Sunburn (1979 film)

Last updated
Sunburn
Sunburn poster.jpg
Theatrical release poster
Directed by Richard C. Sarafian
Screenplay by James Booth
John Daly
Stephen Oliver
Based onThe Bind
by Stanley Ellin
Produced byJohn Daly
Gerald Green
Starring Farrah Fawcett-Majors
Charles Grodin
Art Carney
Joan Collins
William Daniels
John Hillerman
Eleanor Parker
Alejandro Rey
Keenan Wynn
Robin Clarke
Joan Goodfellow
Jack Kruschen
CinematographyAlex Phillips Jr.
Edited by Geoffrey Foot
Music by John Cameron
Production
companies
Fawcett-Majors Productions
Tuesday Films
Hemdale Film Corporation
Bind Films
Distributed by Paramount Pictures
Release date
  • August 10, 1979 (1979-08-10)
Running time
99 minutes
CountriesUnited States
United Kingdom
LanguageEnglish
Box officeunder $1 million [1]

Sunburn is a 1979 British-American comedy detective film [2] [3] directed by Richard C. Sarafian and written by James Booth, John Daly and Stephen Oliver. It is based on the novel The Bind by Stanley Ellin. The film stars Farrah Fawcett, Charles Grodin, Art Carney, Joan Collins, William Daniels and John Hillerman. The film was released on August 10, 1979, by Paramount Pictures. [4] [5] [6] [7]

Contents

Plot

Jake Dekker is a private eye who is hired by an insurance company to travel to Acapulco and investigate the death of a rich industrialist named Theron. In an effort to cloak his intentions, Dekker adopts the persona of an independently wealthy jet-setter and hires the beautiful Ellie Morgan to pose as his wife. After the two arrive, they are invited to a party, where they become acquainted with Theron's offspring—a grown daughter and son, named Joanna and Karl. Of the two, only Joanna appears to be genuinely in grief, while Karl takes his father's death in stride, all the while attempting to seduce Ellie, unsuccessfully.

After Dekker's real purpose for being in Acapulco is discovered, the dead man's reclusive widow, Mrs. Theron, declines offering Dekker any assistance in his search for the truth behind her husband's demise. However, Dekker's old friend and colleague, Marcus, researches Theron's past and discovers the unfortunate man was actually an escaped Nazi who found refuge in Mexico some thirty years earlier. This information, concealed by others for purposes of blackmail, proves the key to the mystery of just who killed Theron and why.

Cast

Production

Original Novel

The film was based on the novel, The Bind by Stanley Ellin, which was published in 1970. The Chicago Tribune called it a "well plotted puzzle". [8] The New York Times said it was "brimful of incident, smoothly effective and has the pace of a frightened whippet." [9]

Film rights were bought prior to publication, in November 1969, by producer Phil Waxman, who wanted Robert Redford in the lead. [10]

The rights transferred to John Daly at Hemdale. [11]

Development

The film became the second starring vehicle for Farrah Fawcett-Majors after she left Charlie's Angels. As with her first film, she was paid $750,000. [12]

Harrison Ford was originally announced as her leading man. [13] Eventually Charles Grodin was cast off the back of his success in Heaven Can Wait. Grodin admitted "I was sixth choice for the role." [14]

The film was financed by the cinema chain United Artists Theatres, and British company Hemdale. Paramount bought the film for distribution. [15]

Shooting

Filming took place in Acapulco in September 1978. [16]

Soundtrack

The Original Soundtrack Album From... Sunburn
Soundtrack album by
Released1979
Recorded1979
Label Arrival
Singles from The Original Soundtrack Album From... Sunburn
  1. "Sunburn"
    Released: 1979

A soundtrack album The Original Soundtrack Album From... Sunburn for the film was released in 1979 featuring John Cameron's score and songs from the film including the original title compositions "Sunburn" written and recorded by Graham Gouldman of 10cc. [17] "Sunburn" was also released as a single with a non-album b-side "Think About It", also performed by Gouldman. [18]

A repackaged version of the soundtrack mixed with additional songs titled Sunburn: 22 'Blazing' Disco Hits Including The Original Soundtrack was released in 1980. [19]

Release

The film was sold to television for $3.5 million, as was Fawcett's first film. Her third was sold to NBC for $4.2 million. [12] It was thought Hemdale presold the film enough to make a profit of $1 million. [20]

