View Full Version : They're planning a movie about the Fitz
Auburn Annie
09-09-2003, 06:53 PM
Edmund Fitzgerald Movie In The Making
PORT HURON, MI -- Movie producers and former Great Lakes captains will gather in Port Huron to discuss a flick on the Edmund Fitzgerald.
A ferocious Lake Superior storm sank the freighter sank and its 29 crew members in November 1975. Singer Gordon Lightfoot wrote a ballad about it. An exploration team in 1994 captured underwater footage of the wreck.
Venture Films is seeking input for possible inclusion in the Hollywood movie. The group this week also will tour some of Port Huron's maritime attractions.
Posted 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 9th
Associated Press
Auburn Annie
09-09-2003, 06:53 PM
Edmund Fitzgerald Movie In The Making
PORT HURON, MI -- Movie producers and former Great Lakes captains will gather in Port Huron to discuss a flick on the Edmund Fitzgerald.
A ferocious Lake Superior storm sank the freighter sank and its 29 crew members in November 1975. Singer Gordon Lightfoot wrote a ballad about it. An exploration team in 1994 captured underwater footage of the wreck.
Venture Films is seeking input for possible inclusion in the Hollywood movie. The group this week also will tour some of Port Huron's maritime attractions.
Posted 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 9th
Associated Press
titan
09-09-2003, 07:52 PM
Bravo!!!!!!!!! I have always thought this would make an excellent movie!
I just hope the family members of the crew
feel that way too. I'm not so sure I would want Hollywood involved if my Dad or bothers
were on the Fitz that night in November, 1975. I wonder if GL's great song will be used? I may not even want to go if it is not
used. To me, that song is the only reason
most people have even heard of the Edmund Fitzgerald. 30,000 men, women and children
have died in shipwrecks on the Great Lakes since they began keeping records. The Fitzgerald would have faded into obscurity had it not been for Lightfoot. That song is
like a symbol for ALL shipwrecks on the Great Lakes. If it's not used in the movie,
they (Hollywood) are missing the point.
titan
09-09-2003, 07:52 PM
Bravo!!!!!!!!! I have always thought this would make an excellent movie!
I just hope the family members of the crew
feel that way too. I'm not so sure I would want Hollywood involved if my Dad or bothers
were on the Fitz that night in November, 1975. I wonder if GL's great song will be used? I may not even want to go if it is not
used. To me, that song is the only reason
most people have even heard of the Edmund Fitzgerald. 30,000 men, women and children
have died in shipwrecks on the Great Lakes since they began keeping records. The Fitzgerald would have faded into obscurity had it not been for Lightfoot. That song is
like a symbol for ALL shipwrecks on the Great Lakes. If it's not used in the movie,
they (Hollywood) are missing the point.
fowlesjohn
09-09-2003, 08:32 PM
Rather interesting they are not in the Lake Superior area...although I really love that area there around Port Huron, Mi.. It would seem a bit odd to study the area around Port Huron (?). It would be closer to Gords' neck of the lakes (in lieu of woods), i.e. the Bruce Peninsula and Georgian Bay. Funny. But, I too am glad they are thinking these thoughts. I was watching that movie about how the Titanic was built tonight on History channel. It would be interesting to add to this sort of idea to the movie. Gord added so much data in his song, for me this is why that tragic incident stood out so profoundly, his storytelling ability was phenomenal in this case.
gwen snyder
09-09-2003, 08:32 PM
Rather interesting they are not in the Lake Superior area...although I really love that area there around Port Huron, Mi.. It would seem a bit odd to study the area around Port Huron (?). It would be closer to Gords' neck of the lakes (in lieu of woods), i.e. the Bruce Peninsula and Georgian Bay. Funny. But, I too am glad they are thinking these thoughts. I was watching that movie about how the Titanic was built tonight on History channel. It would be interesting to add to this sort of idea to the movie. Gord added so much data in his song, for me this is why that tragic incident stood out so profoundly, his storytelling ability was phenomenal in this case.
vlmagee
09-10-2003, 08:06 AM
Again?
quote:Originally posted by Auburn Annie:
Edmund Fitzgerald Movie In The Making
PORT HURON, MI -- Movie producers and former Great Lakes captains will gather in Port Huron to discuss a flick on the Edmund Fitzgerald.
