The Savage Is Loose
| The Savage Is Loose | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | George C. Scott |
| Produced by |
Robert E. Relyea George C. Scott |
| Written by |
Max Ehrlich Frank De Felitta |
| Starring |
George C. Scott Trish Van Devere John David Carson Lee Montgomery |
| Music by | Gil Melle |
| Cinematography | Álex Phillips Jr. |
| Edited by | Michael Kahn |
Production company |
Campbell Devon Productions |
| Distributed by | Campbell Devon Films |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 100 minutes |
| Country |
Mexico United States |
| Language | English |
The Savage Is Loose is a 1974 psychological melodrama that addresses incest within a small marooned family on a deserted island. It starred George C. Scott, who also served as director and distributor.
Plot
In 1902, John (Scott), his much younger wife Maida (Scott's real-life wife, Trish Van Devere) and their infant son David (played by both Lee Montgomery and John David Carson) are the only survivors of a ship that crashes into the rocky beach of an uncharted island during a violent storm. By 1912, David, now a seemingly happy 12-year-old boy, begins to enter puberty. By the time he is 17, David is consumed by lust for his mother, which drives a wedge between him and his father to the point where they hunt each other down for the affections of the only woman on the island.
Reception
The film was released late in 1974, but failed to find an audience. Director Scott felt the adult themes led to the film getting a "R" rating, leading the viewers to abandon the film upon its release. He later said the "R" rating killed the possible success the film may have had and that a rating census like the one for Sweet Sweetback's Badass Song could have been pursued. In Leonard Maltin's publication "TV Movies" the film is given a BOMB rating.
Production
The film was photographed entirely on location south of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. It was produced by Campbell Devon Productions and distributed by George C. Scott through WCII on video (now out of print).
Crew
- Director - George C. Scott
- Screenplay - Max Ehrlich
- Screenplay - Frank de felitta
- Executive Producer - Robert Relyea
- Producer - George C. Scott
- Cinematography - Alex Phillips Jr.
- Editor - Michael Kahn
- Music - Gil Melle
- Art Direction - Augustin Ytuarte
- Set Decorator - Enrique Estevez
- Sound Rerecording Mixer - Richard R. Portman
- Sound Mixer - Dennis Maitland
- Assistant Director - Joseph Lenzi
- Assistant Director - Jesus Marin
- Paintings - Edward Miracle
- Titles - Edward Miracle