Reception

Janet Maslin of The New York Times called the film "one of those romantic-comedy-adventure mystery stories that fall into no particular genre save that of the breezy mish-mash. The romantic angle seems almost extraneous, since the camera is so evidently in love with Miss Fawcett that Mr. Grodin doesn't need to be; in any case, her overriding sweetness turns every would-be clinch into a sisterly hug." [21] Todd McCarthy of Variety wrote that the film "exists for no other reason than to provide a vehicle for Farrah Fawcett. She's great to look at, natch, but that's the case on tv and in photos as well, so until someone can dream up a way to use her in plausible dramatic or comedic context, her screen career will remain in the starting gate." [22] Gene Siskel of the Chicago Tribune gave the film 2 stars out of 4 and wrote, "The problem with 'Sunburn' is that Farrah Fawcett's striking looks get in the way of a confusing story that has been mangled by three screenwriters trying to lighten up a tough mystery novel. The result is a two-hour 'Charlie's Angels' episode that seems unnecessarily complicated." [23] Charles Champlin of the Los Angeles Times declared, "It is sloppy, banal, witless, characterless, forced, uninteresting, unsuspenseful, indifferently photographed, wretchedly edited and wasteful of if not actively insulting to a number of interesting and talented performers." [24] Lynn Darling wrote in The Washington Post : "'Sunburn' may not be the suspense-and-action-packed comedy it was intended to be, but it is a chance to see Farrah Fawcett-Majors, her hair, and about a million different costumes, or portions thereof. And to some movie-goers, that's enough." [25] David Ansen of Newsweek called the film "a 'Charlie's Angels' in Acapulco" which "has a thriller plot so perfunctory you never bother to ask whodunit, much less why ... It is entirely forgettable except for Grodin, who once again compensates for having the most anonymous face in movies with his sly, expertly timed comic delivery." [26]

The film was a flop at the box office, with a studio employee claiming that its earnings "will hardly keep us in paperclips", returning under $1 million. [1] A planned second film between Hemdale and Fawcett, Strictly Business, was not made, [27] despite an advertisement featuring Farrah and Roger Moore appearing in the 24 May 1979 issue of Screen International (the ad also mentions Art Carney).

Fawcett later sacked her manager, Jay Bernstein, who said her first two movies had been put together with "hustle and bubble gum." [28]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ryan O'Neal</span> American actor (1941–2023)

Charles Patrick Ryan O'Neal was an American actor. Born in Los Angeles, he trained as an amateur boxer before beginning a career in acting in 1960.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Farrah Fawcett</span> American actress (1947–2009)

Farrah Leni Fawcett was an American actress. A four-time Primetime Emmy Award nominee and six-time Golden Globe Award nominee, Fawcett rose to international fame when she played a starring role in the first season of the television series Charlie's Angels.

<i>The Heartbreak Kid</i> (1972 film) 1972 film by Elaine May

The Heartbreak Kid is a 1972 American romantic black comedy film directed by Elaine May and written by Neil Simon, starring Charles Grodin, Cybill Shepherd, Jeannie Berlin, Audra Lindley, Eddie Albert, and Doris Roberts. It is based on the short story "A Change of Plan", written by Bruce Jay Friedman and first published in Esquire in 1966.

<i>Real Life</i> (1979 film) 1979 American film directed by Albert Brooks

Real Life is a 1979 American comedy film starring Albert Brooks, who also co-authored the screenplay alongside Monica Johnson and Harry Shearer. It is a spoof of the 1973 reality television program An American Family and portrays a documentary filmmaker named Albert Brooks who attempts to live with and film a dysfunctional family for one full year.

<i>The Great Muppet Caper</i> 1981 film directed by Jim Henson

The Great Muppet Caper is a 1981 musical heist comedy film directed by Jim Henson and the second theatrical film featuring the Muppets. The film stars Muppet performers Henson, Frank Oz, Dave Goelz, Jerry Nelson, Richard Hunt, and Steve Whitmire, as well as Charles Grodin and Diana Rigg with special cameo appearances by John Cleese, Robert Morley, Peter Ustinov, and Jack Warden. The film was produced by ITC Entertainment and The Jim Henson Company and distributed by Universal Pictures. In the plot, the Muppets are caught up in a jewel heist while investigating a robbery in London.

<i>Saturn 3</i> 1980 British science fiction film by Stanley Donen

Saturn 3 is a 1980 British science fiction film produced and directed by Stanley Donen, and starring Farrah Fawcett, Kirk Douglas and Harvey Keitel. The screenplay was written by Martin Amis, from a story by John Barry. Though a British production, made by Lew Grade's ITC Entertainment and shot at Shepperton Studios, the film has an American cast and director.

