Romancing the Stone

"Is there anybody who isn't following you?"

Joan Wilder (Turner) is a popular romance writer, but unlucky in love.  After finishing her latest novel, she goes to Colombia to rescue her sister Elaine (Mary Ellen Trainor).  Elaine has been kidnapped by American criminals Ira (Norman) and Ralph (DeVito).  They want the treasure map that Elaine's late husband sent to Joan.  Against the protests of her publisher Gloria (Holland Taylor), Joan takes the map to the Colombia.

Ralph and Ira are not the only ones seeking the map.  The brutal Colonel Zolo (Ojeda), who murdered Elaine's husband, also wants the map.  He directs Joan to the wrong bus, headed into the jungle.  He tries to take the map by force, but is stopped by Jack Colton (Douglas), an American bird hunter.

Stranded in the jungle without a vehicle, Joan hires Jack to guide her to the city of Cartagena, for a fee.  Ralph tries to follow and report their progress to Ira.  They are also pursued by Zolo and his military police.  Can Joan and Jack set aside their differences, save Elaine, and find the treasure?

An action romance film that launched the careers of the director, Robert Zemeckis (this was his first successful film), and some of the stars: Mary Ellen Trainor's film debut (she was married to the director), Michael Douglas' first action role, etc.

The Good:

The story (written by Diane Thomas), is interesting: it has action to hold your attention, good chemistry between Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas, and intriguing side characters.  The adventure is interesting and includes plenty of comedy to keep things from getting too heavy or too violent.  My favorite scene is the car chase in Pepe with Juan (Alfonso Arau).

The Bad:

Colonel Zolo is a one-dimensional villain.  He is imposing and evil, but doesn't really have any other purpose or character traits.  Not enough of Danny DeVito's Ralph... which is corrected in the sequel.

Other Comments: 

-The studio did not expect the film to do well, but it ended up being a success.

-The main cast (Douglas, Turner, and DeVito) returned for a sequel, The Jewel of the Nile, in 1985.  A third film, The Crimson Eagle, was in development but never made.

-While the film may not have the prestige of others made at the same time or by the same people, it definitely influenced subsequent films (i.e. The Lost City, etc).

-Won Golden Globe Awards for Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy and Best Actress - Musical or Comedy for Kathleen Turner.  Also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Film Editing for Conn Cambern and Frank Morriss.

-The novelization of this film and the sequel are credited to Joan Wilder, but actually written by Catherine Lanigan.

-An enjoyable, action-packed film.

Romancing the Stone (1984) 106 minutes

Director: Robert Zemeckis

Starring: Michael Douglas as Jack Colton

Kathleen Turner as Joan Wilder

Danny DeVito as Ralph

Zack Norman as Ira

Alfonso Arau as Juan

Manuel Ojeda as Zolo