explain to my boss how we let such a comment out into the ether of our host country.

Thanks for the memories and your wonderful site.

Burt Schneider

_____________________________________

From: Robert Tilley
Sent: Monday, September 28, 2009 6:28 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: The Sand Pebbles...

Do you know what a "UB" of whiskey is that Holman orders in both bars? This movie now ranks as one of my all-time favorites. Thanks. Bob

------------------------------------------

Response - Bob, you misheard slightly. Holman asks for a UB and a whiskey. UB (United Breweries) is a brand of beer. So he's asking for today's equivalent of a "boiler-maker". - CG

_____________________________________

From: Christopher Akers
Sent: Tuesday, September 15, 2009 10:05 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: Sand Pebbles ending

Hi,

You have a great website on the Sand Pebbles. I was looking for the alternate ending where Jake ends up living. I know that I saw it on a DVD or tv, but can't seem to find it now. Do you know where I can find it?

Chris

------------------------------------------

Response - Chris, there is no alternate ending. I have read accounts that McQueen was unhappy with the ending but having the movie end any other way would have conflicted with the original story. - CG

_____________________________________

From: Geoff Cecil
Sent: Tuesday, September 01, 2009 2:13 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: Sand Pebbles vehicle

Hi Crispin:

I just rewatched the film this past weekend and was prompted to poke around online for add'l info.

I thought that you, or one of your readers, would be interested in checking out my 1926 Whippet, that was used in the film … as far as I can tell, it was one of the background vehicles that was transferred from Australia that can be seen briefly from the deck of the ship when Candice Bergen is gazing out across the port. (Screenshot)

I have documentation on the form of a bill of sale, transferring ownership from the production company in Hong Kong, to an individual in Singapore. I will scan in the original receipt and post along with the car pictures.

Photos of the car can be seen here.

http://www.hemmings.com/users/209429/ride/6386.html

best.
gc=

_____________________________________

From: Rory Monteith
Sent: Thursday, July 09, 2009 11:16 AM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: Corgi paperback...

Hi Cris,

A friend in Australia emailed me this paperback book cover image. He's reading the book for the first time. I wondered if you've seen it before?

Rory

_____________________________________

From: Wayne Dimech
Sent: Saturday, June 20, 2009 7:55 AM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: The Sand Pebbles...

Dear Crispin,

I like your website. Very impressive!

I am a big fan of the Sand Pebbles.

I am looking for authentic memorabilia from the movie that is for sale.

Can you please help me.

Thanks.

Cheers,
Wayne
------------------------------------------

Response - Wayne, sorry but the only source I know of are the random auctions on eBay. - CG

_____________________________________

From: Rory Monteith
Sent: Monday, June 15, 2009 12:47 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: Fox Ranch in TSP

Hi Cris,

Remember I was going to tell you where you can see a little of what would be the Planet of the Apes in TSP?

If you watch the movie to 1:18:35 on the DVD (or Blu-ray) you see a shot of Ensign Bordelles knocking on one of the doors to the China Light Mission (As you know, this was a set built on the Fox Ranch up in the Santa Monica Mountains above Malibu. Fox sold the ranch to the state of California in the mid-seventies and the area is now the Malibu Creek State Park.), in the windows of the doors you can see reflected the "Goat Buttes" located west of the set. Click for photo. These buttes can be seen in "Planet of the Apes" in the scenes of the outdoor cage and the exteriors of the Ape town. An artificial waterfall was created alongside one of the buttes and the pool that Charlton Heston swims in is below where it was. That pool is still there.

I've attached a photo of the park (a photo of what's reflected in the windows) from an area that's probably a bit west and below where the China Light Mission set was built on the ranch (the set was on a small hill) so you can see what the location looks like today. Click for photo.

Rory

_____________________________________

From: Paul
Sent: Sunday, June 14, 2009 12:24 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: The Sand Pebbles Fox Legacy TV Showing

Hi Cris,

Caught the Fox showing the other evening...Just in case you missed it...

Some observations...

1. No overture or entr'acte music-intermission card was missing. Thereby losing part of Goldsmith's classic score...
2. TSP actually does lend itself quite well to the faded monochromatic color scheme of the faded 70mm Roadshow print.
3. Red background of the main titles gave it away that it was indeed the Roadshow version.
4. Since I hadn't watched the Roadshow version in a while there is indeed a short section with Holman stating to Pohan hammer, hammer...which plays a part of the boxing match.
5. Fox Chairman Tom Rothman did not mention anything about the 'version' they were showing yet the clips shown before and after the proper film showing were from the restored color elements of the short version-he could have mentioned the history of cutting the film ...