<i>Seems Like Old Times</i> (film) 1980 film by Jay Sandrich

Seems Like Old Times is a 1980 American comedy film starring Chevy Chase, Goldie Hawn, and Charles Grodin, directed by Jay Sandrich and written by Neil Simon. It was the only theatrical film directed by Sandrich, who was best known for his television sitcom directing work. It follows Nick Gardenia, a writer who is forced to rob a bank and becomes a fugitive, leaving him to seek help from his ex-wife Glenda Parks, a public defender. Her current husband, Ira Parks, is the Los Angeles County district attorney, who harbors a jealous disdain towards Nick.

<i>Up the Creek</i> (1984 film) 1984 film by Robert Butler

Up the Creek is a 1984 comedy film directed by Robert Butler and starring Tim Matheson, Dan Monahan, Stephen Furst, Jeff East, Sandy Helberg, Blaine Novak, James B. Sikking, Jennifer Runyon, and John Hillerman.

<i>The Lonely Guy</i> 1984 film by Arthur Hiller

The Lonely Guy is a 1984 American romantic comedy film directed by Arthur Hiller and starring Steve Martin. The screenplay is credited to Ed. Weinberger and Stan Daniels as well as Neil Simon, and is based on the 1978 book The Lonely Guy's Book of Life by Bruce Jay Friedman.

<i>Myra Breckinridge</i> (film) 1970 film by Mike Sarne

Myra Breckinridge is a 1970 American comedy film based on Gore Vidal's 1968 novel of the same name. The film was directed by Michael Sarne, and featured Raquel Welch in the title role. It also starred John Huston as Buck Loner, Mae West as Leticia Van Allen, Farrah Fawcett, Rex Reed, Roger Herren, and Roger C. Carmel. Tom Selleck made his film debut in a small role as one of Leticia's "studs." Theadora Van Runkle was costume designer for the film, though Edith Head designed West's costumes.

<i>B.S. I Love You</i> 1971 film

B.S. I Love You is a 1971 American comedy-drama film directed and written by Steven Hilliard Stern and starring Peter Kastner. The style of the film is like many others of its era, taking its cues from The Graduate and the raunchiness of the early 1970s, as Kastner plays a youthful TV commercials producer whose quest in life is to bed as many women as possible, while trying to remain faithful to his childhood sweetheart who remains in tow, awaiting the day they will marry.

<i>The Seduction of Joe Tynan</i> 1979 film by Jerry Schatzberg

The Seduction of Joe Tynan is a 1979 American political drama film directed by Jerry Schatzberg, and produced by Martin Bregman. The screenplay was written by Alan Alda, who also played the title role.

<i>The Late Show</i> (film) 1977 film by Robert Benton

The Late Show is a 1977 American neo-noir mystery film written and directed by Robert Benton and produced by Robert Altman. It stars Art Carney, Lily Tomlin, Bill Macy, Eugene Roche, and Joanna Cassidy.

<i>Somebody Killed Her Husband</i> 1978 film by Lamont Johnson

Somebody Killed Her Husband is a 1978 American comedy–mystery film directed by Lamont Johnson and written by Reginald Rose. It starred Farrah Fawcett and Jeff Bridges. Also in the cast were John Wood, Tammy Grimes and John Glover.

<i>Funny About Love</i> 1990 American romantic comedy film

Funny About Love is a 1990 American romantic comedy film directed by Leonard Nimoy and starring Gene Wilder in his first romantic lead. With a screenplay by Norman Steinberg and David Frankel, the film is based on the article "Convention of the Love Goddesses" in Esquire Magazine by Bob Greene.

<i>Last Resort</i> (1986 film) 1986 comedy directed by Zane Buzby

Last Resort is a 1986 comedy film directed by Zane Buzby and produced by Julie Corman. It revolves around George Lollar, who takes his family on vacation to "Club Sand", a shoddy and untrustworthy company. On this tropical island they find soldiers everywhere, an unhelpful staff, inhospitable accommodations and undesirable holiday makers, but everyone except for George manages to have fun in the sun.

<i>The Great American Beauty Contest</i> 1973 American television film

The Great American Beauty Contest is a 1973 American satirical comedy–drama television film, starring JoAnna Cameron and featuring Eleanor Parker, Robert Cummings, Louis Jourdan and Farrah Fawcett in an early film appearance.

<i>Thieves</i> (1977 film) 1977 film by John Berry

Thieves is a 1977 American comedy film directed by John Berry, written by Herb Gardner, and starring Marlo Thomas, Charles Grodin and Irwin Corey. It was released on February 11, 1977, by Paramount Pictures. The film was based on Gardner's Broadway play, and has almost the same cast, with the main exception being that Charles Grodin is playing Martin rather than Richard Mulligan, though Grodin directed and produced the play.

