Castaway (1986)

Middle-aged Gerald Kingsland advertises in a London paper for a female companion to spend a year with him on a desert island. The young Lucy Irving takes a chance on contacting him and ... See full summary »

Director:

Nicolas Roeg

Writers:

Lucy Irvine (book), Allan Scott

Stars:

Oliver Reed, Amanda Donohoe, Georgina Hale

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Oliver Reed	...	Gerald Kingsland
Amanda Donohoe	...	Lucy Irvine
Georgina Hale	...	Sister Saint Margaret
Frances Barber	...	Sister Saint Winifred
Tony Rickards	...	Jason
Todd Rippon	...	Rod
John Sessions	...	Man in Pub
Virginia Hey	...	Janice
Sorel Johnson	...	Lara
Len Peihopa	...	Ronald
Paul Reynolds	...	Mike Kingsland
Sean Hamilton	...	Geoffrey Kingsland
Sarah Harper	...	Swimming Teacher
Stephen Jenn	...	Shop Manager
Joseph Blatchley	...	Registrar

Storyline

Middle-aged Gerald Kingsland advertises in a London paper for a female companion to spend a year with him on a desert island. The young Lucy Irving takes a chance on contacting him and after a couple of meetings they decide to go ahead. Once on the island things prove a lot less idyllic than in the movies, and gradually it becomes clear that it is Lucy who has the desire and the strength to try and see the year through.

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Plot Keywords:

island | desert island | helicopter | female nudity | exotic locale | 

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Genres:

Adventure | Drama

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

11 September 1987 (USA)

Also Known As:

A kitaszított

Filming Locations:

Charles House, Kensington High Street, Kensington, London, England, UK

Box Office

Gross:

$483,460 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Cannon Screen Entertainment, United British Artists (UBA), Castaway Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

117 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Stereo

Color:

Color (Fujicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Oliver Reed claimed he lost weight in order to make the film using a vodka diet.

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Connections

Referenced in Celebrity Naked Ambition (2011)

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Soundtracks

"NESSUM DORMA aria from Turandot"
Written by Giacomo Puccini
Luciano Pavarotti with the London Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Zubin Mehta
Courtesy of the Decca Record Company Limited
Cat. No. SET 561

User Reviews

Castaway is based on the novel by Lucy Irvine

Castaway is based on the novel by Lucy Irvine about a young woman answering an ad in the paper placed by a man seeking a wife, to live with him on an island. Oliver Reed is perfectly cast as the gruff, thickly bearded 50yrs+ man who places the ad. And for once in a brilliant casting decision, an actress was chosen who shares much chemistry with him onscreen! Amanda Donohue is the much younger blonde and an aura of sensuality about her chosen to play his reluctant love interest in the film, Lucy. His young bride is only interested in learning island life, and the frustrated Gerald broods and seethes as young Lucy parades either naked, or wearing the tiniest of loin cloths. She is ever the tease and as she becomes more accustomed to island life, Gerald silently broods in his own lust. She has no interest in this man old enough to be her father, other than basic companionship. Gerald has other ideas. The movie is full of powerful scenes of the struggle of the sexes, and beautifully shot on a gorgeous island. Gerald and Lucy heat up the screen, and it is the contrast in their ages, and physical make-up that only add to the film. The story deals with their trials and tribulations, and contains many interesting twists. It builds up to a fantastic climax that shows the viewer the fate of both characters. Very powerful film, and beautifully cast, Castaway is highly recommended. More films of this nature should be made.