The Roadshow version gives the characters a little more room to breathe. All in all I'm pleased that not only has Fox made it available to home video but is showing it on TV as well. With all the attention they have shown the TSP it's now apparent that they view TSP as an asset to their library of great films.

Best,
Paul

_____________________________________

From: Trace Havard
Sent: Saturday, June 13, 2009 12:25 AM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: The Sand Pebbles...

Watched THE SAND PEBBLES on FOX MOVIE CHANNEL last night, it was my first opportunity to see the road show version. Really added depth, like watching it for the first time.

I was in the U.S. Navy (1975-1997) and one of the things that inspired me to enlist was THE SAND PEBBLES. I spent about 95% of my career stationed in ships homeported in Japan and Hawaii so I became very familiar with the Far East but unlike Jake, after I swallowed the anchor I returned back to Texas, married and settled down (somewhat anyway), but not much time passes when I don't think back to the old days.

I thought you would be interested to know that the toy soldier company KING AND COUNTRY has released a new collection based on the SAND PEBBLES. Unfortunately their advertisement calls the gunboat USS San Pueblo instead of the USS San Pablo. It's under the U.S. Navy section of the website and it promises to be a very extensive diorama set. I'm sure that other SAND PEBBLE buffs would like to know about it.

It's been some time since I've checked out your site and you've added a few things so I'll let others who are interested know about it. You've created a fine tribute to, as former Yangtze Sailor ,Rear Admiral (ret) Kemp Tolley said "One of the best U.S.Navy movies ever made."

Fair Winds,
Trace Havard
DCC/Sw USN (ret)

_____________________________________

From: Rory Monteith
Sent: Sunday, June 07, 2009 12:04 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: June 12th Fox Movie Channel

Cris,

I don't know if you've gotten this news yet or not, so I guess I better pass it along. This would be for anyone who has the Fox Movie Channel on their cable or satellite system.

FOX LEGACY: THE SAND PEBBLES

Tom Rothman, Chairman of Fox Filmed Entertainment, introduces landmark 20th Century Fox films and provides insight about how these notable films were created.

8:00 pm Eastern June 12, 2009

Next airing:

10:00 pm Eastern June 21, 2009

Cast: Steve McQueen, Candice Bergen, Richard Attenborough, Richard Crenna, Mako

Director: Robert Wise

For anyone who hasn't seen the Fox Movie Channel, every Friday they show a particular 20th Century-Fox film of note that is introduced by Tom Rothman. He goes into the production and other aspects of what makes the film notable. He also returns after the film is over for some concluding comments. The Fox Movie Channel also now shows most of its films in the proper aspect ratio (meaning letterboxed) and in stereo if the film is that.

Rory

_____________________________________

From: Concordmine
Sent: Friday, May 29, 2009 6:04 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: Fire Academy training based on Sand Pebbles

Sir,
I thought you might find it interesting to know the Georgia Fire Academy has purchased copyright permission to show Sand Pebbles during one of their advanced fire officer training course. I saw the film a number of years ago and discovered the San Pablo was identical to every dysfunctional fire station I had ever worked. The film is shown in its entirety during pausing for guided discussion on the final day of the week long training class.

Thought you might like to know.

_____________________________________

From: Ted Hicks
Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2009 9:51 AM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: The Sand Pebbles...

Hi. I just discovered your website yesterday. I'd seen The Sand Pebbles the previous day at the Walter Reade Theater here in New York, showing in the Steve McQueen series that just ended. I was interested in more information than IMDb seemed to have, and found your site via a Google search. I've only begun to explore the many links, but wanted to tell you how impressed I am with what you've done. It's insanely comprehensive. I only wish more films had sites offering this depth of material.

By the way, I first saw The Sand Pebbles at a theater in San Francisco in 1967 while I was in the Air Force. I've seen it several times since then, but not on a theater screen for many years, so the opportunity to see it on a proper screen at Walter Reade was too good to miss. The running time for this print was listed as 179 minutes. This is surely one of McQueen's best performances.

Thanks again for your website.

Best wishes,
Ted Hicks

_____________________________________

From: Rory Monteith
Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2009 1:04 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: TSP "What else?"

Cris,

I'm sure you can appreciate what's been posted at Cinemaretro.com today. Boy, I wish I could have been there for that.

Rory

_____________________________________

From: Geoff Toole
Sent: Monday, April 27, 2009 1:14 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: The Sand Pebbles NY Screenings

Hi Cris...thought you would like to know that The Sand Pebbles is showing on May 20th at 7PM and on May 25 at 1PM in New York City at the Walter Reade Theater at Lincoln Center. I belong to the Film Society of Lincoln Center..it is a big screen...very nice theatre.....good sound system...it is part of the Lincoln Center complex....comfortable.

According to the bulletin from the Film Society of Lincoln Center it is a NEW REMASTERED PRINT and running time is stated as 179M.

Geoff

_____________________________________

From: Alain Peron
Sent: Thursday, April 09, 2009 10:03 AM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: San Pablo / Nola D

Thank so much to Horrie Hunt for the pathetic picture of Nola D, I think it could be a good idea to add it to the USS SAN PABLO folder.

Crispin, your website is a must !

Alain
------------------------------------------

Response - I have created a new section on the website titled "The Demise of the San Pablo" that provides an approximate timeline for events involving the San Pablo that occurred after filming completed. My thanks to Horrie Hunt and Murray Bollen for their information. - CG

_____________________________________

From: Horrie Hunt
Sent: Sunday, March 29, 2009 5:06 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: San Pablo afterwards...

I noted that no one has come forward with info on the San Pablo. After the movie I believe it was sold to the DeLong Timber Company in the Philippines. It was renamed the “Nola D” after Nola Dianne Delong the owners wife or daughter. It was later sold to Seiscom Delta Exploration Company and used as a base camp in Indonesia until the late 1970’s. I was on it in 1974 and have a photo of it at that time. Back deck turned into power house Helipad on the top. I lost track of it after that. Click here for photo.

Regards

Horrie Hunt.

_____________________________________

From: Michael Proulx
Sent: Saturday, March 28, 2009 2:56 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: William R. Kiernan

Hi Crispin;

I notice that Set Decorator William Kiernan is missing from your Crew obits.

According to IMBD, Mr. Kiernan passed away 19 November 1973. Mr. Kiernan shared the nomination for "Best Art Direction - Set Decoration, Colour" along with Boris Leven, Walter M. Scott, and John Sturtevant, all of whom have passed away.

I know it's a small item, but I thought you'd want to include it.

By the way Richard Attenborough recovered from his fall and is set to resume his acting career - at 85.

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000277/news#ni0720890

Michael

_____________________________________

From: Robert G
Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2009 1:52 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: still at it I see ...

A few years ago I came across your website and I am glad to see you are still at it.

Robert, Army Riverboat, DMZ

_____________________________________

From: Daniel Saez
Sent: Friday, March 13, 2009 5:09 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: CONGRATS ON A CONTINUALLY WONDERFUL SITE!

Hiya Crispin!

While doing some research on Steve McQueen, I realized that it had been quite a while since I visited your wonderful site -- and when I did I was surprised and HONORED to see that you added the Athens News story about Tom printed in 1987, and attributed it to me -- how very kind of you!

I just finished emailing Tom Jung to let him know that you showcased him yet again -- I know he'll be thrilled as I am (probably more).

I really enjoyed the new additions, particularly the tribute to Emil Kosa Jr. -- thanks to you, his work will continue to inspire film fans forever.

Stay Brave, and be well always!

Your Fan,

Dan!

_____________________________________

From: Michael Proulx
Sent: Monday, February 09, 2009 11:03 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: Death of Robert Anderson

Crispin;

Robert Anderson, who wrote the screenplay for The Sand Pebbles, has died.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Woodruff_Anderson

Regards
Michael

_____________________________________

From: John Norris
Sent: Sunday, January 25, 2009 1:45 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: Sand Pebbles

Hi Crispin! It has been about 9 years or so since we exchanged notes on the Sand Pebbles (I was Steve's photo double and stand-in during Taiwan filming).

Anyway, I picked up 20 snapshots from my Mother's a few weeks ago that were taken during the filming and, at a party my parent's threw for the cast and crew at their home on Grass Mountain (a 'foreigner' enclave outside of Taipei).

I don't have a scanner or the ability to copy them. If you would like me to send them to you to review/post as you please send me a snail mail address and I'll get them off to you. I need a telephone number and an address for FedEx to deliver.

John

------------------------------------------

Response - My appreciation and thanks to John Norris for this contribution. The photos are now available for viewing in the new John Norris Personal Photos (1965-1966) section. These photos are a companion to John's original post of August 2000. Enjoy! - CG

_____________________________________

Past years of the Sand Pebbles Movie Message Board are available below: