Hubbry Logo
Green IceGreen IceMain
Open search
Green Ice
Community hub
Green Ice
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Green Ice
Green Ice
from Wikipedia
Green Ice
French poster
Directed byErnest Day
Screenplay byEdward Anhalt
Ray Hassett
Anthony Simmons
Robert de Laurentis
Based onnovel by Gerald A. Browne
Produced byJack Wiener
executive
Lew Grade
StarringRyan O'Neal
Omar Sharif
Anne Archer
CinematographyGilbert Taylor
Edited byJohn Jympson
Music byBill Wyman
Production
company
Distributed byITC Entertainment
Release date
  • 21 May 1981 (1981-05-21) (UK)
Running time
117 minutes
CountryUnited Kingdom
LanguageEnglish
Budget$14 million[1] or $10 million[2]
Box office$4 million[2]

Green Ice is a 1981 British adventure film starring Ryan O'Neal. It was also released under the name Operation Green Ice.[3]

Plot

[edit]

While drifting through Mexico, American engineer Joe Wiley meets well-heeled woman Liliana Holbrook, who sets him up with a room in an expensive hotel. Wiley finds emeralds in his room and takes a mysterious phone call arranging a meeting the next morning. He travels to the meeting at a secluded beach, but is shot at and has to escape into the sea, where he is picked up by Holbrook in a speedboat. Later, at her home, Holbrook explains that her sister Carrie has disappeared while travelling in Colombia. They are visited by Argenti, who controls the emerald trade in Colombia and, Holbrook believes, will help find her sister. Argenti is a former diamond trader who was exiled for dealing in stolen diamonds. He wants to marry Holbrook, whose father is a wealthy diamond merchant, as a way to return to favour with his former organisation.

In Colombia Argenti shows Wiley his operation, including a voice activated vault in which he stores emeralds. Holbrook and Wiley set off into the interior to look for Carrie. They discover that she was killed by the army while helping rebels. They meet the rebels whose leader, Miguel, shows them that they are smuggling emeralds via a coffee plantation to raise funds for their cause. Holbrook agrees to help and they set off to return with a shipment of emeralds but are stopped by the same army patrol that killed her sister. When the patrol leader discovers Holbrook's identity he tries to shoot her, but she shoots first and kills him. The rebels kill the other soldiers. They travel further but are captured again and detained overnight, and it is implied that Holbrook is molested by the soldiers. The two are freed the following morning.

They meet with Miguel again and determine to rob the vault in the Argenti's skyscraper headquarters. With the help of Wiley's old friend Claude, he and Miguel use cloudhopper one-man hot air balloons to land on the roof of the skyscraper undetected. Wiley and Miguel enter the vault and use a covertly obtained recording of Argenti to open the vault and steal the contents. Wiley then descends to the street and the waiting rebels, but Miguel gets stuck part way down. Argenti's men realise a robbery is in progress and raise the alarm. Wiley escapes but, rather than be captured, Miguel releases himself from his harness and falls to his death.

Wiley and Holbrook make it to a rendezvous and escape on a boat, but run into a Colombian naval patrol and are boarded. The navy commander does not find the emeralds, but inadvertently releases them into the sea while destroying illegal fishing bait. Argenti and his men track Wiley and Holbrook to a secluded holiday home near Miami, where a violent confrontation ensues. Holbrook is wounded, and Wiley is cornered by Argenti, who is then killed by his associate Jaap, who is working for the diamond organisation that Argenti had previously been expelled from. Holbook recovers and Wiley then takes delivery of a shipment of coffee from Colombia, inside which is concealed a package of emeralds from the rebels' plantation.

