Highpoint (film)

{{Infobox film

| name = Highpoint

| image = Highpoint poster.jpg

| caption = Theatrical release poster

| director = Peter Carter

| producer = Daniel M. Fine

| writer = Richard Guttman
Ian Sutherland

| narrator =

| starring = Richard Harris
Christopher Plummer
Beverly D'Angelo

| music = John Addison
(European cut)
Christopher Young
(North American cut)

| cinematography = Albert J. Dunk

| editing = Eric Wrate
Annette Tilden
Barry Zetlin
William Kowalchuk

| studio =

| distributor = New World Pictures (US)

| released = {{Film date|1982|08|20|Europe|1984|08|31|North America}}

| runtime = 86 minutes

| country = Canada

| language = English

| budget =

| gross =

}}

Highpoint is a Canadian 1982 action comedy-thriller film directed by Peter Carter and starring Richard Harris, Christopher Plummer and Beverly D'Angelo.

The film was shot on location in Montreal and Toronto, and is perhaps best remembered for its climax atop the CN Tower, in which stuntman Dar Robinson (doubling for Plummer) makes the {{convert|700|ft|abbr=on}} jump in freefall, protected only by a hidden parachute.{{cite news |title= Man Jumps From CN Tower With No Parachute (Thirty Years Ago)

|url= http://torontoist.com/2010/02/man_jumps_from_cn_tower_with_no_parachute_thirty_years_ago/|work=Torontoist}}

The film underwent a lengthy and troubled post-production period. Originally filmed in 1979 as a comedic thriller in the vein of North by Northwest, the film was shelved for two years during which extensive reshoots took place. The film was given a limited release in Europe in 1982. Due to negative critical and audience reception concerning its convoluted plot and poor pacing, the film was heavily re-edited by North American distributor New World Pictures, removing much of the comedy and replacing John Addison's original score with one by Christopher Young. This version was released in theaters in 1984, and provided the basis for future home video releases.

Plot

Lewis Kinney is an accountant who goes to work for a wealthy family, the Hatchers. James Hatcher has embezzled $10 million from the mafia and the CIA, and now they are both seeking him. Kinney falls for James' sister Lise and is pursued by two bumbling henchmen, Centino and Falco. He eventually outwits them.

Cast

Richard Harris as Lewis Kinney
Christopher Plummer as James Hatcher
Beverly D'Angelo as Lise Hatcher
Kate Reid as Mrs. Hatcher
Peter Donat as Maronzella
Robin Gammell as Banner
Saul Rubinek as Centino
Maury Chaykin as Falco
George Buza as Alex

Production

The film was based on a script by Richard Guttman, who was a partner in a Hollywood public relations film. It was originally to star Richard Harris and Katherine Ross.{{cite news|title=At the Movies|last=Buckley|first= Tom|newspaper= New York Times|date= 1 June 1979|page= C8}} Ross was replaced by Beverly D'Angelo.

Filming started 30 July 1979. The film was financed by Canadian money, raised under tax concessions which led to the Canadian film boom at the time.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1350&dat=19790918&id=zjBPAAAAIBAJ&pg=7044,4939879&hl=en|title='Highpoint' Enhances Boom in Canadian Film Industry|last=Thomas|first=Bob|newspaper=Toledo Blade|date=18 September 1979|page=61}}{{cite news|title=Canada Enters Ranks of Top Film Nations: Location-Shot Attraction Natives May Be Lured Back Sale of Investment Units Co-Investment at the Start Includes Many Hollywood Stars Companies and Producers Grow|last=Malcolm|first=Andrew|newspaper=New York Times |date=27 September 1979|page= C13}}

The film was reportedly so bad that another $2 million was spent on re-editing.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RI-FAj0F7EYC&q=highpoint+richard+harris&pg=PT202 |title=Behaving Badly: Richard Harris|last=Goodwin|first=Cliff|publisher=Random House|year=2011|isbn=9780753546512}}

Proposed Follow Up

Harris and Plummer were to appear in another Canadian film, The Burning Book but only $3 million of the $7 million budget could be raised.{{cite news|title=Boom in Canadian Film Making Hits Snag: Explosion in Canadian Movies Stuck With the Movie 'A Necessary Shakeup' Begging for Distribution Shortage of Producers'|last=Harmetz|first=Aljean|newspaper=New York Times |date=20 November 1979|page= C7}}