On a recent episode of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, esteemed actor Gene Hackman took the stage to discuss his experience filming “The Poseidon Adventure.” The three-time Oscar nominee, known for his brilliant performance in “The French Connection,” is currently starring in the 20th Century Fox film that has captivated audiences around the world.
Hackman appeared on the show looking relaxed and cheerful, joking with Carson about finding a pen left on his seat. The conversation quickly turned to the making of “The Poseidon Adventure,” a film that required both Hackman and his co-star, Shelley Winters, to learn how to breathe underwater. Hackman revealed that Winters, who had put on 40 pounds for her role, was originally going to be replaced by a padded double. However, when she found out, she quickly rushed to the pool to prove she could handle the underwater scenes.
The actor described the intense filming conditions, including working at great heights on catwalks with fire and water surrounding them. “The Poseidon Adventure” tells the story of a luxury liner modeled after the Queen Mary, which encounters a catastrophe and flips over, requiring the survivors to make their way from the bottom to the top of the ship. Hackman praised the film for its exciting effects and action sequences, admitting that even he found some of the scenes to be a bit hairy.
Carson and Hackman then discussed Winters’ dedicated approach to her role. In addition to putting on weight and having her hair grayed, Winters mastered a challenging underwater rescue scene where she saved Hackman’s character. The scene took three days to shoot, and Hackman marveled at Winters’ ability to argue underwater. He praised her professionalism and expressed admiration for her commitment to her craft.
The conversation turned to Hackman’s personal interests, revealing that he enjoys flying and even does aerobatics as a pilot. He recounted a thrilling experience of flying with a stunt pilot and attempting a Czechoslovakian maneuver called the “lamac,” where the plane tumbles and then goes into a flat spin. Hackman acknowledged that studios may not always be thrilled with his adventurous hobbies, but he believes in pursuing the things that bring him joy.
As the interview concluded, Carson and Hackman discussed the studio’s cautious approach when it comes to their stars participating in potentially risky activities, such as motorcycle racing or extreme skiing. Hackman likened his aerobatics to skiing, stating that more people are hurt while skiing than in the air. Despite any studio concerns, Hackman remains passionate about flying and finds it to be an exhilarating experience.
Gene Hackman‘s appearance on The Tonight Show offered viewers a glimpse into the making of “The Poseidon Adventure” and his fascinating hobbies outside of his acting career. As the film continues to captivate audiences, it is evident that Hackman’s talent and adventurous spirit shine through in every role he takes on.