Cast

[edit]

Production

[edit]

Development

[edit]

The film was based on a novel by Gerald Browne, best known for writing 11 Harrowhouse. Browne was fascinated by emeralds and spent extensive time in Colombia researching the book, which was published in 1978.[4]

In July 1978 David Niven Jr, who had just made Escape to Athena, arrived in Hollywood to commence preproduction on the film adaptation. Browne had said that Richard Burton would star in the lead but Niven Jr said this was not true, and that there was not even a script.[5]

In October 1978 ITC announced the film was part of a slate of movies that also included Raise the Titanic, The Lone Ranger, The Chinese Bandit, Eleanor Roosevelt's Niggers, The Golden Gate, The Gemini Contenders, Trans-Siberian Express, and The Scarletti Inheritance. Only Green Ice and the first two would be made.[6]

The original director was Anthony Simmons, best known for Black Joy (1977) which had been backed by ITC. Simmons says he got the job on the back of the critical success of On Giant's Shoulders (1979). Simmons had said the original novel "was a huge book with about five different stories, any one of which would have been perfect action thriller, and the producers wanted to do the section set in Bolivia. It had all the hallmarks of disaster and I should never have touched it."[7]

Simmons had said the budget was going to be £7 million and the writer was to be Troy Kennedy Martin. He said he worked on the script and the "set action pieces" for over a year and ITC "spent a million dollars looking for locations first in Spain, then in Mexico."[7]

Anne Archer was cast on the back of her performance in Raise the Titanic.[8] Simmons had said "Every artist for the part of the woman was turned down for being too "old", (she was meant to be in her early twenties) but it turned out Lew Grade had already contracted Anne Archer, a good actress in her mid thirties."[7]

Shooting

[edit]

The movie was set in Colombia but shot on location in Mexico as it was felt that country was safer. The unit was mostly based out of the town of Cuernavaca.[1] The Edificio Banamex building located at Avenida Paseo de la Reforma 390 in Mexico City was used as Argenti's headquarters.

Simmons said a lot of the film "was shot in and around the hotel and a large chunk taken back to the studio in the UK" and the opening sequence was shot in the hotel gardens. He also says Ryan O'Neal "found he couldn’t work with" Anne Archer as "they both had very different ideas about what kind of film we were making. Then I was told either me or the producer had to go and they were going to get Franklin Schaffner to shoot it. So I left the production by ‘artistic disagreement’. I was paid 100 per cent of my fee but it took me a couple of years to live it down."[7] Simmons left the project during filming and was replaced by Ernest Day, the second unit director.[1]

The film was financed by Lew Grade who called it "quite a nice little film, but in the end, too much like a TV movie."[9]

O'Neal almost drowned while filming a scene in the ocean in Las Hadas and he had to be rescued by stuntman Vic Armstrong.[1]

Grade said he found O'Neal "charming and helpful" during the making of the movie.[9] Sharif said he had "a nice secondary part, rather flash, with plenty of time off."[1] The schedule was arranged so Sharif could periodically return to Europe to supervise his casinos.[10]

Simmons says "We couldn’t go above a certain budget. But the rumour is that the film in the end cost nearly double its original budget. Anyway, it was an experience. It was my first time going into a Hollywood-style production and that kind of contract."[7]

Music

[edit]

The soundtrack was recorded by Bill Wyman and released as the album Green Ice. The soundtrack contains 18 original songs.[11]

Reception

[edit]

The Observer called it "a disaster".[12]

In June 1981 it was the fifth most popular movie then in release at the British box office.[13]

Anne Archer later got Ernest Day to direct a film she starred in and helped produce, Waltz Across Texas.[14]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Green Ice is a 1981 British adventure film directed by Ernest Day, based on the 1978 novel of the same name by American author Gerald A. Browne. The story centers on an American expert, played by , who relocates to and gets drawn into a high-stakes emerald heist orchestrated by a (Anne Archer) against a ruthless magnate (). With a runtime of 115 minutes and a PG rating, the film combines elements of crime thriller, romance, and action, featuring supporting performances by and filmed on location in . Produced by , Green Ice was released in the on May 21, 1981, and later in the United States on February 26, 1982, marking one of Ryan O'Neal's post-Love Story leading roles amid a career shift toward adventure genres. The screenplay, adapted by Edward Anhalt and Robert De Laurentiis, emphasizes the allure of emeralds—colloquially termed "green ice"—amid themes of , , and exotic intrigue in South America's emerald mines. Though not a major box-office success, it received mixed reviews for its pacing and production values, with a 47% approval rating on based on contemporary critiques. The film's visual style highlights the vibrant Colombian landscapes and the sparkling allure of emeralds, underscoring Browne's novelistic focus on the perilous emerald trade controlled by syndicates. Omar Sharif's portrayal of the antagonist adds international flair, drawing on his established screen presence in adventure tales like Lawrence of Arabia. Over time, Green Ice has gained a for its 1980s and O'Neal-Archer chemistry, with limited releases including a 2014 DVD and streaming availability as of 2025.

