Skip to main content

Is there a "final" FINAL screenplay for Highlander?


If you look at Gregory Widen, Peter Bellwood & Larry Ferguson's Highlander screenplay as of 2/6/1985, most of it is nearly 100% identical to the movie (the plot and even the lines).


Everywhere I saw, it was billed as "final".


However, it differs from both US release of the movie, and even the European-release-based Director's cut, in significant ways. Two examples are:




  • Opening MSG sport was wrestling instead of hockey


    Wikipedia mentions that (according to DVD commentary) that was done for a reason.





  • There was no closing scene where Rachel finds out that MacLeod survives from the fact that Kurgan was listed as the last victim by Moran; and flirts with Moran.




Is there a screenplay version (NOT the novelization) that's "more final" and matches the actual movie?



Answer



The screenplay for Highlander received extensive re-writes between the early drafts by Gregory Widen in June 1981 and the initial shooting script completed in Feb 6th 1985 by Gregory Widen, Peter Bellwood & Larry Ferguson, this being the latest version available on the internet.


There does seem to exist a "final shooting script" that was revised up to June 21, 1985 (e.g. beyond the start of principal filming) but you'll need to pay cashy-money to get hold of it. This booklet was apparently available through the official Highlander mail order catalog.


blue booklet of first draft screenplay


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

harry potter - Did Dolores Umbridge Have Any Association with Voldemort (or Death Eaters) before His Return?

I noticed that Dolores Umbridge was born during the first Wizarding War, so it's very likely she wasn't a Death Eater then (but she is pretty evil -- who knows?). After that Voldemort was not around in a way that could affect many people, and most wouldn't know he was planning to rise again. During that time, and up through Voldemort's return (in Goblet of Fire ), did Umbridge have any connection with the Death Eaters or with Voldemort? Was she doing what she did on her own, or was it because of an association with Voldemort or his allies? Answer Dolores Umbridge was definitely not a good person. However, as Sirius points out, "the world isn't split into good people and Death Eaters". Remember that he also says that he doesn't believe Umbridge to be a Death Eater, but that she's evil enough (or something like that). I think there are two strong reasons to believe that: Umbridge was proud to do everything according to the law, except when she trie...
Post a Comment
Read more

What is the etymology of Doctor Who?

I recently decided to watch Doctor Who, and started viewing the 2005 version. I have the first two episodes from the first season, and I can't help but wonder what is the etymology of the name "Doctor Who"? And why does the protagonist call himself "the Doctor" (or is it "the doctor")? Answer In the very first episode of Doctor Who (way back in 1963), the Doctor has a granddaughter going by the name "Susan Foreman", and the junkyard where the TARDIS is has the sign "I.M. Foreman". Barbara, who becomes one of the Doctor's companions, calls him "Doctor Foreman" (probably assuming that is his name given his relationship to Susan), and Ian (another early companion) does the same in the second episode, to which the Doctor says: Eh? Doctor who? What's he talking about? "Foreman" is most likely selected as a convenient surname for Susan to use because it happened to be on display near where the TARDIS landed....
Post a Comment
Read more

story identification - Animation: floating island, flying pests

At least 20 years ago I watched a short animated film which stuck in my mind. The whole thing was wordless, possibly European, and I'm pretty sure I didn't imagine it... It featured a flying island which was inhabited by some creatures who (in my memory) reminded me of the Moomins. The island was frequently bothered by large winged animals who swooped around, although I don't think they did any actual damage. At the end one of the moomin creatures suddenly gets a weird feeling, feels forced to climb to the top of the island and then plunges down a shaft right through the centre - only to emerge at the bottom as one of the flyers. Answer Skywhales from 1983. The story begins with a man warning the tribe of approaching skywhales. The drummers then warn everybody of the hunt as everyone get prepared to set "sail". Except one man is found in his home sleeping as the noise wake him up. He then gets ready and is about to take his weapon as he hesitates then decides ...
Post a Comment
Read more