The Sand Pebbles Movie Message Board (2004)
(Although individual responses are not usually listed here, I do answer all email I receive)
From: J. Victor Ortiz
Sent: Thursday, December 23, 2004 12:03 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: The Sand Pebbles
Dear Mr. Garcia,
Thank you for your web page. I was pleasantly surprised to see someone so
dedicated to a film, and novel (I actually read it after seeing the film and
still enjoyed the book more). I filled out the petition. I would like to
see the DVD expanded, similar to the way James Cameron did the Abyss. I
feel, however, that the "suits" at Fox will not have like viewpoints.
Keep up the good work.
Sincerely,
J. Victor Ortiz
Verdugo Hills High School,
Multi-Media Communications Magnet, LAUSD
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From: Marek Michalak
Sent: Wednesday, December 22, 2004 12:19 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: The Sand Pebbles - Goldsmith Interview Video
Hi,
I happened to come across your very nice Sand Pebbles website and
saw you have some video clips from the interview Elwy Yost did with
film music composer Jerry Goldsmith.
Although you have the whole interview as an audio file on your website, I
was wondering if it would be possible to obtain the whole interview in
video format from you.
Please let me know if that would be possible to arrange.
Looking forward to hearing from you again.
Best regards,
Marek
(The uncut 28:43 minute Goldsmith video interview has been added to the SNAM section - Ed.)
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From: Ed Heitman
Sent: Sunday, December 19, 2004 9:48 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: The Sand Pebbles
Hello,
I recently came across your website and much enjoyed the music, pictures, and information. I originally saw the movie "The Sand Pebbles" as a 10 year with my dad in Dallas, Texas and had so infrequently run across the movie since then. I recently enjoyed the splendor of the movie again on DVD and remembered what was so delightful about its scenery, music and great characters. I grew up a Steve McQueen fan, as most youngsters in the 60's did, but this movie is by far his best and I feel one of the top movies of all times, yet seems so forgotten at times. Thanks for the pleasant memories.
Where can I find the version of the 'love theme' (Jerry Goldsmith) that you have on the website? I recently bought the "The Sand Pebbles" movie score (by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra) and prefer the 'love theme' version on your website. I appreciate your help.
Thanks for the neat website.
Ed Heitman
(Unfortunately, the Varese Sarabande CD with this version of the love theme has sold out - Ed.)
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From: Mark Grimsley
Sent: Wednesday, December 01, 2004 5:26 AM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: The Sand Pebbles
Hi,
Just wanted to say thanks for your excellent site. I use a clip from the
film in my History of War course (the scene in which Holman is forced to
shoot Po-han) and your site allows me to reinforce the lesson on my own web
site. If you're interested, the point of the clip is explained here:
http://people.cohums.ohio-state.edu/grimsley1/dialogue/postcolonialism/resistance_64.htm
I originally used the clip three years ago in a different class:
http://people.cohums.ohio-state.edu/grimsley1/h582/2001/endure.htm
In both cases I've linked to your site. If you'd like a more specific
acknowledgement, just let me know and I'll try to provide it.
Thanks again,
Mark Grimsley
Department of History
Ohio State University
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From: TCW99
Sent: Saturday, November 27, 2004 7:35 AM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: Your web page on Steve McQueen
I want to say that I enjoyed it alot.
I grew up in the late 50's and early 60's.
McQueen ..........Mr. Cool..............He was "the man".
I had the album with Cheech and Chong called "UP IN SMOKE" soundtrack. There is a track called "Pedro and the Man at the drive-in movie" and there is a part where one says to the other...............Man you drive just like Steve McQueen......you're Mr. Cool when you want to be.
Thanks for your page.I enjoyed it!!!!!
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From: Croix, Gary M MM1 FTCLANT NORFOLK VA
Sent: Thursday, October 07, 2004 7:08 AM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: The Sand Pebbles
Thanks for the reply.
