Though dismissed by most critics, the trashy but enjoyable thriller The Deep was one of the most commercial hits of 1977, ranking seventh at the box-office.
The Deep | |
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Peter Benchley, who wrote “Jaws” (made into an excellent movie by Spielberg in 1975), also wrote “The Deep.”
In this sea adventure, directed by Peter Yates (“Bullitt”), Scuba divers David Sanders and Gail Berke (Nick Nolte and Jacqueline Bisset, in tight, wet t-shirt), assisted by Romer Treece (Robert Shaw), discover a sunken treasure off the Bermuda coast—and a stash of narcotics.
Their dilemma: How to void the bad guys, headed by Louis Gossett Jr., who stashed the drugs and want the treasure as well.
Robert Shaw, who had appeared in “Jaws,” plays a similar role here, a crusty but competent seafaring man.
Oscar Nominations:
Sound: Walter Goss, Dick Alexander, Tom Beckert and Robin Gregory.
Oscar Awards: None
Oscar Context:
The winner of the Best Sound Oscar was “Star Wars.”
Credits
Directed by Peter Yates
Screenplay by Peter Benchley, Tracy Keenan Wynn, based on The Deep by Peter Benchley
Produced by Peter Guber
Cinematography Christopher Challis
Edited by David Berlatsky
Music by John Barry
Production companies: Casablanca FilmWorksl EMI Films
Distributed by Columbia Pictures
Release date: June 17, 1977
Running time: 124 minutes
Budget $9 million
Box office $100 million