New York City”Romancing the Stone” is a romantic comedy-adventure movie from 1984, directed by Robert Zemeckis and written by Diane Thomas. It stars Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner, and Danny DeVito. The story follows a romance writer who travels to Colombia to rescue her sister from kidnappers.
The screenplay for “Romancing the Stone” was written by Diane Thomas in 1979. Initially, Robert Zemeckis, who was working on Cocoon at the time, liked Thomas’s script and offered to direct it. However, 20th Century Fox hesitated because Zemeckis’s previous films had not done well commercially. Eventually, after a screening of Romancing the Stone impressed executives, Zemeckis was chosen to direct it. Alan Silvestri composed the film’s score, marking the beginning of a long collaboration with Zemeckis.
The film, which released on March 30, 1984, garnered favorable reviews and became a box office hit, grossing more than $115 million worldwide. A sequel titled “The Jewel of the Nile” was released in December 1985.
The movie tells the tale of a shy romance novelist who journeys to Colombia to rescue her kidnapped sister. Along the way, she gets caught up in a perilous adventure involving treasure hunting and teams up with a charming rogue.
Where was “Romancing the Stone” Filmed?
Filming locations include Veracruz, Mexico (Fort of San Juan de Ulúa), Huasca de Ocampo, Mexico, and Snow Canyon, Utah. The scene in which Turner and Douglas become separated on opposite banks of a whitewater river was filmed on the Rio Antigua near Jalcomulco, Veracruz.
Zion National Park, Utah: Angelina’s (Kymberly Herrin) opening scene in her Western romantic tale was filmed at Utah’s Zion National Park. This large area near the Arizona border is home to spectacular mountains, canyons, rivers, and natural arches, setting the tone for the film’s exciting beginning.
New York City: While Joan Wilder, the bestselling romance novelist played by Kathleen Turner, is seen residing at 495 West End Avenue in New York in the film, the outside scenes were shot at 530 West End Avenue on the Upper West Side. This site gives credibility to Joan’s metropolitan lifestyle as represented in the film.
Veracruz, Mexico: Originally planned to be filmed in Colombia, the production shifted to Veracruz, Mexico, due to safety concerns. Veracruz’s vibrant cityscape doubled as Cartagena in the movie. Scenes with Joan’s sister Elaine, portrayed by Mary Ellen Trainor, were filmed near Boulevard Manuel Ávila Camacho, close to Hotel Royalty. The historical San Juan de Ulúa Castle in Veracruz served as a pivotal setting where Elaine is kidnapped.
Xalapa and Surroundings, Veracruz: Xalapa’s harsh scenery and surroundings served as a striking backdrop for several critical scenes. The rural road shots and Land Rover incident were filmed near Barraca Grande, a small town near Xalapa. Colonel Zolo (Manuel Ojeda) leads the thrilling chase through the bush, which is captured in magnificent jungle settings.
Texolo Waterfall and Surroundings: The famed Texolo Waterfall, located near Xalapa, was extensively featured in the film. Scenes featuring a destroyed bridge and the finding of a crashed cargo plane were shot at the Francisco Javier Clavijero Botanical Garden, contributing to the film’s adventurous tone.
Town of Tonayán: The exterior images of Juan’s hacienda, portrayed by Mexican filmmaker Alfonso Arau, were shot in Tonayán, a town north of Xalapa. The interior of the mansion was set in the historic Hacienda Las Ánimas in Xalapa, adding to the film’s rich historical setting.
San Pablo Coapan: The picturesque meadow overlooking San Pablo Coapan near Naolinco provided a scenic backdrop for scenes involving the “flower of the dead” or Cempasúchil, a significant symbol in the movie’s narrative.
Mexico City: Surprisingly, the festive town scenes that resembled a countryside village were filmed in Mexico City, specifically at Merendero Las Lupitas in Santa Catarina Park, Coyoacán. The vibrant setting added depth to the movie’s cultural richness.
Durango, Mexico: Scenes with magnificent waterfalls and dangerous jumps, such as the Renault 4L waterfall scene, were filmed near El Saltito, Durango. This secluded setting served as the ideal backdrop for thrilling action moments.
Cartagena, Colombia (Veracruz Stand-in): The images of the Veracruz Cathedral and Zócalo Square in Cartagena’s historic center were really filmed in Veracruz, keeping the film’s Colombian setting despite its location in Mexico.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Romancing the Stone
Q: Where was “Romancing the Stone” filmed?
A: “Romancing the Stone” was filmed in various locations, including Veracruz and Huasca de Ocampo in Mexico, as well as Snow Canyon in Utah, USA.
Q: When was “Romancing the Stone” filmed?
A: Filming for “Romancing the Stone” took place in the early 1980s. Specific filming dates spanned over several months to capture the diverse locations used in the movie.
Q: What is the release date of “Romancing the Stone”?
A: “Romancing the Stone” was released on March 30, 1984, to positive reviews and became a commercial success, grossing over $115 million worldwide.
Q: How did the filming locations impact the movie’s atmosphere?
A: The diverse filming locations, from lush jungles in Colombia to desert landscapes in Utah, contributed to the adventurous and romantic atmosphere that defines “Romancing the Stone”.