First, the movie is one of my favorites because my dad was in the Navy for 26 years. He was a MM1 just like Holman was at the time the movie came out. Though my dad worked on much newer ships, some of the conditions in the engine room were the same as Jake Holman experienced. My dad was stationed in Long Beach, CA when it came out and he tells me he went for free since he was in the Navy (some promotion I guess). Also, in the scene where Holman and Shirley went to the park, you can see special embroidery on Jake's rolled up cuffs. My dad had the same thing done on his uniform. These were called "liberty cuffs" I believe. Since the dress uniform was supposed to be worn on liberty, Sailors had this embroidery done to their uniform to make themselves stand out.
Second, in regards to the missing scenes, particularly the one with Jake and Pohan in the engine room ("hammer" scene). I read this part in the book, and it makes the fight scene mean much more. To make the crankshaft straight, Jake and Pohan had to "Hammah, Hammah!" This scene establishes Jake as a mentor for Pohan. Pohan learns that Jake knew his stuff. In the fight, Pohan is doubting himself, and Jake says, "Hammah, Hammah!" Pohan's face lights up, recalling the engine room. I think the fight scene would mean much more, and establish the relationship of Jake/Pohan that much more if it had been left in.
Third, and this is more about the story of The Sand Pebbles than the movie. I am in the Navy (MM1) and was preparing to go on a 6 month cruise to the Persian Gulf onboard the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON in 2002. I was at a flea market in Raleigh, NC, when I saw the The Sand Pebbles for sale. I snapped it up and read it during the cruise. I've always enjoyed the story, but when I discovered that the author was in the Navy, and had somewhat lived the life of Jake Holman, it blew me away, and made the story mean so much more!
MM1 Gary Croix
Elizabeth City, North Carolina
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From: Sloane, Stephen [PVTC]
Sent: Wednesday, September 15, 2004 12:54 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: The Sand Pebbles...
Hi Crispin:
As the companies advertising agent and publicist I was responsible for all the 20th Century - Fox films from 1965 ( The Blue Max ) to 1981.
Charles Robinson and his wife came to Puerto Rico in 1967 for the Latin American premiere of the Sand Pebbles at the Metropolitan Theatre in San Juan. We did the rounds of TV, Radio and press interviews.
We capped it off with a Gala Premiere on the night before the film opened, to the public.
He and his wife spent about 5 days and were very gracious and professional.
If I can be of further assistance, please call me.
Regards,
SS
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From: Jean Maurice Tremblay
Sent: Thursday, September 09, 2004 2:49 AM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: Sand Pebbles
CG,
For fun, was reading emails on the board... one person asked why they called it 'TSP'....
Maybe you knew this...
In the book, it is explained that the Chinese had a hard time pronouncing SAN PABLO... it came out shanpebble.. etc...
so came THE SAND PEBBLES... an image of these sailors on the shores of the Yang Tse for decades by then... just like pebbles on the beaches, dropping in and leaving with the tide....from port to port.
The imagery of the 'pebble on the beach' had a life of its own... such a line can be found in the lyrics of the Oscar-winning title song from the next McQueen hit: The Windmills of Your Mind (film:The Thomas Crown Affair).
JMT
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From: Jean
Sent: Friday, August 20, 2004 2:15 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: Scott Walker - And We Were Lovers
Hi Crispin,
After the tragic loss [of Jerry Goldsmith], I thought you might be interested by this extremely rare version (never released):
Scott Walker BBC Pilot Show 2 - 30th Dec 1968 - "And We Were Lovers"
The quality of the recording is not that great, but Scott's singing is wonderful, as are Peter Knight's arrangements.
Tell me if you like it !
All the best !
Jean P. Kohn
(Paris - FR)
(This version has been added to Love Theme section - Ed.)
