Couple (Bisset and Nolte) holidaying in the Caribbean run afoul a drug kingpin (Gossett) after they inadvertently discover ampules of heroin amongst a treasure trove of rare antiquities whilst scuba diving near a notorious wreck. Local treasure hunter and reclusive identity (Shaw) is approached by the couple to identify the discovery which revives an old rivalry between Gossett and himself, who he attributes for the death of his wife several years earlier. Black magic and violence intimidate the couple, but it's a large moray eel protecting the treasure that proves to be a bigger obstacle as interests converge on the sunken treasure.
Diverse supporting cast includes Eli Wallach as a crusty mariner, the sole survivor of the shipwreck's crew, Robert Tessier as Shaw's faithful assistant, and noted stage actor Dick Anthony Williams in a rather frivolous minor role as one of Gossett's hoods. Bisset is dedicated as the innocent victim of Nolte's greed, but it's her wet T-shirt scene for which she's best remembered in this film. Former Mr Universe c.1965 Earl Maynard is also on hand as a beefy standover man.
Often criticised for being overlong, the two hour edit contains all the salient plot details without the soporific underwater faunalogue of the three hour version and is, in my opinion, the recommended option. Tropical locales, taut action sequences, calypso music and a spot of cricket thrown in for good measure, "The Deep" has all the components of a competent treasure thriller and is easily Peter Benchley's next best novel-to-film conversion.
Diverse supporting cast includes Eli Wallach as a crusty mariner, the sole survivor of the shipwreck's crew, Robert Tessier as Shaw's faithful assistant, and noted stage actor Dick Anthony Williams in a rather frivolous minor role as one of Gossett's hoods. Bisset is dedicated as the innocent victim of Nolte's greed, but it's her wet T-shirt scene for which she's best remembered in this film. Former Mr Universe c.1965 Earl Maynard is also on hand as a beefy standover man.
Often criticised for being overlong, the two hour edit contains all the salient plot details without the soporific underwater faunalogue of the three hour version and is, in my opinion, the recommended option. Tropical locales, taut action sequences, calypso music and a spot of cricket thrown in for good measure, "The Deep" has all the components of a competent treasure thriller and is easily Peter Benchley's next best novel-to-film conversion.