Seven decades of the Bahamas in Hollywood’s spotlight

By CARA HUNT | Tribune Features Writer | cbrennen@tribunemedia.net

The Beatles film “Help!” (1965). In the first movie, a boy named Sandy and the famous dolphin Flipper are in the Bahamas where they annoy a group of bandits keeping an English family confined. In the latter, the second feature film with the Fab Four, sites in western New Providence and Paradise Island, especially the Cloisters, can be glimpsed.

In 1987, the Bahamian waters offered the backdrop for “Jaws: The Revenge”, which may boast of a somewhat questionable plot, the lovely beach and ocean settings cannot be questioned. Movie buffs still make it a point to visit Jaws Beach on the western end of the island where some scenes were shot.

In the film 1994 film “My Father the Hero”, Gérard Depardieu and Katherine Heigl play a father and his daughter vacationing on Paradise Island. It showcased the beauty of the island’s beaches and featured a memorable jet-ski scene which shows of Nassau Harbour.

Kids might get a kick out of watching the Olsen twins’ 2001 movie “Holiday in the Sun”. It’s about two sisters who travel to the Bahamas for winter break and soon find themselves crossing paths with a man smuggling stolen artefacts. The Atlantis resort is prominently featured. Bonus points for parents who can explain how popular Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen were “back in the day.”

In 2005, “Into the Blue”, which starred the late Paul Walker and Jessica Alba, told the story about a group of friends go on an undersea treasure hunt off the western coast of New Providence where they find a bit more than they bargained for. The underwater shots give a perfect glimpse into the beauty which lies under the Bahamian sea.

In total, the 007 franchise shot seven films here in the Bahamas, including “Never Say Never Again”; “Casino Royale”; “You Only Live Twice” (underwater scenes); “The Spy Who Loved Me”; “For Your Eyes Only”, and “The World’s Not Enough”.

The ‘60s also saw the Bahamas host the film crews of “Flipper’s New Adventure” (1964) and

Our waters came to life in an exciting way with the mega successful “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise. Johnny Depp, who plays the iconic character of Captain Jack Sparrow, was so inspired by the location, he decided to purchase his very own Bahamian island.

Other thrillers featuring Bahamians locations to consider could be “Shoot to Kill”, “The Silence of the Lambs” (just wait for it), “After the Sunset” and “Blue”.