------------------
Valerie Magee
Visit my GL web site at gordonlightfoot.com (http://gordonlightfoot.com) and Cathy Cowette's site at cathycowette.com (http://cathycowette.com)
If this movie comes out, you can count on me to see it. But the thing is about movies like that, it's either going to turn out really great or it is going to turn out like 'The Perfect Storm' and that movie was no good at all. I guess it depends on who directs it and how they do it.
I guess they'll half to make up how the ship sinks because for them to not show it would really be a bummer.
If this movie comes out, you can count on me to see it. But the thing is about movies like that, it's either going to turn out really great or it is going to turn out like 'The Perfect Storm' and that movie was no good at all. I guess it depends on who directs it and how they do it.
I guess they'll half to make up how the ship sinks because for them to not show it would really be a bummer.
titan
09-10-2003, 04:15 PM
I disagree, and think that they can make an excellent movie and still leave the (how?)
or the (why?)the Fitz sank remain a mystery.
besides, if they "make-up" the reason it sank
it's going to cause people to get real upset.
The family members of the crew and ship builders were infuriated by the loose hatch
covers theory. Everyone tried to assign blame to the disaster, saying the hatches were not properly secured and that upset some people.
One of the things that makes this shipwreck
so intriguing is the fact that the ship just disappeared from radar without an SOS or a radio transmission of any kind. Bernie Cooper of the Arthur Anderson was in contact with McSorely and knew the Fitz was listing
but nobody knew that the ship was going to sink.
I think the movie should stay as close to
the facts as we know them. They can keep it a mystery. Besides, it doesn't matter why it sank. It sank.
titan
09-10-2003, 04:15 PM
I disagree, and think that they can make an excellent movie and still leave the (how?)
or the (why?)the Fitz sank remain a mystery.
besides, if they "make-up" the reason it sank
it's going to cause people to get real upset.
The family members of the crew and ship builders were infuriated by the loose hatch
covers theory. Everyone tried to assign blame to the disaster, saying the hatches were not properly secured and that upset some people.
One of the things that makes this shipwreck
so intriguing is the fact that the ship just disappeared from radar without an SOS or a radio transmission of any kind. Bernie Cooper of the Arthur Anderson was in contact with McSorely and knew the Fitz was listing
but nobody knew that the ship was going to sink.
I think the movie should stay as close to
the facts as we know them. They can keep it a mystery. Besides, it doesn't matter why it sank. It sank.
Borderstone
09-10-2003, 04:58 PM
I know they would not be dumb enough not to use Gord's song. I do know they might be dumb enough to have someone else cover it. Let's hope that's not the case. I'd like to see GL's version hit the top 40 again and this time,go to #1 like it should have. Looking forward to it,later! http://www.corfid.com/ubb/cool.gif
------------------
Borderstone - "Little 'Ol Message Maker Me!" :)
titan
09-11-2003, 12:03 AM
I spent over a week in the area surrounding
Whitefish Bay last month and "Fitzgerald Fever" is rampant. We saw paintings, and
T-shirts and carvings and coffe mugs and
pens and pencils, etc.,etc. depicting the name and image of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
Part of the legend and folklore that makes this area unique has to do with the shipwreck
being such a mystery. My kids are in love with Gord's song and are interested in the shipwreck because it's a mystery. That is why people still are interested in "Jack the Ripper" or "bigfoot" or UFO's. If we learn
the truth sometimes things don't have the same appeal. Like when I found out about Santa. Worst day of my life.
And Watchman, I WILL FLAT OUT GUARANTEE YOU
THAT NO FAMILY MEMBER WANTS THE TRUTH IF IT ASSIGNS BLAME TO THEIR LOVED ONES.
titan
09-11-2003, 12:03 AM
I spent over a week in the area surrounding
Whitefish Bay last month and "Fitzgerald Fever" is rampant. We saw paintings, and
T-shirts and carvings and coffe mugs and
pens and pencils, etc.,etc. depicting the name and image of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
Part of the legend and folklore that makes this area unique has to do with the shipwreck
being such a mystery. My kids are in love with Gord's song and are interested in the shipwreck because it's a mystery. That is why people still are interested in "Jack the Ripper" or "bigfoot" or UFO's. If we learn
the truth sometimes things don't have the same appeal. Like when I found out about Santa. Worst day of my life.
