Loch Ness (1996)

A scientist tries to prove the existence of the Loch Ness monster.

Director:

John Henderson

Writer:

John Fusco

Stars:

Ted Danson, Joely Richardson, Ian Holm

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ted Danson	...	Dempsey
Joely Richardson	...	Laura
Ian Holm	...	Water Bailiff
Harris Yulin	...	Dr. Mercer
James Frain	...	Adrian Foote
Keith Allen	...	Gordon Shoals
Nick Brimble	...	Andy Maclean
Kirsty Graham	...	Isabel
Harry Jones	...	Wee Wullie
Philip O'Brien	...	Dr. Abernathy
Joseph Greig	...	Guideon
John Dair	...	Macleish
John Verea	...	Tow Truck Driver
Debora Weston	...	Dr. Hunter (as Deborah Weston)
Wolf Kahler	...	Dr. Muller

Storyline

Dr. Dempsey, an American scientist who has become a skeptic after a disastrous wrong call, isn't exactly enthusiastic to be sent by his well-funded employer to Scotland to (dis)prove the existence of the Loch Ness monster, but has no choice. He finds the locals stubborn, 'primitive' and all but hospitable, not in the least because the Nessie legend is the only tourist attraction, but still gets romantically attracted by his independent inn-keeper Laura, and both her kid and his enthusiastic local assistant end up making him face a small family of Nessie-dinosaurs, but is this to be made public?

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Plot Keywords:

loch | monster | scientist | loch ness | loch ness monster | 

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Taglines:

for 1500 years one legend remains undiscovered undisturbed until now LOCH NESS

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Genres:

Adventure | Drama | Fantasy | Mystery | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for language, mild sensuality and a fist fight

Details

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 September 1996 (USA)

Also Known As:

El misterio de Loch Ness

Filming Locations:

Bracknell, Berkshire, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Polygram Filmed Entertainment,Working Title Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

101 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The film was originally intended for theatrical release. However, it aired on network television in the U.S. before it was released in theaters.

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Goofs

In the outdoor village scenes seaweed can be clearly seen, this indicates that they were shot next to tidal sea water. Loch Ness is a fresh water loch and hence has no seaweed.

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Quotes

Dr. Mercer: I want you to not find the monster. I want you to use state of the art equipment to prove that it's not there.

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Connections

Referenced in Frank Skinner Live in Birmingham (1998)

User Reviews

The sex was incredible

I caught this on the Sci-Fi channel, where it is aired from time to time. Methinks it ought to be shown on the Family Channel, as it is excellent family viewing. And no, there really isn't any sex in it. (But how else was I to get your attention?)

Ted Danson, who still seems just like Sam Malone from "Cheers" - only with a bad hair day - is quite winning in the lead role of this film. He plays a rather cantankerous, and somewhat discredited, American anthropologist who is sent to Scotland to disprove the existence of the "Loch Ness Monster".

He doesn't (at first, anyway) mix well with the local Scottish residents living near Loch Ness. Eventually he is won over by the dear sweet daughter (Isabel) of the local innkeeper. Her influence on him, along with that of the water bailiff, played by Ian Holm, profoundly change him towards the end of the film. Epiphany in the making.

If you value humanity over science, then this film is for you. It is a very enchanting movie that is worth watching. My advice: chill out, take a break from the war on terrorism and go rent this movie and give it a look. You'll be glad you did, and I highly doubt that you will be forced to run to the bathroom to be physically sick as did Aaron Fleming from N. Ireland. (While you're at it, rent another thoroughly enjoyable movie which was also filmed in Scotland, "Local Hero" (1983)).

Watch. Reflect. Reconsider your values in life. Then go pour yourself a good scotch.