Thunder in the Sun
| Thunder in the Sun | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Russell Rouse |
| Produced by | Clarence Greene |
| Written by |
Russell Rouse Stewart Stern |
| Based on |
story by James Hill Guy Trosper |
| Starring |
Susan Hayward Jeff Chandler |
| Music by | Cyril J. Mockridge |
| Cinematography | Stanley Cortez |
| Edited by | Chester W. Schaeffer |
Production company |
Seven Arts Productions Carrolton Inc |
| Distributed by | Paramount Pictures |
Release date | April 8, 1959 |
Running time | 81 min. |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Box office | $1.8 million (est. US/ Canada rentals)[1] |
Thunder in the Sun is a 1959 western film directed by Russell Rouse starring Susan Hayward and Jeff Chandler.
Plot
The film shows a family of French Basque immigrants pioneering into the Wild West while carrying their ancestral vines. Hard drinking trail driver Lon Bennett is hired to lead them and he falls for the spirited Gabrielle Dauphin.
The film is infamous among Basques for its misunderstandings of Basque customs, such as the use of the xistera (a device of the jai alai sport) as a weapon or shouting irrintzi ululations as meaningful communication. Other commentators, though, have noted the well staged action scenes, the absorbing story, and the excellent cinematography. Which is a marvel since 90% of the lead actors scenes were shot in a studio with projected backgrounds.
Cast
- Susan Hayward as Gabrielle Dauphin
- Jeff Chandler as Lon Bennett
- Jacques Bergerac as Pepe Dauphin
- Blanche Yurka as Louise Dauphin
- Carl Esmond as Andre Dauphin
- Fortunio Bonanova as Fernando Christophe
- Bertrand Castelli as Edmond Duquette
- Albert Carrier
- Felix Locher as Danielle
- Michele Marly
- Albert Villasainte
- Veda Ann Borg as Marie
Production
The film was made by Seven Arts Productions and acquired by Paramount for distribution.[2] It was the company's third film, after Gunrunners and Ten Seconds to Hell.[3] It was known during filming as Between the Thunder and the Sun and The Gun and the Arrow.[4]
Filming took place in August 1958 with location work in Mount Whitney.[5]
See also
References
- ↑ "1959: Probable Domestic Take", Variety, 6 January 1960 p 34
- ↑ GOLDWYN NAMED FOR MOVIE HONOR: Producers Guild to Give Him Milestone Award -Jeff Chandler Gets Role By THOMAS M. PRYORSpecial to The New York Times.. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 21 Oct 1958: 38.
- ↑ HOLLYWOOD VISTA: Three Authoritative' 'Reporters' Add Background to Production Picture By THOMAS M. PRYORHOLLYWOOD.. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 26 Oct 1958: X7.
- ↑ GRAHAM STORY FILMED: Slayer Role Taxes Susan A TOWN CALLED HOLLYWOOD Susan Hayward Wrapped Up in Murderess Role Scheuer, Philip K. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 25 May 1958: G1.
- ↑ HEARTIER HORSE OPERA HEROINES By JAMES W. MERRICKLONE PINE, Calif.. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 10 Aug 1958: X5.