And Watchman, I WILL FLAT OUT GUARANTEE YOU
THAT NO FAMILY MEMBER WANTS THE TRUTH IF IT ASSIGNS BLAME TO THEIR LOVED ONES.
2Much2Lose
09-11-2003, 07:34 AM
They can't use the song without Gords permission. In the past he would not grant it, as he didn't want to be seen as capitalizing on the family's misfortune. Unless he has changed his viewpoint, or the families approve of the movie and the use of the song, I can't see him changing his mind.
Jenney
Jenney
09-11-2003, 07:34 AM
They can't use the song without Gords permission. In the past he would not grant it, as he didn't want to be seen as capitalizing on the family's misfortune. Unless he has changed his viewpoint, or the families approve of the movie and the use of the song, I can't see him changing his mind.
Jenney
Titan: You are right about the possibility of people getting upset and I considered it when I posted my message about it being bad if they didn't show the ship sink. Although some may disagree and argue about how it sank, I really don't think anyones going to raise h*ll about it or anything.
Actually, what I meant was them showing what the ship looked like when it sunk, not the reason it sunk. I think it sank because they were fully loaded and the storm they were in was just to severe, wind speeds too high, waves too big, etc. Of course, I could be wrong. But I half to ask, had the ship ever been in a worse storm than that?
Titan: You are right about the possibility of people getting upset and I considered it when I posted my message about it being bad if they didn't show the ship sink. Although some may disagree and argue about how it sank, I really don't think anyones going to raise h*ll about it or anything.
Actually, what I meant was them showing what the ship looked like when it sunk, not the reason it sunk. I think it sank because they were fully loaded and the storm they were in was just to severe, wind speeds too high, waves too big, etc. Of course, I could be wrong. But I half to ask, had the ship ever been in a worse storm than that?
titan
09-11-2003, 05:43 PM
The Edmund Fitzgerald sunk in one of, or a combination of four different ways.
First, The hatches were not properly secured
and the ship took in massive amounts of water
into the holds, filled and sunk. I believe this to be unlikely since the Fitz's 4 bilge pumps were capable of pumping out 14,000 gallons of water per minute.
Second, the ship hit bottom along the shoals
at Carribou island. Perhaps it tore a whole in the ships hull, it filled with water and sunk.
Third, the ship was overloaded. The Fitz typically carried loads between 20,000-24,000
tons. Maybe it was overloaded and the huge waves caused more stress to the ship than it could handle. The metal fatigued and she broke apart.
Fourth, a combination of these things. This load of 26,000 tons was more than the Fitzgerald normally carried. The violent storm probably caused the Fitzgerald to suffer a combination of the above scenarios.
Regardless, I agree with Watchman. After nearly three decades, it doesn't really matter. I would only want the Coast Guard to discover the truth if it was to prevent further disasters. If they find out what really happened, it's going to open a pandora's box and someone is going to be blamed.
When Cousteau dove to the wreck in '76 and
stated he felt like she broke apart at the surface, the ship builders didn't like it one bit and voiced their displeasure. I'm just saying that the truth at this point is going to hurt somebody. It would open wounds that have beeen trying to heal for twenty-eight years now. I stick to my original statements that it doesn't matter why it sunk.
titan
09-11-2003, 05:43 PM
The Edmund Fitzgerald sunk in one of, or a combination of four different ways.
First, The hatches were not properly secured
and the ship took in massive amounts of water
into the holds, filled and sunk. I believe this to be unlikely since the Fitz's 4 bilge pumps were capable of pumping out 14,000 gallons of water per minute.
Second, the ship hit bottom along the shoals
at Carribou island. Perhaps it tore a whole in the ships hull, it filled with water and sunk.
Third, the ship was overloaded. The Fitz typically carried loads between 20,000-24,000
tons. Maybe it was overloaded and the huge waves caused more stress to the ship than it could handle. The metal fatigued and she broke apart.
Fourth, a combination of these things. This load of 26,000 tons was more than the Fitzgerald normally carried. The violent storm probably caused the Fitzgerald to suffer a combination of the above scenarios.
Regardless, I agree with Watchman. After nearly three decades, it doesn't really matter. I would only want the Coast Guard to discover the truth if it was to prevent further disasters. If they find out what really happened, it's going to open a pandora's box and someone is going to be blamed.
