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On this day in 1973 (in the U.S.), that big place of New York City, New York played host for an exclusive theatrical premiere engagement of Lost Horizon. Directed by Charles Jarrott from a story by Larry Kramer and James Hilton, the film starred Peter Finch, Michael York, Sally Kellerman, and others.
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"While escaping war-torn China, a group of Europeans crash in the Himalayas, where they are rescued and taken to the mysterious Valley of the Blue Moon, Shangri-La."
-- EZ
On this day in 1973 (in the U.S.), that big place of New York City, New York played host for an exclusive theatrical premiere engagement of Lost Horizon. Directed by Charles Jarrott from a story by Larry Kramer and James Hilton, the film starred Peter Finch, Michael York, Sally Kellerman, and others.
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"While escaping war-torn China, a group of Europeans crash in the Himalayas, where they are rescued and taken to the mysterious Valley of the Blue Moon, Shangri-La."
-- EZ
From Google.com:
The 1973 version of Lost Horizon is a big-budget musical remake of the 1937 Frank Capra classic, based on James Hilton’s 1933 novel. It is famously remembered today as one of the most notorious box-office "bombs" in Hollywood history.
Plot Summary
The story follows a group of Westerners fleeing a war-torn Asian city (the fictional Baskul) after their plane is hijacked. They crash-land in the Himalayas and are rescued by mysterious guides who lead them to Shangri-La, a hidden, utopian paradise in the Valley of the Blue Moon.
Why It Is Famous (and Infamous)
Despite its initial failure, the film has gained a cult following over the years as one of the "100 Most Enjoyably Bad Movies Ever Made".
The 1973 version of Lost Horizon is a big-budget musical remake of the 1937 Frank Capra classic, based on James Hilton’s 1933 novel. It is famously remembered today as one of the most notorious box-office "bombs" in Hollywood history.
Plot Summary
The story follows a group of Westerners fleeing a war-torn Asian city (the fictional Baskul) after their plane is hijacked. They crash-land in the Himalayas and are rescued by mysterious guides who lead them to Shangri-La, a hidden, utopian paradise in the Valley of the Blue Moon.
- The Conflict: While most of the survivors find peace in a land where people live for hundreds of years and never grow old, the protagonist’s brother, George, views it as a prison and desperately tries to escape.
- The Ending: After leaving the valley, Maria (a woman who appeared young in Shangri-La) instantly ages and dies, proving the valley's mystical power. The protagonist eventually finds his way back to the portal of Shangri-La.
Why It Is Famous (and Infamous)
- Critical and Financial Failure: The film was so disastrous at the box office that it was nicknamed "Lost Investment". It earned only about $3 million against a $12 million budget.
- Burt Bacharach’s Score: The musical numbers, written by legendary duo Burt Bacharach and Hal David, were heavily panned by critics for being "mechanical" and "uninteresting". The film's failure actually led to the breakup of their long-standing partnership.
- Dubbed Actors: Most of the all-star cast, including Peter Finch and Liv Ullmann, were not professional singers and had their singing voices dubbed by others.
- Production Oddities: The sets for Shangri-La were recycled from the 1967 film Camelot and updated with Tibetan-style gables.
Despite its initial failure, the film has gained a cult following over the years as one of the "100 Most Enjoyably Bad Movies Ever Made".
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