Synopsis and Cast

Plot

Joe Wiley, a down-on-his-luck electronics engineer recently divorced and seeking adventure, arrives in after missing a flight and checks into a hotel in . There, he encounters Lillian Holbrook, a wealthy American heiress who rescues him after he becomes inadvertently involved in a botched emerald deal that leaves him wounded and fleeing into the ocean. Lillian, who initially conceals her true identity and motives, draws Wiley into her personal quest for justice: her sister, Kerry, was executed by the Colombian army while attempting to smuggle emeralds out of the country to aid local rebels, an act tied to the ruthless operations of emerald magnate Meno Argenti. As Wiley recovers, Lillian reveals that she is engaged to Argenti, a powerful figure exiled to , who now controls Colombia's emerald trade through a corrupt alliance with the military. Motivated by revenge for Kerry's death—which Lillian suspects Argenti orchestrated to protect his smuggling empire—she convinces Wiley to help her infiltrate his world. Wiley, leveraging his expertise in , agrees, and they connect with a group of Colombian rebels led by the charismatic but ruthless Miguel, who smuggle emeralds to fund their against the regime. The rebels, facing brutal reprisals such as prisoners being fed to hogs, see the heist as a way to seize Argenti's vast fortune stored in a high-security vault within his fortified skyscraper in . The group devises an audacious plan: Wiley designs electronic countermeasures, including holograms and voice replication devices using recordings of Argenti's speech obtained by Lillian during their engagement, to bypass the vault's sophisticated alarms. With assistance from Wiley's inventive friend Claude, they execute the robbery using hot air balloons to access the skyscraper's roof under cover of night, descending into the vault amid chaos and gunfire. However, tensions rise as Miguel's extreme tactics—such as executing informants—test the group's unity, revealing his willingness to sacrifice innocents for the revolutionary cause. Betrayals unfold during the heist: Argenti, suspecting treachery, double-crosses the operation by alerting his guards, leading to a fierce confrontation where Miguel sacrifices himself in a suicide bombing to cover their escape. Wiley and Lillian flee with the emeralds hidden inside bags of coffee beans, pursued by Argenti's men and Colombian army forces in a high-stakes chase across rugged terrain involving car pursuits and shootouts. In the climax, Wiley rigs his beach house with booby traps to ambush Argenti, culminating in a deadly showdown that exposes the magnate's crimes. Ultimately, the pair escapes to New York, where they recover the emeralds from the shipped coffee, securing their future while avenging Kerry's death.

Cast

The principal cast of Green Ice is led by as Joseph Wiley, a down-on-his-luck electronics expert who transitions into a reluctant adventurer entangled in an emerald smuggling scheme. portrays Lillian Holbrook, a glamorous harboring secretive motives that drive much of the intrigue and romantic subplot. plays Meno Argenti, the sophisticated emerald magnate serving as the film's primary antagonist, whose charismatic presence adds layers of menace and allure to the role. Supporting roles bolster the ensemble's dynamics, with John Larroquette as Claude, Wiley's opportunistic friend and accomplice in the heist plans, providing comic relief amid the tension. Domingo Ambriz appears as Miguel, a local ally aiding the protagonists in navigating Colombian dangers, while Michael Sheard plays Jaap, a key figure in Argenti's operations. Other notable parts include Philip Stone as Jochim Kellerman and Manuel Ojeda as Lt. Costas, contributing to the film's international scope and ensemble interplay. O'Neal and Archer's on-screen chemistry anchors the adventure elements, blending romance with suspense, as noted in contemporary reviews praising their collaborative energy. Archer's performance lends depth to Holbrook's enigmatic character, showcasing her ability to portray complex female leads beyond mere glamour. draws on his established suave to deliver a compelling , infusing Argenti with mystery and charm that heightens the antagonist's threat. The supporting actors enhance the group's cohesion, creating a balanced mix of action, humor, and drama through their interactions.

