FILM 2320: ROMANCING THE STONE (1984)

TRIVIA: Though described by some film critics as a "rip-off" of 1981's Raiders of the Lost Ark(1981), the original screenplay had actually been written five years earlier around 1979.

Studio executives were so sure this film would flop that Robert Zemeckis was pre-emptively fired from directing Cocoon (1985). It turned out to be such a success that Zemeckis was able to go forward on his own project, Back to the Future (1985).

This was the only produced screenplay for writer Diane Thomas. She had been working as a waitress in Malibu when producer/star Michael Douglas optioned her script for $250,000, allowing her to quit her job. Sadly, Thomas died in a car accident, while working on a new movie project with Steven Spielberg the following year, about seven weeks before the opening of this film's sequel, The Jewel of the Nile (1985). She was a passenger while her boyfriend was driving a Porsche that Douglas had bought for her as a thank you gift. The Jewel of the Nile (1985) was dedicated "In Memory of" Thomas.

The phrase "Romancing the Stone" is a piece of jewelers' jargon, referring to a step in preparing a gem for use in jewelry.

The treasure map that is integral to the movie was designed by puzzle columnist Dr. Crypton.

Clint Eastwood, Jack Nicholson, Christopher Reeve turned down the role of Jack T. Colton, before Michael Douglas accepted the part.

Paul Newman was offered the part of Jack Colton but felt there was unnecessary and excessive violence in the movie.

In the cave scene when they find the treasure, Ralph says, "Now move it! Before Batman comes home'. Eight years later 'Danny Devito' would play the role of The Penguin in Batman Returns (1992).