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From: Johnson Motors
Sent: Friday, August 13, 2004 1:26 AM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: New Steve McQueen book
Hi,
I thought you might be interested in a new book that
is coming out at the end of August, about Steve
McQueen's participation in 1964 ISDT. Please check
out this website for more information:
www.johnsonmotorsinc.com
Thanks,
Sean
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From: Sandy Moore
Sent: Thursday, August 12, 2004 5:53 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: Title Name
Just finished watching the Sand Pebbles again for the sixth time. My question is why was it called the Sand Pebbles? What did the title mean? Was that what the people on the San Pablo were called? Just curious.
Thanks,
Sandy Moore
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From: Paul
Sent: Monday, August 09, 2004 8:40 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: Restoration of Sand Pebbles
Dear Crispin,
Wow! A response from Fox. Well someone has seen your magnificent website and it appears (if Mr. Michael Thomas is legit) that a special edition DVD is in the works.
It's hard for me to believe that the missing scenes are not somewhere in the Fox vaults. I also believe that Joe Caporiccio had attempted to locate these scenes way back in the laserdisc days but supposedly couldn't find them. With the discovery of the French tape it may be possible to somehow incorporate these scenes in the DVD. I do know the first VHS tape from Fox/CBS claimed a running time of 192 minutes. Since I never purchased or rented this tape (only the second one at 182 minutes or so) I have no way of knowing whether this was indeed the complete version or not.
Perhaps Robert Harris knows someone who is familar with the Fox vaults and can point Mr. Thomas in the right direction. We do know that most of the music elements for the cut scenes exist due to the great Varese CD. While not 100% it does include more music than we previously knew existed.
Besides the missing scenes I trust that they will now do a complete 5.1 audio presentation as I can still recall the sound at the Rivoli Theatre during its Roadshow engagement of Jerry Goldsmith's main title music. It was that good.
Your website has such an abundance of information on the film I do hope they utilize some of the advertising bits among other items of interest.
I hope that this is not a hoax and that one day in the near future we may get to see the original presentation of this vastly underrated and classic film.
Continued thanks and good luck!
Paul
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From: Christopher Shaneyfelt
Sent: Saturday, August 07, 2004 10:50 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: The Sand Pebbles - Media Player
Hello,
You have an incredible website! I have never encountered such a
thorough treatment of a classic film on the web. Thank you very much
for all the work you put into maintaining such a wonderful website.
I was wondering if you could help me with something. I am eager to
play several of your Windows Media clips, and I have downloaded the
latest Windows Media Player (version 9), but soon after the player
launches, I receive the following error message: "Cannot open file.
Verify that the path and filename are correct and try again."
I am using a relatively new Apple Macintosh computer (2003 eMac model),
running OS 10.3 "Panther." If you could help me troubleshoot this
problem, I would be most grateful. I would love to access more
treasures on your excellent website!
Best regards,
Chris Shaneyfelt
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From: Rahcel Campbell
Sent: Sunday, August 01, 2004 10:40 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: The Sand Pebbles
The Sand Pebbles has to be one of the best all-time movies. Thanks for the web site.
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From: Marco Villanueva H.
Sent: Monday, July 26, 2004 7:53 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: De Puebla, a tribute to Jerry
What a loss...What a legacy...What a gift to all Movie and music fans alike...Jerry Goldsmith will live deep inside all of us...Thank you" Jerro".
Best regards Crispín : Marco
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From: Jean Maurice Tremblay
Sent: Sunday, July 25, 2004 12:53 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: Jerry Goldsmith
CG,
It is a loss.
There should be greater recognition for Craftsmen of the movies and less for the so-called Stars.
Jerry graced many (too many?) major productions (always efficiently) with his creativity!
JMT
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From: Juan Reyes
Sent: Friday, July 23, 2004 11:00 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: Mr. Goldsmith
Cris,
My heart goes out to all at the site. I was lucky enough to buy the CD "Deluxe Edition" soundtrack last week. Special thanks are in order to you and the site for the valuable insight concerning this limited edition CD. I will cherish it forever!