When Cousteau dove to the wreck in '76 and
stated he felt like she broke apart at the surface, the ship builders didn't like it one bit and voiced their displeasure. I'm just saying that the truth at this point is going to hurt somebody. It would open wounds that have beeen trying to heal for twenty-eight years now. I stick to my original statements that it doesn't matter why it sunk.
SomewhereupinMichigan
09-11-2003, 06:55 PM
Titan wrote:
"If we learn
the truth sometimes things don't have the same appeal. Like when I found out about Santa. Worst day of my life."
Titan: What are you saying? Do you know something about Santa that I don't?
titan
09-11-2003, 07:13 PM
This topic is VERY close and dear to me. I
enjoy a healthy discussion about it because
not alot of people find it as interesting as I do. Watchman, I think that our opinions
are actually very similiar in many ways. I can get carried away with "guarantees" but
I assure you that I am more schooled on this
disaster than most.
I think part of my problem is that I've taken
Gord's song and this shipwreck on such a personal level. I can't explain it.
I was thinking about Jenney's post about GL
not granting permission to use the song in the movie. I hope that they can reach an agreement with Lightfoot somehow. Someone always profits from someone else's misfortune. It's not always unethical to do so. Thousands of Funeral Directors will agree with me.
I watched Deep Sea Detectives on the History Channel (runs on cable TV or satelite) and they used about 25 seconds of Gord's song.
It is my understanding that this channel is
not a non-profit entity. So who knows?
titan
09-11-2003, 07:13 PM
This topic is VERY close and dear to me. I
enjoy a healthy discussion about it because
not alot of people find it as interesting as I do. Watchman, I think that our opinions
are actually very similiar in many ways. I can get carried away with "guarantees" but
I assure you that I am more schooled on this
disaster than most.
I think part of my problem is that I've taken
Gord's song and this shipwreck on such a personal level. I can't explain it.
I was thinking about Jenney's post about GL
not granting permission to use the song in the movie. I hope that they can reach an agreement with Lightfoot somehow. Someone always profits from someone else's misfortune. It's not always unethical to do so. Thousands of Funeral Directors will agree with me.
I watched Deep Sea Detectives on the History Channel (runs on cable TV or satelite) and they used about 25 seconds of Gord's song.
It is my understanding that this channel is
not a non-profit entity. So who knows?
titan
09-11-2003, 07:18 PM
This is going to be hard for you. I hope your sitting down.
SANTA DOESN'T ALWAYS HAVE HIS ELVES MAKE YOUR TOYS. SOMETIMES HE BUYS THEM.
I hope this isn't as hard on you as it was on me. Have a Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!!
titan
09-11-2003, 07:18 PM
This is going to be hard for you. I hope your sitting down.
SANTA DOESN'T ALWAYS HAVE HIS ELVES MAKE YOUR TOYS. SOMETIMES HE BUYS THEM.
I hope this isn't as hard on you as it was on me. Have a Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!!
If this movie is as big a hit as 'Titanic' was, GL might get recognition like never before. I don't know if he'll gain much popularity from the youth though, because a movie about the Fitz might not be the best Love movie if you know what I mean.
Another thing I've bin wandering is if there are any other GL songs that might fit in this movie(I doubt it).
And as for them needing Gords permission for using his song, I think he'd be more than happy for them to use his song. It's be the golden opportunity to have a #1 Hit!
If this movie is as big a hit as 'Titanic' was, GL might get recognition like never before. I don't know if he'll gain much popularity from the youth though, because a movie about the Fitz might not be the best Love movie if you know what I mean.
Another thing I've bin wandering is if there are any other GL songs that might fit in this movie(I doubt it).
And as for them needing Gords permission for using his song, I think he'd be more than happy for them to use his song. It's be the golden opportunity to have a #1 Hit!
Sundown17
09-14-2003, 10:07 AM
Gord would never use the tragedy of the Edmund Fitzgerald to have a #1 hit. He has said that in the past (see Jenney's post). Only with sanction of the loved ones those 29 men left behind would he even consider it.
That is were his loyalty and respect resides.
MotherofaMinersChild
09-14-2003, 10:07 AM
Gord would never use the tragedy of the Edmund Fitzgerald to have a #1 hit. He has said that in the past (see Jenney's post). Only with sanction of the loved ones those 29 men left behind would he even consider it.
That is were his loyalty and respect resides.
I didn't know this. Thanks for telling.
I didn't know this. Thanks for telling.
Are they releasing it in theatres? When can we expect to see commercials or previews?