The Girl Who Came Gift-Wrapped is a 1974 American made-for-television comedy film starring Karen Valentine, Richard Long, Tom Bosley and Farrah Fawcett. It was directed by Bruce Bilson and aired as the ABC Movie of the Week on January 29, 1974.

The 1979 Stinkers Bad Movie Awards were released by the Hastings Bad Cinema Society in 1980 to honour the worst films the film industry had to offer in 1979. The ballot was later revisited and the expanded version was released in late 2004. Listed as follows are the original ballot's picks for Worst Picture and its dishonourable mentions, which are films that were considered for Worst Picture but ultimately failed to make the final ballot, and all nominees included in the expanded ballot. All winners are highlighted.

References

  1. 1 2 Epstein, Andrew (April 27, 1980). "The Big Thuds of 1979—Films That Flopped, Badly". Los Angeles Times . Calendar, p. 6.
  2. "unburn (1979)". www.allmovie.com. Retrieved 1 September 2019.
  3. "Sunburn". www.rottentomatoes.com. Retrieved 1 September 2019.
  4. "Sunburn (1979) - Overview". TCM.com. 2012-07-05. Retrieved 2016-04-24.
  5. Michael Betzold. "Sunburn (1979) - | Synopsis, Characteristics, Moods, Themes and Related". AllMovie. Retrieved 2016-04-24.
  6. "Sunburn". Afi.com. Retrieved 2016-04-24.
  7. SUNBURN Monthly Film Bulletin; London Vol. 47, Iss. 552, (Jan 1, 1980): 30.
  8. BOOKS today: Crime on My Hands Cromie, Alice. Chicago Tribune 9 July 1970: 27.
  9. Books of The Times: Mayhem By THOMAS LASK. New York Times 8 Aug 1970: 21.
  10. Eye-Opening Look in 'Hollywood Style' Los Angeles Times 19 Nov 1969: c21.
  11. At the Movies: A day in the life of a Star. Buckley, Tom. New York Times 10 Aug 1979: C10.
  12. 1 2 Farrah says she's going to let it all hang down: Farrah swears she's going to have more hair Siskel, Gene. Chicago Tribune 2 Aug 1979: a1
  13. Exner wants to talk publicly or not at all Chicago Tribune 23 July 1978: d2.
  14. Angie: Buffing Up the Image Mann, Roderick. Los Angeles Times 1 Feb 1979: f9.
  15. FILM CLIPS: 'Free' Pays for Carpenter SCHREGER, CHARLES. Los Angeles Times 14 Feb 1979: g8.
  16. Tempo Entertainment: Tower Ticker Gold, Aaron. Chicago Tribune 4 Sep 1978: b6.
  17. "Various – Sunburn (The Original Soundtrack Album From...)". discogs.com. Retrieved 2020-05-13.
  18. "Graham Gouldman – Sunburn". discogs.com. Retrieved 2020-05-13.
  19. "Various – Sunburn - 22 'Blazing' Disco Hits Including The Original Soundtrack". discogs.com. Retrieved 2020-05-13.
  20. "You Oughtta Be in Pictures": These Days Nearly Everyone Is Trying to Get Into the Act Welling, Kathryn M. Barron's National Business and Financial Weekly 5 May 1980: 4.
  21. Maslin, Janet (August 10, 1979). "Film: Acapulco 'Sunburn'". The New York Times . p. C16.
  22. McCarthy, Todd (August 8, 1979). "Film Reviews: Sunburn". Variety . p. 22.
  23. Siskel, Gene (September 4, 1979). "'Sunburn's' mangled script fails to peel off layers of suspense". Chicago Tribune . Section 2, p. 7.
  24. Champlin, Charles (August 10, 1979). "'Sunburn' Without Appeal". Los Angeles Times . Part IV, p. 1.
  25. Darling, Lynn (August 11, 1979). "'Sunburn': Not Too Hot". The Washington Post . p. B4.
  26. Ansen, David (September 10, 1979). "The End of Summer". Newsweek . 76.
  27. FARRAH FAWCETT: ASSET OR LIABILITY?: FARRAH: ASSET OR LIABILITY? Lees, David; Berkowitz, Stan. Los Angeles Times 27 Jan 1980: m1.
  28. Tempo TV: As her star sinks, Farrah Fawcett gets villain manager out of her hair Will Farrah's action fire up her career? Deeb, Gary. Chicago Tribune 10 Oct 1979: b10.