Thanks for all the classic musical memories. Rest in Peace Mr. Goldsmith.
Juan
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From: Rory Monteith
Sent: Thursday, July 22, 2004 1:07 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: Jerry Goldsmith...
Goldsmith is dead!
It's a very sad day for me. I've dreaded this day.
Rory
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From: Kilroy, Richard
Sent: Monday, July 19, 2004 2:14 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: Final line
I came across your website, looking for the final transcript from the movie – trying to verify Steve McQueen’s final line before dying – wanted to use it in an article I’m writing. The early revised txt transcript on your web has an ending line different than I recall. I thought his final line was “what happened?” Please correct me if I am wrong.
Thank you,
Rick Kilroy
East Carolina University
(There were many revisions between the early script version and the final roadshow film - Ed.)
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From: Tracy Bould
Sent: Sunday, July 18, 2004 1:00 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: Sand Pebbles Site
I heard great things about this site and they weren't wrong. Definitely one of my favourite Steve McQueen films having been a fan since I saw Papillon when I was about 7 years old (I'm 30 now). I have Sand Pebbles on DVD and was curious as to why they never took out the intermission? By the way does anyone have any idea where I could find the much elusive 'An Enemy of the People' video in the UK I've searched high and low with no luck. Many thanks.
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From: E.J. Kemp
Sent: Thursday, July 08, 2004 10:43 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: Sand Pebbles Kudos!
Greetings,
I just wanted to send a note of extreme gratitude and thanks for the work you've done on the Sand Pebbles web site. Its a film I've encouraged practically everyone I know to watch and have never received a thumbs down in return! I've made a few contacts from your message boards and even picked up a nice set of boat plans from Georgia Dahlberg as well! I'd like to have a script printed out and bound but wasn't sure how the .txt. file would come out. Have you ever tried anything of this sort? And what about a cover sheet?
I hope to hear from you soon and thanks for the great site! If I can be of any assistance don't hesitate to ask!
Edward J. Kemp
San Diego, CA.
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From: Cyrille
Sent: Monday, July 05, 2004 1:25 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: The Sand Pebbles (deleted scenes)
Cris,
I just wanted to point out some little error (?) one of your contributors (JMT) possibly made on your "Missing Scenes" webpage: the next scene after the Dinner with Shirley (Missing Scene #6 in your list) is not "Holman alone pensive in front of the elephant", it's in fact the Frenchy/Maily "marriage" scene (where Holman kisses Shirley for the very first time). Well, at least, this is the order these two scenes are edited in the French version I have on videotape (oddly enough, this version also includes all the other missing scenes that you have listed on your site, except the first one!).
Cyrille (from France)
(This has been corrected - Ed.)
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From: Kirby McDaniel
Sent: Thursday, July 1, 2004 11:02 AM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: The Sand Pebbles
Hello,
I have a 24 sheet, U.S., for THE SAND PEBBLES (Click here for image) that I wish to sell. I am asking $1000 for it. It's for the 35mm release I believe.
Interested buyers can contact me by visiting my website: www.movieart.net
I found your site by doing a search on Howard Terpning. I was trying
to find out if he had done the artwork for MORITURI. I stumbled upon
your site. I saw THE SAND PEBBLES in 70mm at the Sharpstown Theater in
Houston when it was released.
A very nice website. Would that every film had fans this devoted that
they would create websites this detailed.
Best Regards,
Kirby McDaniel
MovieArt Original Film Posters
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From: Hoss Olson
Sent: Wednesday, June 30, 2004 12:27 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: The Sand Pebbles
Great site, Steve was cool...
Hoss Olson
Director of National Accounts
Prince Telecom
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From: Lee Pfeiffer
Sent: Wednesday, June 23, 2004 5:55 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: The Sand Pebbles
Hi;
We corresponded a few years ago when I was helping Fox put together the special edition DVD of Sand Pebbles. You may recall, I originally provided them with production featurettes that they ended up omitting from the DVD- however, they did use my Attenborough promotional record. I'm publishing a major film magazine this fall in England.
