Fierce Creatures (Original title)Death Fish II (Alternative title)
Dates: 1997 (Copyright), 14 February 1997 (Release)Countries: United Kingdom, USADirector: Robert Young, Fred Schepisi
Synopsis: Comedy set in an English zoo, bought by a ruthless Australian media mogul who appoints an employee as director to maximise profits. The director's scheme to boost attendance is to stock only "fierce creatures" and dispose of all the other animals. The keepers stage a revolt.Synopsis: Comedy. When a London zoo is acquired by Rod McCain, ex-policeman Rollo Lee is brought in to make the operation profitable. Lee's idea is to get rid of all the domesticated animals and replace them only with extremely fierce ones.
Genre: Comedy
Title: Film reviewsAuthor: HUTCHINSON, Tom Article type: ReviewLanguage: English
In: TV Guide v46 n1 03 Jan 1998 Page: 12
Title: A drama that could change your lifeAuthor: SISKEL, Gene Article type: ReviewLanguage: English
In: Sight and Sound v7 n3 March 1997 Pages: 46-47
Title: ReviewsAuthor: FELPERIN, Leslie Article type: CreditsLanguage: English
In: Sight and Sound v7 n3 March 1997 Page: 5
Title: the businessArticle type: Short ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Short article on changes to the original production credits for FIERCE CREATURES (1997).
In: Legend n23 Spring 1997 Page: 36
Title: CD ReviewsAuthor: WILLIAMS, Lyn Article type: Soundtrack ReviewLanguage: English
In: New Zealand Film Music Bulletin n99 August 1997 Page: 13
Title: The Jeff Hall reportAuthor: HALL, Jeff Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: A short review of the CD release of Jerry Goldsmith's soundtrack for FIERCE CREATURES (1997).
In: Moving Pictures International n24 February 1997 Page: 8
Title: Time is of the essenceAuthor: PICKARD, Christopher Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: The rush to ready films for a specific release date is hav- ing an influence on the quality and subsequent success as films like FIERCE CREATURES, LAST ACTION HERO, INDEPENDENCE DAY and CABLE GUY testify.
In: Variety 20 Jan 1997 Page: 44,48
Title: ReviewsAuthor: KLADY, Leonard Article type: CreditsLanguage: English
In: Screen International n1093 31 Jan 1997 Page: 15
Title: ReviewsAuthor: FARROW, Boyd Article type: CreditsLanguage: English
In: Neon February 1997 Pages: 82-85
Title: q&aArticle type: InterviewLanguage: English
Description: short interview on FIERCE CREATURES and review
In: Empire n92 February 1997 Page: 33
Title: new filmsAuthor: BIGNELL, Darren Article type: ReviewLanguage: English
In: Film Review vSpec nStarWar April 1997 Pages: 68-73
Title: Animal CrackersAuthor: GRAY, Marianne Article type: InterviewLanguage: English
Description: Interview with John Cleese about FIERCE CREATURES
In: The Hollywood Reporter v345 n44 21 Jan 1997 Page: 12,14
Title: Film reviewAuthor: HUNTER, David Article type: CreditsLanguage: English
In: Premiere vSpec nWomen 1997 Page: 90,91
Title: Creature FeatureArticle type: Short ArticleLanguage: English
In: Screen International n1041 19 Jan 1996 Page: 6
Title: Hollywood reshoots cause traffic jam at UK studiosAuthor: DUNCAN, Celia Article type: Short ArticleLanguage: English
Description: On the problems caused for UK studios and US distributors by the reshooting of sequences for MISSION IMPOSSIBLE and FIERCE CREATURES
In: Screen International n1042 26 Jan 1996 Page: 39
Title: United International Pictures: 1996 PreviewArticle type: CreditsLanguage: English
Description: Part of an advertisement of United International Pictures for their releases in 1996;
In: Premiere v9 n6 February 1996 Pages: 30-31
Title: In the Works: Fierce Creatures Sneak PreviewAuthor: ALEXANDER, Jeff Article type: PreviewLanguage: English
In: Empire n82 April 1996 Pages: 28-29
Title: Front desk in production: these animals biteAuthor: CAVANAGH, David Article type: Location ReportLanguage: English
In: Screen International n1011 9 Jun 1995 Page: 16
Title: UK film and TV productionArticle type: CreditsLanguage: English
Description: full production credits
In: Variety 20 Feb 1995 Page: 50
Title: Film ProductionArticle type: CreditsLanguage: English
Description: Note change of actors
In: The Hollywood Reporter v338 n27 15 Aug 1995 Page: 11
Title: Film productionArticle type: Prod. DetailsLanguage: English
Description: further credits
In: Eyepiece v16 n4 Aug/Sep 1995 Page: 43
Title: Who's Crew.Article type: CreditsLanguage: English
Description: Film crew list and shooting details.
In: Screen International n1008 19 May 1995 Page: 10
Title: Production lineArticle type: NoteLanguage: English
Film, Video or Digital materials held in BFI National Archive(4)
Film materials(4)
Description: DiscBase: SafetySound: SoundBFI identifier: C-968417
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status
Description: DiscBase: SafetySound: SoundBFI identifier: C-968418
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status
Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedBFI identifier: C-967160
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status
Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedBFI identifier: C-967161
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status
Dates: 1997 (Copyright), 14 February 1997 (Release)Countries: United Kingdom, USADirector: Robert Young, Fred Schepisi
Synopsis: Comedy set in an English zoo, bought by a ruthless Australian media mogul who appoints an employee as director to maximise profits. The director's scheme to boost attendance is to stock only "fierce creatures" and dispose of all the other animals. The keepers stage a revolt.Synopsis: Comedy. When a London zoo is acquired by Rod McCain, ex-policeman Rollo Lee is brought in to make the operation profitable. Lee's idea is to get rid of all the domesticated animals and replace them only with extremely fierce ones.
Genre: Comedy
Credits
(95)
Production Company: Universal Pictures, Production Company: Fish Productions, Production Company: Jersey Films, Executive Producer: Steve Abbott, Producer: Michael Shamberg, Producer: John Cleese, Co-producer: Patricia Carr, Unit Production Manager: Callum McDougall, Unit Production Manager: Neil Ravan, Production Co-ordinator: Jo Burn, Production Co-ordinator: Barbara Harley, Location Manager: Gilly Case, Location Manager: Rachel Neale, Assistant Director (1st): Jonathan Benson, Roy Stevens, Assistant Director (2nd): Melvin Lind, Antony Ford, Assistant Director (Junior): Clare Awdry, Script Supervisor: Annie Wooton, Script Supervisor: June Randall, Casting: Priscilla John, Casting (Associate): Julia Duff, Screenplay: John Cleese, Screenplay: Iain Johnstone, The Fierce Animal Policy idea: Terry Jones, Michael Palin, Director of Photography: Adrian Biddle, Director of Photography: Ian Baker, Camera Operator: Neil Binney, Camera Operator: John Maskall, Camera Operator: John Palmer, Special Effects (Floor Effects): Effects Associates, Gorillas Designed/Created: Animated Extras, Other Animatronic Animals Designed/Creat: Asylum Models & Effects Ltd, Graphic Artist: Alexander Rutterford, Editor: Robert Gibson, Associate Editor: Nigel Barker, Production Designer: Roger Murray-Leach, Art Director: David Allday, Art Director: Kevin Phipps, Set Decorator: Brian Read, Set Decorator: Stephenie McMillan, Set Decorator: Peter Howitt, Senior Draughtsman: Don Dossett, Draughtsman: Stephen Dobric, Su Whitaker, Storyboard Artist: Martin Asbury, Sculptor/Modeller: Allan Moss, Costume Designer: Hazel Pethig, Wardrobe Supervisor: Mark Foster, Chief Make-up Artist: Paul Engelen, Make-up Artist: Penny Bell, Wanda Kelley, Puppeteer: Tim Rose, Puppeteer: Darryl Worbey, Puppeteer: William Todd Jones, Steve A. Clarke, Chief Hairdresser: Tricia Cameron, Hairdresser: Gerry Jones, Hairdresser: Tracey Smith, Hairdresser: Jan Jamison, Hilary Haines, Titles: General Screen Enterprises, Optical Effects Consultant: Kent Houston, Optical Effects: Peerless Camera Company, Music/Music Conductor: Jerry Goldsmith, Music Performed by: National Philharmonic Orchestra, Music Editor: Ken Hall, Gorilla Choreographer: Peter Elliott, Sound Mixer: Chris Munro, Re-recording Mixer: Graham Hartstone, Sound Editor: Colin Miller, ADR (Editor): Max Hoskins, Foley (Editor): Brian Blamey, Stunt Co-ordinator: Simon Crane, Stunt Co-ordinator: Greg Powell, Stunts: Riky Ash, Stunts: Abbi Collins, Stunts: Jamie Edgell, Stunts: Paul Jennings, Stunts: Sean McCabe, Stunts: Andreas Petrides, Stunts: Gary Powell, Stunts: Lee Sheward, Stunts: Mark Southworth, Stunts: Anna Stacey, Special Thanks: William Goldman, Animal Consultant: Rona Brown, Chief Animal Trainer: Jim Clubb, Animal Trainer: Jan Saad, Animal Trainer: Guy Saad, Animal Trainer: Michael Howes, Studio: Pinewood Studios
Cast
(67)
John Cleese (Rollo Lee), Jamie Lee Curtis (Willa Weston), Kevin Kline (Vince McCain/Rod McCain), Michael Palin (Bugsy Malone), Ronnie Corbett (Reggie Sealions), Carey Lowell (Cub Felines), Robert Lindsay (Sydney Small Mammals), Bille Brown (Neville Coltrane), Derek Griffiths (Gerry Ungulates), Cynthia Cleese (Pip Small Mammals), Richard Ridings (Hugh Primates), Maria Aitken (Di Admin), Michael Percival (ant keeper), Fred Evans (flamingo keeper), Lisa Hogan (sealion keeper), Choy-Ling Man (parrot keeper), Tim Potter (vulture keeper), Jenny Galloway (aquarium keeper), Kim Vithana (tiger keeper), Sean Francis (buffalo keeper), Julie Saunders (rodent keeper), Susie Blake (woman in red dress), Pat Keen (woman's mother), Denis Lill (woman's husband), Gareth Hunt (Inspector Masefield), Ron Donachie (Sergeant Scott), Paul Haigh (Sergeant Irving), Kenneth Price (Kevin Kline acting double), Leon Herbert, Stewart Wright (octopus security guard), Kerry Shale (frightened executive), Mac Mcdonald (TV producer), Amanda Walker (zoo secretary), Terence Conoley (man in straw hat), Tom Georgeson, John Bardon, Anthony Pedley (sealion spectator), Jennie Goossens, Georgia Reece, Hilary Gish, Kenneth Price, Brian King, Peter Silverleaf (sponsor), Kevin Moore (hotel manager), Leslie Lowe, Iain Mitchell (assistant hotel manager), Valerie Edmond (hotel maid), Nick Bartlett (policeman), Ricco Ross, Kate Harper (TV journalist), Nicholas Hutchison (TV reporter), Kate Alderton, Jack Davenport, Jo Ann Geary, William Grove, Francis Pope, Jaqui Thomas, David Wood (student zoo keeper), John Alexander (gorilla performer 'Jambo'), Peter Elliott (gorilla performer), Tessa Crockett, Phillip Hill, Holly Hoffman, Mario Kalli, Tina Maskell, Elizabeth O'Brien (background gorilla), Ailsa Berk (panda performer)
Articles held in BFI Reuben Library
(23)
In: Film Review vSpec nNo.22 Yearbook 1997/98 Page: 38Title: Film reviewsAuthor: HUTCHINSON, Tom Article type: ReviewLanguage: English
In: TV Guide v46 n1 03 Jan 1998 Page: 12
Title: A drama that could change your lifeAuthor: SISKEL, Gene Article type: ReviewLanguage: English
In: Sight and Sound v7 n3 March 1997 Pages: 46-47
Title: ReviewsAuthor: FELPERIN, Leslie Article type: CreditsLanguage: English
In: Sight and Sound v7 n3 March 1997 Page: 5
Title: the businessArticle type: Short ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Short article on changes to the original production credits for FIERCE CREATURES (1997).