Are they releasing it in theatres? When can we expect to see commercials or previews?
Rick Mundane
09-27-2003, 11:39 AM
http://www.rmstitanichistory.com/fitz/fitz.html
This makes interesting reading.
Rick Mundane
09-27-2003, 11:39 AM
http://www.rmstitanichistory.com/fitz/fitz.html
This makes interesting reading.
Tyler
09-27-2003, 09:36 PM
Thanks Rick, it was very interesting, how frustrating for the Anderson trying to get the Coast Guard to do anything the night of the 10th. Wonder if they ever found the outboard that was lost.
brink
09-27-2003, 09:36 PM
Thanks Rick, it was very interesting, how frustrating for the Anderson trying to get the Coast Guard to do anything the night of the 10th. Wonder if they ever found the outboard that was lost.
titan
09-28-2003, 08:09 PM
I enjoyed reading that. Thanks for letting
us know about it.
titan
09-28-2003, 08:09 PM
I enjoyed reading that. Thanks for letting
us know about it.
There's one website that lets you hear the captain of the Arthur M. Anderson speaking over the mike telling when he last heard the Edmund Fitzgerald.
By the way, I've always wanted to see a picture of the Anderson. Not as big as the Fitz. Thanks.
There's one website that lets you hear the captain of the Arthur M. Anderson speaking over the mike telling when he last heard the Edmund Fitzgerald.
By the way, I've always wanted to see a picture of the Anderson. Not as big as the Fitz. Thanks.
Steve DeRosa
09-29-2003, 01:13 PM
Thanks for the link, Rick, you are right...interesting reading!
Thanks for the link, Rick, you are right...interesting reading!
I don't think Gordon would just flat out refuse to participate in this movie thing on the grounds that He does not want to capitolize on misfortune,He worked out a thing with Martin with the D-18GL where part of the proceeds{probably His part} were donated to the Maratime sailors thing,I forget exactly what it was,but anyway I think that those closely involved and Gordon,could work it out....
http://www.lakesuperior.com/online/225/225fitzngbridgea.jpg
http://www.lakesuperior.com/online/225/225fitzport.jpg
http://www.lakesuperior.com/online/225/225fitzngdiv2.jpg
http://www.lakesuperior.com/online/225/225fitzngbridgea.jpg
http://www.lakesuperior.com/online/225/225fitzport.jpg
http://www.lakesuperior.com/online/225/225fitzngdiv2.jpg
Tyler
10-08-2003, 10:02 PM
Very nice pics DMD3 I have never seen the underwater ones before, what sight did you find them at?
brink
10-08-2003, 10:02 PM
Very nice pics DMD3 I have never seen the underwater ones before, what sight did you find them at?
vlmagee
10-09-2003, 06:44 AM
quote:Originally posted by Iron:
... He worked out a thing with Martin with the D-18GL where part of the proceeds{probably His part} were donated to the Maratime sailors thing, ....
The arrangement with the musician is always the same. They get a guitar; quite appropriate, as they choose the model and usually help design it. In Lightfoot's case, he was very involved with every aspect of the design. No money is ever paid to the artist honored by these Limited Edition guitars.
The donation to a charity of the artist's choice is a standard amount or percent of the price of each guitar.
Lightfoot's guitar is prototype 2. Prototype 1 is on display in the Martin factory museum.
------------------
Valerie Magee
Visit my GL web site at gordonlightfoot.com (http://gordonlightfoot.com) and Cathy Cowette's site at cathycowette.com (http://cathycowette.com)
quote:Originally posted by brink:
Very nice pics DMD3 I have never seen the underwater ones before, what sight did you find them at?
I forgot where. I don't know the name of the site. I'd seen them before so when I saw them again I figured I'd post them.
quote:Originally posted by brink:
Very nice pics DMD3 I have never seen the underwater ones before, what sight did you find them at?
I forgot where. I don't know the name of the site. I'd seen them before so when I saw them again I figured I'd post them.
BILLW
10-09-2003, 01:23 PM
brink,
Right click on the picture and it should show you the address.
Bill http://www.corfid.com/ubb/smile.gif
Tyler
10-10-2003, 12:23 PM
Thanks Bill W, I am adding that to my meager computer knowledge for future use.
brink
10-10-2003, 12:23 PM
Thanks Bill W, I am adding that to my meager computer knowledge for future use.
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