Production

Development

The film Green Ice originated as an adaptation of Gerald A. Browne's 1978 novel Green Ice, a thriller centered on and adventure in . The was credited to Edward Anhalt, Ray Hassett, Anthony Simmons, and Robert De Laurentiis, who shaped the story into a script emphasizing international intrigue and heist elements. ITC Entertainment announced the project as part of its lineup of adventure films, with serving as executive producer. The production was financed by ITC with a budget of $14 million, positioned to appeal to the global market for action-adventure features featuring exotic locales and high-stakes capers. Anthony Simmons was initially attached as director, having also contributed to the screenplay, but creative differences over the film's tone led to his replacement by Ernest Day, ITC's second-unit director, prior to completing setup. This shift aimed to align the project more closely with ITC's vision for a lighter, more accessible adventure tone. Casting focused on established stars to drive international appeal: Ryan O'Neal was selected for the lead role of Joseph Wiley, capitalizing on his 1970s box-office success in films like Love Story (1970) and Paper Moon (1973). Omar Sharif was cast as the enigmatic emerald magnate Meno Argenti, drawing on his exotic persona from roles in Lawrence of Arabia (1962) and his availability amid bridge tournament commitments. Anne Archer rounded out the principal trio as Lillian Holbrook, reflecting her rising profile from earlier works like Paradise Alley (1978).

Filming

Principal photography for Green Ice took place primarily in 1980, with the production unit basing operations in to serve as a stand-in for the film's Colombian setting. Key locations included Manzanillo in , , and , where interiors such as those at the Edificio Banamex were utilized for scenes depicting high-security environments. Additional shooting occurred at and in for select interior sequences. The film was directed by Ernest Day in his feature directorial debut, following a notable career as a , with handled by , known for his work on classics like . Technical highlights included elaborate sequences central to the heist plot, executed with practical effects to simulate the aerial infiltration of a fortified . Action choreography featured high-speed car chases through urban streets and perilous stunts, coordinated by , emphasizing practical effects over early for dynamic tension. On-set challenges arose during a water scene off the coast of Las Hadas in Manzanillo, where lead actor nearly drowned and was rescued by stunt coordinator . The production wrapped with an original runtime of 117 minutes for the UK cut, though a shorter 109-minute version was released in the ; extended editions incorporating additional have since been discovered and released on home media.

Soundtrack

Composition

Bill Wyman, the longtime bassist of , composed the original score for the 1981 film Green Ice, marking his debut in major film scoring. Hired for his versatile musical background rooted in rock, Wyman crafted a soundtrack that fused rock rhythms with Latin influences and adventure-themed motifs to underscore the movie's jewel heist narrative. The recording process yielded 18 tracks in 1981, primarily featuring Wyman's own band supplemented by guest musicians, including vocalist on pieces like "Floating" and "Tenderness." Wyman produced the sessions himself, with engineering by Stuart Epps and John Richards, and mixing handled by ; the emphasis was on energetic, rhythmic compositions for action set pieces alongside softer, romantic interludes to highlight character dynamics. Orchestral arrangements were provided by to add cinematic depth. Key highlights include original songs such as the "Green Ice Theme" variations and collaborative efforts like "Sol Y Sombra" with , which incorporated Colombian-inspired elements through Latin percussion and Spanish guitar flourishes—evident in tracks like ""—despite the film's principal in . These stylistic choices, blending Wyman's rock sensibilities with regional flavors, supported the score's role in building tension during pivotal scenes, such as the balloon heist.

Release and Reception

The Green Ice soundtrack album was released in 1981 by on vinyl LP format, featuring 18 tracks composed primarily by with co-writing credits to on select pieces. The track listing includes instrumental cues such as "Beach Chase," "Emerald Guitars," and "Colombia (Green Ice Opening Title)," alongside vocal performances by on "Floating (Cloudhopper Theme)" and "Tenderness." Later CD reissues became available, including a 2002 edition under catalogue number RIPCD107. Commercially, the album achieved modest sales and did not enter major music charts, such as the UK Top 75 albums chart, reflecting its status as a niche soundtrack rather than a standalone commercial release. It garnered no major awards but found appreciation among enthusiasts due to Wyman's prominence as ' bassist, positioning the project as an extension of his solo explorations beyond . Critically, the album received mixed but generally positive user evaluations in music databases, with an average rating of 3.04 out of 5 on as of 2023 based on 84 ratings, highlighting Wyman's versatility in blending rock elements with cinematic scoring. Retrospective descriptions emphasize its rarity and Wyman's expansion into film music as a side project during his tenure. The soundtrack maintains enduring appeal among collectors, with vinyl copies trading in secondary markets for modest prices indicative of steady but limited demand.

Distribution and Reception

Theatrical Release

Green Ice had its world premiere in the on May 21, 1981, distributed by for theatrical release in the UK and parts of . The film saw a limited international rollout, with subsequent releases in on September 28, 1981, on October 9, 1981, on November 5, 1981, and on November 20, 1981, handled by regional distributors such as Europafilm in and Sandrew Film & Teater AB in . It was released under the alternative title Operation Green Ice in select markets, including some European territories. In the United States, the film received no initial theatrical distribution and instead premiered on HBO in 1984, reflecting challenges in securing a U.S. cinema hook amid the era's competitive landscape. As of September 2025, the film is available for free streaming on YouTube through Shout! Studios. Marketing efforts centered on the film's adventure-heist premise and star appeal, featuring Ryan O'Neal, Anne Archer, and Omar Sharif in promotional materials that highlighted the exotic Colombian setting, emerald theft plot, and hot-air balloon sequences. Posters typically showcased vibrant imagery of glittering emeralds and the leads in action-oriented poses to attract audiences seeking escapist thrills, while tying into the source novel by Gerald Browne without emphasizing its more violent elements for broader family-friendly appeal.

Critical Response

Upon its 1981 release, Green Ice garnered mixed , with praise for its action sequences and lead performances tempered by complaints about a formulaic storyline and uneven pacing. Critics appreciated the on-screen chemistry between and , noting Archer's compelling portrayal of the vengeful Liliana Holbrook as a standout element. However, several reviews dismissed the film as derivative and unengaging, with one calling it "one of the most boring and uninteresting movies" due to its predictable plot and failure to deliver thrills beyond scenic backdrops. The film has an Audience Score of 47% on based on over 50 ratings as of November 2025, with no Tomatometer (critic) score available. In retrospective analyses, particularly following the 2024 Imprint Films Blu-ray release, Green Ice has been reevaluated as a "forgotten gem" embracing its campy charm and lighthearted adventure vibe. Reviewers have highlighted the film's handsome production values and exotic locations as visual strengths, while acknowledging its creakily old-fashioned tropes and haphazard editing as persistent flaws. For instance, a 2024 assessment praised the action set pieces and the effective pairing of O'Neal and Archer, though it critiqued the screenplay's sloppiness, likening the overall tone to a made-for-TV effort. User-driven platforms echo this ambivalence, with an average IMDb rating of 5.5/10 from 1,197 votes. Common themes across critiques emphasize the film's reliance on star power and spectacle to offset narrative weaknesses, such as slow pacing and clichéd heist elements rooted in 1970s adventure conventions. Archer's performance, in particular, has been retrospectively noted for showcasing her poise and allure in an early leading role, contributing to her rising profile before major hits like Fatal Attraction. Despite these merits, the consensus views Green Ice as a middling entry in the genre, entertaining for its earnest excesses but hindered by dated sensibilities.

Box Office Performance

Green Ice grossed approximately $4 million worldwide against an estimated of $10–14 million, resulting in significant financial losses for its . The achieved a strong opening in the , ranking fifth at the in June 1981 following its May there. However, it underperformed internationally, largely due to the absence of a U.S. theatrical release and the subsequent financial troubles of distributor , whose parent company lost control amid mounting losses from high-profile flops in early 1982. Contributing to its modest earnings were the film's high production costs and stiff competition from major 1981 blockbusters, including , which dominated global audiences that summer. While initially popular in , Green Ice faded quickly from theaters, with no detailed breakdown of earnings by territory publicly available.

Home Media and Legacy

Video Releases

Following its 1981 theatrical debut, Green Ice saw limited availability in the ensuing decades, primarily through releases distributed by in 1981. These early tapes, often in standard play format with slipcases, catered to niche audiences but lacked broad official distribution until later formats emerged. A DVD release arrived in 2014 from the boutique label Scorpion Releasing, presenting the original cut in a handsome transfer, though it too remained confined to limited editions and collector markets. The film's home media landscape expanded significantly in 2024 with the release of its first official Blu-ray edition by Australia's Imprint Films, a limited edition that included both the theatrical cut and an extended version clocking in at approximately seven minutes longer. This region-free disc featured a new 2K scan of the original 35mm negative for the theatrical version, delivering enhanced detail and natural colors that underscore the work of director Ernest Day, an Academy Award-nominated cinematographer known for films like . The extended cut, upscaled from an SD source, incorporated 16 additional segments totaling 7:24 minutes, revealing alternate scenes such as extended dialogues between leads and , as well as heightened violence including a graphic of a thief's execution that amplifies the film's grimmer undertones. Note that reported runtimes vary across sources and versions, typically ranging from 109 to 117 minutes. A Spanish Blu-ray import followed later that year, offering another high-definition option for international viewers. By 2025, unofficial digital access became available with a full upload of the film to on September 9, 2025, bypassing traditional distribution channels and providing free streaming to a global audience. These evolutions in availability, from scarce analog tapes to restored digital editions, have gradually broadened access to Green Ice while preserving its adventurous essence. As of November 2025, the film is also available for streaming on platforms such as Apple TV.

Cultural Impact

Despite its initial release amid a wave of adventure films, Green Ice quickly receded into obscurity, becoming one of many overlooked productions from the era's cinematic landscape. The film's low profile persisted for decades, with limited availability contributing to its status as a niche curiosity rather than a mainstream touchstone. However, the March 2024 Blu-ray by Australia's Imprint Films marked a significant revival, featuring a new 2K restoration of the original negative alongside an extended cut, , and interviews, positioning Green Ice as a rediscovered artifact of early genre filmmaking. The movie's original score, composed by bassist in collaboration with musicians like and , has sustained a modest but enduring appeal among soundtrack enthusiasts and collectors. Wyman's 18-track blends orchestral elements, guitar-driven instrumentals, and thematic cues evocative of the film's exotic settings, with tracks like "Si Si" and "Holborroks House (Green Ice Theme)" highlighting his venture into film scoring outside the rock idiom. The 's 1981 vinyl edition has been followed by digital reissues on platforms such as and , and a 2020 CD pressing via Wyman's official catalog, underscoring its value to music archivists interested in crossover works from prominent rock figures. Green Ice reflects the ambitious but often uneven output of ITC Entertainment during its final years under Lord Lew Grade, whose global entertainment empire sought to rival Hollywood through lavish international co-productions. As one of Grade's later ventures following hits like The Muppet Show, the film exemplifies ITC's pivot toward adventure-heist narratives amid mounting financial pressures that ultimately led to the company's restructuring and acquisition by PolyGram in 1987. This context situates Green Ice within broader trends of British producers chasing American-style blockbusters, though its muted reception limited its role in shaping genre conventions.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.