The Sand Pebbles Movie Message Board (2005)
(Although individual responses are not usually listed here, I do answer all email I receive)
From: Steve G.
Sent: Sunday, December 04, 2005 7:00 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: Sand Pebbles "And We Were Lovers"
"And We Were Lovers" was also recorded by 'The Ray Charles Singers'. I never could find it, though. I heard it on 570 KLAC, Los Angeles, when they still had a nostalgia format. I looked for it for a while & gave up. 'Sand Pebbles' is one of my five top movies of all time despite its underrated 3 stars. Jake Holman was a great American character. I don't say 'hero'; he never intended to be a hero, though a great hero he was. Just a regular American guy forced into a situation where Americans somehow 'can do', and rise to the top, whatever the obstacle. A man trying to escape responsibility and honor and he can't escape either one. Destiny will have him its own way. Great story.
Steven Gysler
Redlands, CA
(The Ray Charles Singers version is now available in the Love Theme section - Ed.)
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From: John Huffman
Sent: Tuesday, September 20, 2005 1:20 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: Art and Life...
Sir, I saw this film back in the 60s and wondered how it could have lost to 'A Man For All Seasons' for Best Picture. But then that was 'March on the Pentagon' time and the country just about went under. I have really enjoyed looking at your website and all the fine info on it about this work of art. When I was younger I really thought that movies were a second rate art form. Ah, the ignorance of tender years! But I have learned that every age develops new ways of sharing the best (and the worst) that we think and feel through the medium of art. All those who were associated with this tribute to Americans in uniform have a lot to be proud of. I thank you and I respect them.
John A. Huffman, AICP
US Army 1970-1972
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From: Marco Villanueva H.
Sent: Tuesday, September 20, 2005 8:31 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: The Sand Pebbles . De Puebla, Mexico
Robert Wise dies, and so many things come to me: admiration, gratitude, but above all a certain kind of been very lucky to know--through his films-- such a marvelous artist, true gentleman---maybe one of the reasons why he was never truly recognized as a real "genius in the movie business", never a scandal or a bravado attitude just "doing his work almost perfect and such a love for the craft". Example - "The Sand Pebbles" just "been really rediscovered", like in your caring site. So sad he didn't show in the restored version we dreamed of...
Marco
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From: John Wallach
Sent: Saturday, September 17, 2005 3:59 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: Who wrote lyrics?
Hi,
According to the notes to a CD recording of Jerry Goldsmith's score for "The Sand Pebbles" on the Varése Sarabande label, Johnny Mercer, not Leslie Bricusse, wrote the lyrics to "And We Were Lovers". Can you clear this up?
I've always considered this to be one of the loveliest popular songs of the twentieth century. Don't you agree?
Regards,
John Wallach
(Yes, I agree that it was one of the best love ballads of the 20th Century. I have the 1997 CD you are referring to and it is in error. Varèse Sarabande corrected themselves in 2002 when they released the Limited Edition Collector’s CD. The lyrics have always been attributed to Leslie Bricusse except for the 1997 slip-up. - Ed.)
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From: Rory
Sent: Thursday, September 15, 2005 8:22 AM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: Robert Wise
Hi Cris,
Writing you from work. Just read Robert Wise has died. Sad news. What a great bunch of films he left us.
Rory
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From: MACFARB
Sent: Thursday, September 15, 2005 12:52 AM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: (Unconfirmed) Robert Wise has died at 91
Only one source so far -El Mundo- says he passed away this evening. He just turned 91 last Sat. A true great, not only for "Sand Pebbles" but "West Side Story", "Sound of Music" and seemingly a jillion others in every genre, drama, musical and even horror. He was probably the last of the living principals who worked on "Citizen Kane" (editor).
Robert
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From: Bubbakes Bubba
Sent: Thursday, September 08, 2005 9:08 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: The end of the movie?
Hello,
I had never heard of this movie until a few weeks ago. I believe they
showed it on the History Channel.
Anyway, I watched it from the beginning and was fascinated by the entire
story. I have always like Steve McQueen.
However,, when it got to the scene where Captain Collins died, and Holman
sends Shirley away with the crew... my door bell rang.......
I missed the rest of the movie. I have been searching for the ending
online.
Can you please tell me what happens to Holman at, or after the missionary?
Or can you point me to a "Cliff's Note's" type page that will give me that
info?
I have been looking for weeks.....
Thank you,
Steve
(The entire script can be found on the website - Ed.)
Followup:
Howdy,
Thank you very much for the ending. It's been driving me nuts for weeks. I
had no idea whether Holman escaped or died in the mission. The description
at the end was interesting; comparing Jameson, Collins and Holman.
I think I will put it on the top of my list of books to buy.
I appreciate your response, and I will peruse your website further. You
seem to have the best resource on the movie/story.
Again,
Thanks
Steve
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From: James Adams
Sent: Wednesday, August 24, 2005 12:09 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: From a Devoted Far Eastern sailor
When or have any of the deleted scenes from the movie been added back as a "special " cut. I have purchased my third copy of this movie (2 VHS and one DVD) and have the latest updated DVD but no new or "forgotten" scenes have been added. If the scenes haven't been added, will they be added in the future????
Thanks
Woodie Adams
(The short answer to your question is that Fox is not interested (at this time) in restoring the Sand Pebbles to its original roadshow length of 196 minutes. Also canceled were plans for a new DVD that would have contained more extras like new interviews, featurettes, storyboards, photos, production notes, script, etc. Hopefully someday I’ll be able to tell you that a complete restoration is underway but at present the bean-counters at Fox have given this project a ‘thumbs down’. In addition, one of the major hurdles Fox faces is that they no longer have the film elements necessary for a restoration, just bits and pieces. They would have to go to private collectors mainly in Europe (Germany, France and Sweden) to get the necessary scenes. - Ed.)
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From: Ron Criss
Sent: Saturday, August 13, 2005 10:53 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: The Sand Pebbles
Hey Crispin, How're you doing? I just wanted to let you know that
I've created a Sand Pebbles discussion group:
http://movies.groups.yahoo.com/group/thesandpebbles/
Its a great book, great movie, and Steve McQueen was a great actor! I
spent 7 years in the Far East as a carrier and tin can sailor myself.
The closest I got to China was Hong Kong, but I could certainly
relate to the story. Perhaps that's one of the reasons I enlisted.
Later,
Ron
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From: Robert McClellan
Sent: Tuesday, July 26, 2005 4:19 AM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: Ford Rainey (Harris) has passed away at age 96
Ford Rainey ,who played Harris has died .Here's an obituary:
By Myrna Oliver - Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
July 26, 2005
Ford Rainey, a horseman, logger and fisherman who grew up to portray King Lear, Macbeth and Abraham Lincoln, died Monday at St. John's Health Center in Santa Monica. He was 96.
Rainey died of complications from a series of strokes, said his son, James Rainey.
A highly experienced stage actor, Ford Rainey was also a familiar face in motion pictures, including "The Sand Pebbles" with Steve McQueen and "Two Rode Together" with James Stewart and Richard Widmark.
He was even better recognized by television viewers as a guest star on such popular series as "Bonanza," "Gunsmoke," "Route 66," "Perry Mason" and "The Untouchables." The craggy-faced actor played guardian to "The Bionic Woman," a general in "MASH" and a judge in "The Waltons" and "Matlock," and worked well into his 90s, appearing in such recent series as "ER" and "The King of Queens."
In 1961 and 1962, Rainey co-starred with Robert Young in the series, "Window on Main Street," with Young as a famous writer returning to his hometown and Rainey as the folksy editor of the local newspaper.
Television perhaps best showcased the depth of Rainey's talent in theatrical anthology series of the 1950s and early '60s, including "U.S. Steel Hour," "Kraft Television Theater," "Goodyear Playhouse" and "Robert Montgomery Presents."
Rainey first portrayed Lincoln, a character he would often reprise, in a 1953 Hallmark Hall of Fame production of "Miss Curtis Goes to Washington."
The actor was one of 10 who joined host Richard Boone in the critically praised television repertory theater series "The Richard Boone Show" in 1963 and 1964, along with Robert Blake, Harry Morgan and Guy Stockwell.
Born Aug. 8, 1908, in Mountain Home, Idaho, to a schoolteacher mother and a jack-of-all-trades father, Rainey grew up in the Northwest and graduated from Centralia Junior College in Washington state and the Cornish Drama School in Seattle.
He worked at odd jobs including logger, fisherman, fruit picker, carpenter, clam digger and oil tanker roustabout before he was able to make a living as an actor. The wide experience, added to growing up in the rugged outdoors, where he learned to ride horses and to fence, served him well in western and action roles. It also enriched his personal life as he raised a family at his Malibu ranch house, tending beehives, building his own solar heater and earning the nickname "The Wizard" from neighborhood children.
Shy as a youngster, Rainey was first coaxed onto the stage by a high school drama teacher. He gained dramatic experience at the Cornish school, on Seattle radio stations and in repertory theater, performing in every state in the country.
He joined the Michael Chekhov Theatre Studio in Connecticut and in 1939 made his Broadway debut with the repertory troupe in Dostoevski's "Possessed." Two years later, he appeared as Sir Toby Belch in Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" and took the title role in a touring production of "King Lear."
After serving as Coast Guard boatswain's mate on a patrol boat off the coast of Oregon during World War II, Rainey joined other Chekhov associates to create a farm and theater, "The Ojai Valley Players." The troupe tended horses and vegetables by day and presented "Macbeth" by night, often with such figures as director John Huston in the audience.
In 1949, Rainey made his motion picture debut in an uncredited role in "White Heat," starring James Cagney as a mother-obsessed hoodlum.
Back to Broadway in the 1950s, Rainey understudied Fredric March in "Long Day's Journey Into Night," a role he assumed in subsequent productions, and succeeded Pat Hingle in the title role of "J.B." He also appeared in "Between Two Thieves" and "The Crucible," renewing his Broadway success in "Crucible" at Los Angeles' Ahmanson Theater in 1972.
Rainey relished Shakespeare, and in one three-day sprint in 1985 dashed about Los Angeles with his own wigs and makeup, performing the ghost in "Hamlet," Malvolio in "Twelfth Night" and Lear in "Robert Wilson's 'Exploring King Lear' " — stopping off for a reading of Ezra Pound along the way. The actor also enjoyed modern plays, including his role of Old Dodge in Sam Shepard's "Buried Child," which he performed at Trinity Square Repertory in Providence, R.I., in 1979 and later in India.
Rainey kept young through a restless curiosity that led him to take up the guitar, piano and other diversions late in his life. A gift of a single pet bird from his daughter got him interested in budgerigars. At about 90, he began breeding dozens of the birds, brightly colored relatives of the parakeet, and won a shelf-full of trophies and ribbons in competitions around Southern California.
In addition to his son James, a writer and editor for the Los Angeles Times, Rainey is survived by his wife of 51 years, artist and former actress Sheila Hayden Rainey; son, Robert, a chiropractor; daughter, Kathleen, a schoolteacher; and five grandchildren.
Services will be private, but a public memorial program is being planned.
Instead of flowers, the family has asked that any memorial donations be made to the Wilderness Society.
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From: Enrique
Sent: Tuesday, July 12, 2005 5:32 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: Sand Pebbles
Hi,
Thank you for the "Sand Pebbles" website, very good idea. People who love movies should make things like that more often, as I should.
As i watched the film in spanish, and not in english, my questions are:
Why the title of the film is not "the San Pablo"?
Is "sand pebbles" the way the sailors pronounced the name of the ship, maybe?
Why does Frenchie say the ship is called "the sand pebbles" and they (the sailors or the crew in general?) they are called "sand pebbles" in plural, as I read in the script of your website?
Waiting for your answer, and very grateful.
Enrique
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From: CHRIS CHAMBERS
Sent: Thursday, June 16, 2005 8:31 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: Pebbles is my favorite film
At my fiancee's bridal shower, they asked her what my favorite movie of all time is. She got it right. of course none of the girls knew what the hell was the sand pebbles. I was only two years old when the movie came out. The human themes are timeless, and it is damned amazing that the political/cultural themes hold water from Vietnam to now in Iraq, etc. However, the film makes it point without denigrating our fighting men.
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From: QCBAS
Sent: Thursday, June 09, 2005 11:00 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: What a surprise!
Hi,
I have been a Sand Pebble fan for many years and had the privilege of working with Mr. Wise and Chuck McGuire for a little more than a month on the shoot. I won't go into the circumstances at this time, but I was really surprised to stumble onto your site. I think it is terrific because The Sand Pebbles is one of the most under rated films of all time. The finished work was incredibly poignant, with strong performances (especially by Mc Queen) and a scope that would be almost impossible to duplicate today. The photography was brilliant and the score was among Goldsmith's best. I am especially heartened to learn of the efforts to have the film restored to its original director's cut. In reviewing the list of deleted scenes however, I noted that you left out the scene in the bar when Holman points to the prostitute and asks if she likes him and she answers in pigeon English and Holman tells the proprietor "the uniform gets them every time". After that, there is a scene where they are going upstairs and they are shot almost in silhouette. It was very sad and illustrative of the life that both of them were leading and it was among the scenes that the wiz kids at the studio decided the film could do without. I really hope that you are successful with the restoration as the film really deserves its rightful place as one of the finest films that has been produced in this country.
I can tell you that the audience reaction, especially to Pohan's death, Holman's reaction to it, the battle at the boom and the tragic ending left the audiences' that I saw it with stunned.
I am proud to have had a small part in its making. I have some antidotes but they will have to wait for another time.
Best regards,
QB
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From: Darren
Sent: Wednesday, May 11, 2005 7:58 AM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: Re: The Sand Pebbles
Thanks Cris,
Believe it or not I have never seen an episode of Wanted Dead or Alive! It has never been shown in Australia to my knowledge, but I plan to buy the region 1 DVD's soon.
"The Sand Pebbles" is a wonderful film (as you already know 8-) ). I found Steve's performance really touching, and sad, and as you say, he achieves this with barely a word. It is one of those great films that deserves so much more recognition than it gets. I'd love to see it on the Big Screen.
Website updates:
I have the "Guest Spot" section up now. Please have a look.
You might also like to read the review on "Here's Hollywood" in that section. The host of the show Jack Linkletter interviewed Steve on the set of "The Great Escape" in Germany, and was kind enough to tell me a little story about his adventures with Steve. I have put that up. It is a cute little story.
Talk again soon,
Darren.
www.mcqueenonline.com
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From: Ralph L. Pineda
Sent: Wednesday, May 04, 2005 7:35 AM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: Your e-mail
Dear Fellow Sand Pebbles Admirer:
As you mentioned it is indeed heartening to find others who have an appreciation for this film.
At the risk of sounding too immodest, I consider myself a student of film and something of an expert. Just by listening to a film's soundtrack from opening credits, through it's entirety I can tell who the composer was { Tiomkin, Rosza, Bernstein, Goldsmith, Jarre etc.} That is how much I love film.
The Sand Pebbles, without a doubt is my alltime favorite. There are those who might say I sound ridiculous, but my understanding and years of watching and rewatching all of the classics, and yes obscure ones also, I feel I've earned the right to say it is the number one motion picture on my list.
I am glad I found this website. I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you and others on this site. Once again, congratulations on this website, and if I may help in any way please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Ralph L. Pineda
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From: M. Swanson
Sent: Monday, May 02, 2005 9:37 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: The Sand Pebbles
Dear Cris,
It was just great to see and hear Steve McQueen on the old T.V. series "What's My Line?"! I wish I could get more reruns on the shows he did on television. Keep up the great work!
Marijo Swanson
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From: Kathryn Ann Wagner
Sent: Saturday, April 30, 2005 11:04 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: McQueen
I am looking for a copy either video or DVD of McQueen's "An Enemy of the
People". I found a message on your site asking the same question from someone
in the UK in 2004. Do you know if they had any luck?
Kate
(No official release...but bootleg copies of this film are occasionally seen on eBay - Ed.)
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From: Darren
Sent: Saturday, April 16, 2005 10:33 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: The Sand Pebbles
Hi there Crispin,
I have a Steve McQueen Fansite up. It is not quite complete, but I think the content is now OK.
Hence I am trying to get some friendly crosslinks up.
Please have a look at it here: www.mcqueenonline.com
I have had your site listed in my links section for a little while now. I think it is a real class act!
Hoping you will consider linking to me.
All the best,
Darren Wright.
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From: Bill Lanoie
Sent: Thursday, March 31, 2005 5:12 AM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: The Sand Pebbles
Besides loving Steve McQueen, I can not get enough of this movie. I sometimes watch it three to four times a year. It is a very powerful movie. Thank you for this site in tribute to the movie.
Bill Lanoie
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From: David Avery
Sent: Friday, March 25, 2005 11:03 AM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: "And We Were Lovers"
Hi, Crispin:
That site of yours for "The Sand Pebbles" is terrific. I wish more people paid tribute to films like that. Great site indeed.
My interest today is for the gorgeous theme, "And We Were Lovers". My mother played this song on the piano, and I learned to sing it when I was about ten years old. It remains one of my favorites to this day.
I came across the site while doing a search on Lana Cantrell. While I appreciate all the versions of the song and the files you provided, I am especially grateful for Lana's version. Do you know which album of hers featured her version of the song?
Have a great day, and again, this is great work.
Respectfully,
David Avery
(The Lana Cantrell version was taken from her 45RPM single - Ed.)
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From: Rugonzo
Sent: Wednesday, March 23, 2005 10:36 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: The Sand Pebbles
Incredible website....keep up the good work!
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From: Richard Haines
Sent: Saturday, March 12, 2005 4:34 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: The Sand Pebbles
Greetings. I'm Richard W. Haines, author of "Technicolor Movies" and "The Moviegoing Experience 1968-2001". I also restored some films including "Carnival of Souls" and "Motor Rhytm" (the first 3-D color polarized short shown at the 1940 World's Fair).
I thoroughly enjoyed your site. I am interested in seeing "The Sand Pebbles" restored. I saw it theatrically at the Hollowbrook drive-in the summer of 1967 and it was one of my favorite films. Of course I saw it cut on CBS and uncut on ABC or at least the complete 182 (179?) min. general release version. I even used to have a 16mm anamorphic print but discarded it when it faded to pink. Prior to that I had the pan/scan Super 8 sound digest version. I had a magnetic stereo 35mm print at one point in time. Curiously, the first half was quite faded but the second half had good color. De Luxe color fading was quite quirky. Eventually the second half faded too and of course the magnetic tracks oxidized and gave the print 'vinegar syndrome' (hydrolisis). That might be the fate of the original six track magnetic stereo mix of the film too since anything magnetic was quite unstable as was Eastmancolor negatives and prints. It's a pity it was never printed in Technicolor's dye transfer process since those copies never faded. Ironically, many De Luxe titles were printed in Technicolor and anamorphic in 16mm (i.e. "The Robe", "Seven Year Itch" and even later titles like "Flight of the Phoenix") but "The Sand Pebbles" was only printed in De Luxe which was one of the worst labs for color fading. The original camera negative prints looked great but only had a life of about five years or so before they turned. Apparently De Luxe cut corners in the processing at the time. They cleaned up their act during the "Lawrence of Arabia" restoration and are much better now.
Regarding restoring the film, what format are those B&W French clips in. 70mm or 35mm? In either case, they would have to be scanned digitally and then color corrected as much as possible before outputting back to film and cutting them into the camera negative. Who knows what kind of condition the camera negative is in now since all prints were made off of it. They didn't start striking release copies from duplicate negatives until CRI's were introduced in 1968. Of course the camera negative prints looked far superior to today's dupe negative general release copies which are quite poor in comparison but at least the negatives are not worn out as they were in every format except Technicolor where the original was only used for making matrices (printing plates that transferred the color to the release copy).
To restore it, you'll have to first secure the French original elements then digitize them and then try to find the sound elements. Perhaps the 70mm print shown at the Rivoli exists somewhere. You can also check what version was deposited for copyright purposes at the Library of Congress. Even if it was a mono 35mm print, it could be simulated into stereo by Chase sound which has done this for other films.
Another option would be to contact Bob Harris and see if he was interested in restoring the film.
Richard W. Haines
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From: Jimmy S I Lee
Sent: Sunday, March 06, 2005 11:22 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: The motorcycle
Hi, I have not yet seen this movie, but have just ordered it from Amazon.ca. I was born in Taipei, Taiwan, and my grandfather used to own several motorcycles. When McQueen was in Taiwan, he (or the movie guys?) wanted to use my grandfather’s motorbike. My grandpa owned a BMW with a side boat, as well as some Harleys. I’m not sure which one they wanted, but I am told that only two people in Taiwan had it at that time. Initially my grandfather didn’t like the idea of McQueen performing any stunts on it, but eventually he agreed, with compensation. Well, I have never bothered to see any of McQueen’s movies (I was born in the 70’s), but recently felt like following up on this family story.
I like to know, was there any scenes in Sand Pebbles (deleted, in the novel, or otherwise) where McQueen needed a motorcycle? I read on some essays that McQueen brought his own bike to Taiwan, so I’m not sure if he wanted to bike for the movie or just some joy ride around Taipei. Any info you may have will be great.
Jimmy Lee
Vancouver, Canada
(According to John Norris, McQueen rode a Suzuki Cafe Racer while in Taiwan - Ed.)
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From: Mike Kessinger
Sent: Wednesday, March 02, 2005 7:30 AM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: Great site
I was pleased to find a site dedicated to The Sand Pebbles. I too would like to find a model of the San Pablo but it appears that one would have to build it from scratch. Great site. Regards, Mike K.
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From: Frank Stanton
Sent: Wednesday, March 02, 2005 2:06 AM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: The Sand Pebbles
You have a really great site. It brings back a lot of memories. I saw it when I was a teen in 1966. Later I flunked out of college and was ready to be drafted, so I joined the Navy. I was so haunted by the pathos of the film and its anti-war theme that it ruined my time in the service. Serving then (1967-1972) seemed so pointless. The Navy and serving in the Pacific area was very much like it was portrayed in the film. While in the service, I saw it about 10 times in the Phillipines, Alaska, Guam, California and Japan. It stands the test of time really well. I think Steve McQueen understood the alienation and loneliness that often follows servicemen around. You've done a really great job.
Thanks,
Frank Stanton
Campbell, California
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From: Jim Myers
Sent: Friday, February 11, 2005 11:32 AM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: San Pablo
Just a word and a question, great website, I'll have to look it up when I get home.
What became of the ship after the movie, and where was she built.
Jim Myers
(She was probably salvaged for scrap after the Vietnam war, but no one knows for sure. - Ed.)
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From: Hugh Greentree
Sent: Sunday, January 30, 2005 6:07 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: Re: The Sand Pebbles
What was particularly funny was the fact that the students all wanted to hear him talk about his last film, STAR TREK THE MOTION PICTURE (which came out two or so years earlier). After fending off two or three TREK questions, Wise seemed to be rather angry (as angry as that wonderful, polite gentleman could be). So he said he would tell us some STAR TREK TMP stories, and then would accept NO more questions about that film.
Sincerely,
Hugh Greentree
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From: Jeff
Sent: Sunday, January 30, 2005 2:30 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: The Sand Pebbles you site is refeshing
Greetings...I happened to stumble across your site a few months ago...very good...you know as a 43.5 year old male, I remember some of these movies during their initial release going to the show with my dad to see some of them...I don't know what the hell has happened in Hollywood but minus a "Star Trek " movie I very very rarely go to the shows anymore...the movies today suck...both in acting and story lines...I watch a lot of AMC TCM FOX movies or IFC...(hey the "re-image " of Zatchoic the Blind Swordsman 2004 was very good....I was surprised by it considering I have seen all the old ones...it did stay I think pretty much true to the spirit of the original series...) I like these old movies, like the Sand Pebbles or a Lord Jim for example...anyway keep the site going...I will book mark it and recommend it to others....
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From: Hugh Greentree
Sent: Saturday, January 29, 2005 7:13 PM
To: Crispin Garcia
Subject: The Sand Pebbles
Dear Sir:
I was once a film student at the Ohio State University and sometime in 1981 or 82, Robert Wise came to OSU to lecture at the film school. The film that he spent the most time discussing was THE SAND PEBBLES. I only have a few memories of his comments (about the difficulties of shooting the film...of the fact that they shot the river scenes in Hong Kong harbor and that the water was blue instead of river brown...and the fact that the San Pablo in the film was only built from the waterline up).
Perhaps you would be able to find a transcript of Mr. Wise's comments.
Sincerely,
Hugh Greentree
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Past years of the Sand Pebbles Movie Message Board are available below: