Question 1

What real-life kidnapping inspired the film Fortress?

Accepted Answer

The film is loosely based on the 1972 Faraday School kidnapping of a teacher and her class by Edwin John Eastwood and Robert Clyde Boland, which was itself a copycat crime based on a scene in Dirty Harry (1971).

Question 2

Why was casting the lead role of Sally Jones difficult?

Accepted Answer

HBO required a well-known actress for half the budget, but Actors Equity blocked foreign actors. After Bess Armstrong was rejected, Sigrid Thornton was cast but dropped two months before shooting.

Question 3

Where was the fortress cave built and why?

Accepted Answer

The main fortress cave was a set built in the Grampians countryside because a suitable cave could not be found at the Buchan Caves filming location.

Question 4

How did the film's release differ between the US and Australia?

Accepted Answer

The film debuted in the USA in 1985 on HBO, then was released theatrically in Australian cinemas in 1986.

Question 5

Which actor from this film later starred in another movie also titled Fortress?

Accepted Answer

Cast member Vernon Wells later starred in the 1992 science fiction action film Fortress, also an Australian production, along with several crew members.

Fortress

Customers also watched

Loved this film?

Share with others