11/29/1980. Saturday, 9 pm. 2 hours.

CBS.

Drama.

Code: DV 11/1980

PHOTO (coming soon)

PLOT

A Caribbean cruise turns to nightmare when two couples run afoul of a pair of modern day pirates.

CREDITS

Writer: Alvin Sapinsley.

Director: Michael O'Herlihy.

CAST

Christopher Plummer as Jacques Burrifous

Christine Belford as Karen Michael

Cliff Potts as Vic Michael

Lara Parker as Grace Dortlund

Nicholas Pryor as Ralph Dortlund

Jonathan Banks as Louis, assistant pirate. Listed 6th of 9.

BAD GUY

Louis is a rapist as well as a pirate and a murderer. The actual rape scene is not shown, but JB does a really great job of being sexually threatening with restraining or roving hands, especially stroking with the back of his hand and pressing his open mouth to the woman’s skin. Good close-ups when promised second woman by Jacques.

CHARACTER

Cajun accent. Louis is mentally below par, judging from how his uncle treats him and his open-mouthed idiotic expressions. Lots of happy baby smiles when playing with toys like a stolen watch or woman.

COMMENTS

Disagreeing with the Times critic, I found this watchable only for JB, who is amazingly creepy, and looks great. The victims were pretty boring, IMO. (MG)

COSTUME

JB has a nice tan and a tank top that shows off his pecs and arms when rowing, steering, gathering ropes, etc. The dark blue is a good color on him, and his hair is wavy in the sea air. He’s got a knife strapped to back right waist.

CRITICS

"Rousingly suspenseful, marvelously atmospheric... rollicking, old-fashioned entertainment." James Brown, Los Angeles Times, 11/28/1980, sec.IV, p.19.

DEATH SCENE

Louis is thrown overboard into propeller blades, then eaten by sharks.

LINES

"Oui, Uncle Jacques." (About half of his dialogue is this line, and JB gives each version a different delivery. Wow.)

"It is better you do not scream."

LOCATION

Pacific Ocean off Catalina Island, California.

SCREEN TIME

About 8 minutes in 13 scenes, throughout first 2/3 of film.