The thriller Raise The Titanic was a $40 million flop, with its model Titanic alone costing millions.
I was dumbfounded Cussler told anewspaperin 1977.
It was such a far-out idea that I thought nobody would buy it.
I didnt realize so many people have with that grand old ship.
We did buy a new refrigerator, Cussler said of the life changes his new fortune brought.
We still eat out only once a week, usually at McDonalds.
Nevertheless, production onRaise The Titanicploughed on.
The change in directors seemed to be the symptom of a production struggling to come to terms with itself.
There also appeared to be a bit of disagreement over who would star in the film.
Nevertheless, William Frye remained upbeat asRaise The Titanics release approached.
Besides, Frye reasoned, the money was all there on the silver screen.
I think that deep-water tank was worth it, Frye told journalistDick Kleinerin the summer of 1980.
While Frye was chipper, Kleiner sounded a note of caution in that August article.
After all, he said, critics never liked these kinds of big, lavish movies.
They [the critics] like to criticise pictures that cost a lot, Frye said.
Just like people like to criticise women who wear expensive jewels and expensive clothes.
The critics promptly did their worst.
Its a titanic dud, one review read.
They look just like globs of mercury, and theres no mistaking the miniature Titanic for anything truly ship-sized.
That is, until the 21st centurysSahara, which is a whole labyrinthine story by itself.
The books pulpy tall tale is flattened out in the film as a terse Cold War thriller.
Move, you bastard, move!
By the 100 minute mark, youd be forgiven for shouting the same thing.
The replica ship was severely damaged by a storm in 2003, and has nowrusted beyond repair.
The websiteRaiseTheTitanicwas an invaluable source of information for this article, and well worth a visit.
