35mm Slides: Big Wednesday

Big Wednesday is a classic surf film that captures the innocence and reality of the culture at the time. During filming, photographer Ernst Haas was hired to shoot behind-the-scenes photos. I found a handful of those pictures, in 35mm slide format, online and used them to make a short film that looks back at what made Big Wednesday so special and the people who helped to bring the movie to life before its release in 1978. You’ll hear from some of the all-time great surfers who worked as doubles for the actors and get a historical context as to why the movie still means so much to so many today.

[@rumbullets9936]

I have talked about shows and film for 8 years on my show. "Big Wednesday" has and will probably always be, my favorite movie, even from when I first seen it over 3 decades ago #standsthetestoftime .

[@matthewtorchiana6418]

Thank you John. It is hard to believe that 45 years ago this summer, myself and 12 other early teenagers were in Santa Cruz at a regional swim meet. Afterwards we went to Steamer's Lane, and our chaperone parents were brave enough to load us into a pick-up with camper and haul us all to the movies to see the 8 Pm show on opening day in SC. It still feels like yesterday

[@JohnCuoco3]

@@matthewtorchiana6418 thank you for watching and for this personal story. It’s really cool hearing how this movie touched so many people.

[@phillipphinney206]

Love the film, saw the film opening day in May 1978. Have a copy on DVD and still stoked when I watch it. But I still get bugged when Matt gives Bear's big wave gun to that/some kid at the end. Hey man; Bear gave that board to you!

[@iWan-cd8bx]

Always looking for more on Big Wednesday, was stoked to come across this movie. Thanks for sharing

[@JiggeryPokery]

A fantastic insight into a classic surfing movie.
There are quite a few pieces of behind the scenes footage around for this movie, and all give such a sense of enjoyment from everyone involved in the filming.

[@denislanglois2799]

John Thank you 🙏 for making this video. You made a old man happy.

[@JohnCuoco3]

Thank you for watching! Means so much.

[@nasionalsb]

cheer from Costa Rica! pura vida! great film!

[@EarlSkakel]

Just had Darrell Fetty aka Waxer on my podcast today and he was amazing.

[@bobwatkins3519]

Always tough to see photos of Jan at the top of his game. He could have gone all the way. It’s a shame he suffered so
much.

[@andrewjohnson5188]

RIP Jan Michael Vincent

[@flyinnphilini3136]

Hey man are you a surfer? No I'm just the trash man

[@jamielawrence2515]

Magic little movie!

[@JohnCuoco3]

Jamie, thank you!

[@markwilliamson2795]

I love the 7:10 in story....

[@ricksoden6838]

all filler and no slides other than a few. misleading title