In: Legend n23 Spring 1997 Page: 36
Title: CD ReviewsAuthor: WILLIAMS, Lyn Article type: Soundtrack ReviewLanguage: English
In: New Zealand Film Music Bulletin n99 August 1997 Page: 13
Title: The Jeff Hall reportAuthor: HALL, Jeff Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: A short review of the CD release of Jerry Goldsmith's soundtrack for FIERCE CREATURES (1997).
In: Moving Pictures International n24 February 1997 Page: 8
Title: Time is of the essenceAuthor: PICKARD, Christopher Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: The rush to ready films for a specific release date is hav- ing an influence on the quality and subsequent success as films like FIERCE CREATURES, LAST ACTION HERO, INDEPENDENCE DAY and CABLE GUY testify.
In: Variety 20 Jan 1997 Page: 44,48
Title: ReviewsAuthor: KLADY, Leonard Article type: CreditsLanguage: English
In: Screen International n1093 31 Jan 1997 Page: 15
Title: ReviewsAuthor: FARROW, Boyd Article type: CreditsLanguage: English
In: Neon February 1997 Pages: 82-85
Title: q&aArticle type: InterviewLanguage: English
Description: short interview on FIERCE CREATURES and review
In: Empire n92 February 1997 Page: 33
Title: new filmsAuthor: BIGNELL, Darren Article type: ReviewLanguage: English
In: Film Review vSpec nStarWar April 1997 Pages: 68-73
Title: Animal CrackersAuthor: GRAY, Marianne Article type: InterviewLanguage: English
Description: Interview with John Cleese about FIERCE CREATURES
In: The Hollywood Reporter v345 n44 21 Jan 1997 Page: 12,14
Title: Film reviewAuthor: HUNTER, David Article type: CreditsLanguage: English
In: Premiere vSpec nWomen 1997 Page: 90,91
Title: Creature FeatureArticle type: Short ArticleLanguage: English
In: Screen International n1041 19 Jan 1996 Page: 6
Title: Hollywood reshoots cause traffic jam at UK studiosAuthor: DUNCAN, Celia Article type: Short ArticleLanguage: English
Description: On the problems caused for UK studios and US distributors by the reshooting of sequences for MISSION IMPOSSIBLE and FIERCE CREATURES
In: Screen International n1042 26 Jan 1996 Page: 39
Title: United International Pictures: 1996 PreviewArticle type: CreditsLanguage: English
Description: Part of an advertisement of United International Pictures for their releases in 1996;
In: Premiere v9 n6 February 1996 Pages: 30-31
Title: In the Works: Fierce Creatures Sneak PreviewAuthor: ALEXANDER, Jeff Article type: PreviewLanguage: English
In: Empire n82 April 1996 Pages: 28-29
Title: Front desk in production: these animals biteAuthor: CAVANAGH, David Article type: Location ReportLanguage: English
In: Screen International n1011 9 Jun 1995 Page: 16
Title: UK film and TV productionArticle type: CreditsLanguage: English
Description: full production credits
In: Variety 20 Feb 1995 Page: 50
Title: Film ProductionArticle type: CreditsLanguage: English
Description: Note change of actors
In: The Hollywood Reporter v338 n27 15 Aug 1995 Page: 11
Title: Film productionArticle type: Prod. DetailsLanguage: English
Description: further credits
In: Eyepiece v16 n4 Aug/Sep 1995 Page: 43
Title: Who's Crew.Article type: CreditsLanguage: English
Description: Film crew list and shooting details.
In: Screen International n1008 19 May 1995 Page: 10
Title: Production lineArticle type: NoteLanguage: English
Film, Video or Digital materials held in BFI National Archive(4)
Film materials(4)
Description: DiscBase: SafetySound: SoundBFI identifier: C-968417
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status
Description: DiscBase: SafetySound: SoundBFI identifier: C-968418
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status
Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedBFI identifier: C-967160
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status
Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedBFI identifier: C-967161
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status