The family takes refuge on Saint Helena island, South Carolina, which is in proximity of the resort community of Hilton Head island. It was, as described by Benjamin, an island occupied by slaves (some freed, but not the majority) and other groups that came to be known collectively as the Gullah. Having strong African roots, it developed its own language, which is a form of Creole. It was originally given the name Saint Elena by the Spanish in the 16th century and was the capital of the Spanish territory of Florida. It later was taken by the French and then the British.Resembling the low, rice-growing lands of west Africa, it saw the arrival of many slaves that were brought there after being captured in what is now Sierra Leone. It is surrounded by marshland particularly around the southern end and, with several virtually interlocking islands being to the east, it only has exposure to the Atlantic at the north and south ends. The location depicted in the film, while being geographically inaccurate, is near the southern end of the island on the eastern shore.Benjamin describes it as being, "right under the British noses." It did not provide much of a strategic benefit and would not have a British presence. Even so, the family would not have been difficult to find, which makes the use of it more of a narrative convenience than a practicality.
Testament - Trivia, Questions and Fun Facts
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This is the only film about atomic warfare and nuclear bombs directed by a woman.
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The name of the school play that was being performed was "The Pied Piper of Hamelin".
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Debut feature film directed by documentary director Lynne Littman.
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Although they were on location in Sierra Madre, everybody came in each day to view the dailies.
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Jane Alexander received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her performance in this film. Alexander was also nominated in the same category for the Golden Globe.
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Final film of Lurene Tuttle.
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Lynne Littman was disappointed that the magazine Ms., the second magazine that published the Carol Amen short story the film is based on, did not make a feature on the film, as Littman acknowledged the magazine for her discovery of the story on every interview she did promoting the film. In fact, the film received a dismissive review on the magazine in its January 1984 issue, criticizing the "schmaltzy music" and "heavy-handed symbolism".
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Gerry Murillo, who played the role of Hiroshi, was mentally handicapped in real life as well as his character role, but often gets little recognition for his work in this film.
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Kevin Costner has said that he has never forgotten this film and the powerful influence it has had on him. Costner would later star during the 1990s in such post-apocalyptic movies as Waterworld (1995) and The Postman (1997).
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Flashback sequences were shot with a hand-held Super 8mm camera, to give the effect of a "home movie".
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The film was originally shot as a made-for-TV movie. Paramount executives were so impressed with it that they released it in theaters as a feature. The cast sued the producers for higher pay, claiming they were paid television salaries and not feature film salaries. The case was settled out of court.
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One of two 1983 films about nuclear warfare and atomic bombs that were originally made for television but garnered a theatrical release in select territories. The other was The Day After (1983).
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The film was endorsed by SAG (Screen Actors Guild) and the DGA (Directors Guild of America). However, the production was not sanctioned by IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees) though everyone was paid a union scale, no one received overtime.
Testament - Trivia, Questions and Fun Facts
Testament - Trivia, Questions and Fun Facts
Testament - Trivia, Questions and Fun Facts
Testament - Trivia, Questions and Fun Facts
Testament - Trivia, Questions and Fun Facts
Testament - Trivia, Questions and Fun Facts
Testament - Trivia, Questions and Fun Facts
Testament - Trivia, Questions and Fun Facts
Testament - Trivia, Questions and Fun Facts
Testament - Trivia, Questions and Fun Facts
Testament - Trivia, Questions and Fun Facts
Testament - Trivia, Questions and Fun Facts
Testament - Trivia, Questions and Fun Facts
Testament - Trivia, Questions and Fun Facts
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