This is a Cave Man story you have to read, to believe. Not only is it a tale of fascinating attempts to rescue a man trapped far below the earth, but also one of how journalism brings human drama to the world, and how people exploit the inevitable circus that ensues.
Billy Wilder is known mostly as a comedy director, especially "Some Like It Hot," and "Ace in the Hole" is definitely an outlier in his career. Rather cynical, even bitter. Low budget, no famous actors other than Kirk Douglas, who is great. Surprised the picture got made at all.
So true regarding Wilder. But I'm wondering, didn't Douglas have his own production company (pretty sure he made Spartacus happen) and perhaps he was the driving force behind this movie. But like a good journalist, I must research this and shouldn't speculate!?
Spelunking was a one time event in my life filled with cold, bats, water, tight places, and darkness. Those men were fearless, doing it alone. The tale had me thinking of my grandfather as a coal miner with the added issues of dust and explosives. Thank you, Tom
You probably recall that there was a Bill Wilder movie (1951, I think) titled "Ace in the Hole," very cynical flick about a man trapped in a cave. A minor masterpiece.
Amazing the great stories that can b e dug up from the past by a talented researcher.
I saw it. Although now mostly forgotten, I think, it's really rather a classic.
This is a Cave Man story you have to read, to believe. Not only is it a tale of fascinating attempts to rescue a man trapped far below the earth, but also one of how journalism brings human drama to the world, and how people exploit the inevitable circus that ensues.
Thanks. Also, see the 1951 Billy Wilder movie "Ace in the Hole," with Kirk Douglas as the reporter.
I've seen the movie, Tom, and thought it was astonishing. Wonder why it doesn't get much play these days given how it still resonates.
Billy Wilder is known mostly as a comedy director, especially "Some Like It Hot," and "Ace in the Hole" is definitely an outlier in his career. Rather cynical, even bitter. Low budget, no famous actors other than Kirk Douglas, who is great. Surprised the picture got made at all.
So true regarding Wilder. But I'm wondering, didn't Douglas have his own production company (pretty sure he made Spartacus happen) and perhaps he was the driving force behind this movie. But like a good journalist, I must research this and shouldn't speculate!?
I think the movie was 1951, before Kirk was a big enough star to have his own company. Looking forward to his son being in the "Franklin" series.
Pop Rembisz was briefly in the coal mines, then joined the Army. None of the Uncles, to my knowledge, followed Grandpa's mining experience.
Which, no doubt, added years to their lives, even with the other harsh conditions.
Spelunking was a one time event in my life filled with cold, bats, water, tight places, and darkness. Those men were fearless, doing it alone. The tale had me thinking of my grandfather as a coal miner with the added issues of dust and explosives. Thank you, Tom
Thank you! Did you have uncles in the mines too, or not after your Grandfather Sarnoski got sick?
What an amazing story!
You probably recall that there was a Bill Wilder movie (1951, I think) titled "Ace in the Hole," very cynical flick about a man trapped in a cave. A minor masterpiece.