"Cinema Retro" is the exciting new, upscale magazine devoted entirely to films of the 1960's and 1970's. It is not a fan magazine, but a 64 page, full color publication written by well known film book authors and experts, along with celebrity columnists. Our first issue, which will be printed in November, will feature an exclusive unpublished interview with Steve McQueen from 1969. Writer Steve Mori, a columnist for Cinema Retro, recently uncovered the interview which he personally conducted. It shows a side of Steve McQueen not generally seen by his fans. He discusses his career and his favorite films, which include "The Sand Pebbles". The article features some superb photos taken on the set of "Sand Pebbles" that have never been published previously outside of the Orient. Also of interest for McQueen fans is the extensive tribute in this issue to "The Great Escape".
"Cinema Retro" also features rare stills and movie artwork from classic and cult films of the era, in-depth interviews, and reviews of DVDs and soundtracks. Available by subscription only. For details visit: www.cinemaretro.com
Lee Pfeiffer
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From: Terrie Chan
Sent: Wednesday, June 09, 2004 9:51 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: Sand Pebbles
Dear Mr. Garcia,
I finally rented the Sandpebbles this week after constantly being hounded by my dentist telling me that I must rent it because I'm a dead ringer for Maily in the movie. He told me if I saw the movie, it would be like looking in the mirror.
I finally rented the movie through Netflix and I watched the film alone, not telling my husband as I didn't want to waste his time.. After all, my dentist is not Asian so what does he know....we all look alike! But when I saw her I was so very shocked. It was like looking in the mirror at myself 20 years ago. I had this rather eerie feeling as I have never seen anyone who looked so much like myself. Even my husband and daughter thought she looked like me too!
Do you have any information on this actress these days. I could find nothing much on your website about her.
Regards,
Terrie Chan
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From: Edwin J. Hull, Esquire
Sent: Wednesday, June 02, 2004 8:38 AM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: The Sand Pebbles
This movie represents a remarkable bridge or transition from the more stylized idealistic potrayals of human behavior utilized in films which precede Sand Pebbles to a more natural realistic view of the how and why people do what they do. Elements of both genres are harmoniously blended in this movie. Film making has never been the same since. I love movies and Sand Pebbles is my all time favorite.
Edwin J. Hull
ATTORNEY AT LAW
Pittsburgh, PA
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From: Roger D. Trussell
Sent: Tuesday, June 01, 2004 2:59 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: The Sand Pebbles
Just curious, a fellow worker commented that Steve McQueen was a "prima donna" during the filming of "Sand Pebbles" and insisted on adding or re-shooting many scenes which doubled production time and the scenes he was peevish about were all cut from the movie. Any truth to that? I have always been a Steve McQueen fan, and will continue to be so, but I tend to want to check out details as fact or fiction. Would appreciate any help you could give.
Roger Trussell
Hesperia, CA
(This aspect of the filming can be found in the excerpts of Marshall Terrill's "Steve McQueen: Portrait of an American Rebel" - Ed.)
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From: Hans en Marion Hendriks
Sent: Sunday, May 02, 2004 5:06 AM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: The Sand Pebbles
Hello,
As a young boy (14 years old) I watched the movie for the first time in a cinema. Now I am 51 and I really would like to watch the film on DVD.
As far as I know the film is released on DVD in the USA, but not in Europe (region 2).
I have tried to get more information here, but I get no reply.
Could you tell me if the film will be released in Europe (Region 2), with dutch subtitles.
If not, to whom should I ask the question.
With kind regards,
Hans Hendriks
Eindhoven
Holland
--------------------------------------
(For information on the Region 2 DVD of the Sand Pebbles go here. - Ed)
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From: Odysseios
Sent: Monday, March 22, 2004 3:59 AM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: The Sand Pebbles
I think the battle on the river is one of the better cinematographic war shots I've ever seen.
