MovieChat Forums > What Waits Below (1985) Discussion > Just for fun

Just for fun

posted 17 years ago by Django6924
8 replies | jump to latest

As one who was intimately involved in this film, all I can say is that while it isn't in the same league as "Raiders" which is what Sandy Howard wanted, it was probably better than a lot of the 50s horror movies that were its real parentage. It was done with the European audience in mind, with the hope that it would find a following in the US.

Just to get the film made on a budget that was abouit what the average one-hour TV episode costs involved many compromises and "deals" that all ended up hurting the final product to some extent: the English and Canadians used for cast and crew were there to enable the film to qualify for a UK tax break, it was shot for the most part in real caves rather than on a soundstage to qualify for Tennesseee and Alabama "incentives"--a terrible idea for a low-budget movie! the conditions were nightmarish!---- I could go on, but suffice it to say, it was a wonder it ever got to the screen at all.

That it did is a tribute to the actors and crew who did their jobs as professionally as conditions and budget allowed. With a script the quality of Raiders, and one half the budget of Raiders, I can only dream about what might have been done. It was a great lesson for me--only make the films you really want to make, and don't compromise. If what's in the script can't be shot for money or time constraints--change the script!

[–] Al_Truist80 17 years ago

As one who was intimately involved in this film,

>What did you do?

It was done with the European audience in mind, with the hope that it would find a following in the US.

>It does have a very European feel.

Just to get the film made on a budget that was abouit what the average one-hour TV episode costs involved many compromises and "deals" that all ended up hurting the final product to some extent: the English and Canadians used for cast and crew were there to enable the film to qualify for a UK tax break, it was shot for the most part in real caves rather than on a soundstage to qualify for Tennesseee and Alabama "incentives

>Ha ha! These are great insights. (I'm glad they didn't use a soundstage though..)

it was a wonder it ever got to the screen at all.

>So it got a cinematic release then? Did it make its money back?

That it did is a tribute to the actors and crew who did their jobs as professionally as conditions and budget allowed.

>How were Bottoms and Powell pursuaded to do this? the fee must have been tiny!

If what's in the script can't be shot for money or time constraints--change the script!

>What might have been...

[–] Django6924 17 years ago

I was co-producer--and director of the week of post-production shooting we did back in LA on a soundstage (can you tell which scenes were not in the real caves? no one who wasn't there can tell the difference, and it was much easier to concentrate on performance, stunts, and effects outside of those blasted caves.)

It had a limited theatrical release in this country (just the South, I think) but made its costs back in video and foreign. No profit--at least that's what the bookkeepers told me when I wondered about my profit participation. Powell did it because the director, Don Sharp, had directed him in some British movies and they had a relationship. Sharp did it beccause he had a deal with J. Arthur Rank where Rank owed him 2 more directing jobs, and Rank had bought the UK distribution on this film with the understanding that there would be a British director and British star. (I can't remember, but Rank may have had a deal with Powell as well, where he owed them a picture or 2 of their choice.) Tim Bottoms did it as a favor to the other producer, and because his career was still in the doldrums after problems during the shooting of "The Hurricane" that had put him in the Hollywood doghouse. (Which was a shame, as in addition to being a fine talent, he was extremely professional and a pleasure to work with on this film.)

[–] rboykins-1 17 years ago

I think I'm the only person that likes this film a lot better yet, heard of it...
I remember buying it whan I was a kid in the late 80s. I watch it once in a while.

[–] slayerdash 17 years ago

i remember watching this fillm when it was first released in the uk on vhs but it wasent called what waits below it had another title can you tell me what it was

[–] Alligator_80 17 years ago

Secrets Of the Phantom Caverns

[–] 17 years ago

[deleted]

[–] The_Dying_Flutchman 16 years ago

Actually "The Sucrets of the Silken Sad Uncertain".

Nothing is more beautiful than nothing.

[–] phritzz 16 years ago

In Sweden in the mid 80s this one was called Nicaragua Code (!?) :)
Anyone involved care to explain that one?
I actually liked this movie back then.
Not sure what to think these days, id better track it down somehow :D