Dreams of Gold: The Mel Fisher Story

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Dreams of Gold: The Mel Fisher Story
GenreDrama
Written byStanford Whitmore
Directed by James Goldstone
Starring Cliff Robertson
Loretta Swit
Ed O'Ross
Music by Ernest Gold
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
Production
Executive producerMax A. Keller
ProducersCharles Hairston
Daniel Helfgott
Production locations St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
CinematographyEric Van Haren Noman
Editor Edward A. Biery
Running time95 minutes
Production companiesInterplanetary Pictures Productions
La Rosh Productions
Original release
Network CBS
ReleaseNovember 15, 1986 (1986-11-15)

Dreams of Gold: The Mel Fisher Story is a 1986 American made-for-television drama film starring Cliff Robertson and Loretta Swit. It is based on the actual adventures of Treasure Hunter Mel Fisher and premiered on CBS on November 15, 1986.

Contents

Background

The role of Fisher was played by Cliff Robertson and his wife Deo was played by Loretta Swit. [1] The story centers around Fisher's hunt for the Atocha treasure, [2] and Fisher's 17 obsession-driven year search for the galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha that vanished in 1622 while being caught in a hurricane off the coast of Florida. It also looks at Fisher's obsession and the effect it had on his family, [3] and the courts that were trying to shut him down. [4]

During the making of the movie, Cliff Robertson was approached by Mel Fisher himself, telling him he had a map and they would meet again. [5] Both he and Robertson are pictured in George Walter Born's Historic Florida Keys: An Illustrated History of Key West & the Keys, with Robertson holding a small treasure chest of silver coins and a gold chain. [6]

Deo Fisher mentioned one inaccuracy in the film. Her character played by Loretta Swit was cooking in the film and she commented that everyone that knew her knows she didn't cook. [7]

Technical and other

The film's production company was Inter Planetary Productions. [8] It was released on November 15, 1986. [9] The DVD was released on February 10, 1998. [10]

VHS releases

DVD releases

Soundtrack

Songs featured in the movie

Cast

List
NameRole
Cliff Robertson Mel Fisher
Loretta Swit Deo Fisher
Ed O'Ross Trooper Hudley
Scott Paulin Don Kincaid
Jennifer Runyon Angel Fisher
Judi Evans Penelope Cabot
Bruce TomsKane Fisher
Kerry Remsen Taffi Fisher
Jonathan Hogan David Horan
Martin RabbettDirk Fisher
William Zabka Kim Fisher
Steven Williams Mo
Don HoodLuther Banks
Liam Sullivan Rupert Carmody
Brett Porter Duncan Mathewson
Byrne Piven Local Fisherman
Tim Wise1st Panel Member
David Orange2nd Panel Member
Sandra P. DavisTourist
Tony Ayer3rd Panel Member
Eric MatthewsMarshall

[13]

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References

  1. New York Magazine, November 17, 1986 - Page 84 Dreams of Gold: The Mel Fisher Story, (November 15; 9 to 11 PM; CBS)
  2. Florida in the Popular Imagination: Essays on the Cultural Landscape of the Sunshine State, Steve Glassman - Page 214
  3. RadioTimes - Dreams of Gold: the Mel Fisher Story, REVIEW by John Marriott
  4. The Movie Scene - Dreams of Gold: The Mel Fisher Story (1986), Review, Fisher of Dreams
  5. Historical Diver Magazine, Historical Diving Society U.S.A, 1999 - Page xi
  6. Historic Florida Keys: An Illustrated History of Key West & the Keys, By George Walter Born - Page 71
  7. International Legends of Diving - Mel Fisher Treasure Hunter and First California Dive Shop Owner
  8. Movies Made for Television: The Telefeature and the Mini-series, 1964-1986, Alvin H. Marill - Page 118
  9. Movies Made for Television: The Telefeature and the Mini-series, 1964-1986, Alvin H. Marill - Page 576
  10. moviefone - Dreams of Gold: The Mel Fisher Story (1986)
  11. Doug Pratt's DVD: Movies, Television, Music, Art, Adult, and More!, Volume 1, By Douglas Pratt - Dreams of Gold (Simitar, 7278)
  12. Sweet Soundtrack - Dreams of Gold: The Mel Fisher Story (1986)
  13. Rotten Tomatoes - Dreams of Gold: The Mel Fisher Story (1986)