Greetings from Italy,
Odysseios
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From: Jim Allen
Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2004 4:41 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: The Sand Pebbles movie
Hi,
I was looking for info on Candice Bergen and came across your website. Lots of info here! I have a "left field" connection to the movie if you're interested.
When I was a kid in the 1960s, my father was in the US Air Force and was stationed in Taipei, Taiwan. Although things were dicey between China and Taiwan, dad was able to bring us with him for the duration of his two year posting (1964-66).
All the kids on the military base went to Taipei American School. Not just the US forces but the other countries as well. The Non-com wives all went to the NCO club ("Club 63") on base to socialize. That's where mom met a British lady named Nora.
One day, Nora invited my mom and the other mothers and children in their circle of friends to a birthday party for one of Nora's kids. Nora's husband Mike worked in the British consulate. He always got wind of the new Brits who showed up on the island. That included people like Richard Attenborough. Not one to snub a fellow Brit from home, Mike invited Mr. Attenborough to this birthday party.
Since the return address was the British consulate, Mr. Attenborough apparently got the idea the party was a diplomatic affair and wrangled invitations for Richard Crenna and Steve McQueen as well.
According to my mother, several members of the cast of The Sand Pebbles showed up at Mike and Nora's house to find a children's birthday party in full swing and all the mouths of all the mothers present hanging open in shock--Nora included. Mom says my sister and me played well with Steve McQueen's kids, never knowing who these people were.
Now, I must admit, I was only about 8 or 9 years old, and don't remember any of this for myself. Mom swears it's true. I do, however, remember going with my family to see "Mary Poppins" at the base theater and turning around to see Steve McQueen and his family sitting in the row behind us watching the movie too.
How's that for unknown history? Perhaps Candice Bergen may still remember hearing about some of this?
Thanks for the great website.
Cordially,
Jim Allen
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From: David McKenna
Sent: Monday, March 15, 2004 7:35 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: The Sand Pebbles Japanese Souvenir Book
Great site! I saw that you were looking for a translation of the
Japanese Sand Pebbles Souvenir Book cover. It simply says "Houkan
Sanpaburo" or "Gunboat San Pablo." It is interesting that they did not
use a translation of "Sand Pebbles" for the title. I will look to see
if the book was also called Gunboat San Pablo in Japan.
David McKenna (no relation to the author that I am aware of)
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From: Les Parry
Sent: Friday, February 27, 2004 9:14 AM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: The Sand Pebbles
Hi
I must admit I stumbled across your site by accident, but it was good to see a site dedicated to The Sand Pebbles. I remember vividly going to see the film on it's release in London in 1966. What an experience it was, and it has remained among my top ten favourite films of all time. I have numerous copies of the video, some worn out, the latest DVD release, three different copies of the score, including the extended Varese version (fantastic). The one thing I have been trying to get fot years is a copy of the poster, but wothout much success. Could you point me in the direction of anyone who could supply a copy of the poster, preferably the Uk, or US version. Keep up the good work and I wait to hear from you.
Best Regards
Les-
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From: Rob
Sent: Tuesday, January 20, 2004 2:12 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: The Sand Pebbles
Hi,
I love your site!
This was an important movie for me, as it was directly responsible for me
becoming an "engineer" rather than a radioman when I joined the Navy in 1984.
After I saw this movie I knew I wanted to work below decks and I never
regretted the decision.
I too ended up in the Far East and am now married to a girl from Shanghai
and look forward to retiring there someday. It really is true what Jake
says about China sailors . . . once the Orient gets in your blood, it
never releases you.
Thanks for your work on the site!
- Rob -
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From: Alfred Kozminski
Sent: Monday, January 05, 2004 5:55 AM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: The Sand Pebbles
Good photo selection. Why didn't Robinson get more credit for his part in the movie? (Should have - Ed.)
Fred
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Past years of the Sand Pebbles Movie Message Board are available below: