Paramount Pictures production of "Uncommon Valor", released in December 1983, was filmed partially in Hawaii where, according to the production notes, Patrick Swayze "went water-skiing, diving, hiking and parachute-flying, and also spent most nights in the local disco". However, what seems on the surface as an adventurous holiday in paradise was actually a grueling six week film shoot.
"Uncommon Valor" is the story of "Colonel Jason Rhodes" (Gene Hackman) who enlists the aid of his son's wartime buddies to try and rescue his M.I.A. son, after he is given an aerial photograph of what appears to be a P.O.W. camp in Laos.
Providing the money for the mission is a Texas tycoon, "Hugh MacGregor" (Robert Stack) whose son is also reported as being M.I.A. "Rhodes" assembles five of his son's buddies in a training camp, built as a full-size model of the P.O.W. camp. Though the five are prepared to do what is necessary, they are leary of a sixth member of the team forced upon them when they arrive at the camp.
"Kevin Scott" (Patrick) is described as a "steely-eyed former G.I. much younger than the rest of them. Scott has no combat experience, but, according to Rhodes, 'He's well-trained in the latest weapons and training techniques. A lot of progress has been made in the last ten years."
"Scott" faces the doubtful team head on, however, as they train for their mission. The antagonism between the marines and "Scott" grows with each day, until finally one of the group, "Sailor" played by Randall "Tex" Cobb, explodes at the relentless young "Scott', and the two proceed to have a mix of a karate fest and street fight. Finally, when "Sailor" has the advantage over "Scott", "Rhodes" reveals the true reason for the young man's presence -- his father had been shot down over Vietnam. Finally, the men become one unit, working together, united by a common bond.
Filming Tidbits
June 6, 1983 marked the first day of filming for "Uncommon Valor". The various scenes where "Rhodes" convinces the Vietnam Vets to participate in his plan were filmed at this time in Los Angeles. Next, the company advanced to the Newhall Land and Farm Company, a huge ranch were the training camp was built. Three more weeks of filming were done at this location.
The Laos rescue scenes were filmed in Hawaii, on the island of Kauai, beginning on July 12. Most of the cast and crew stayed at the Sheraton Coconut Beach Hotel in Kapaa during the film shoot.
Lumahai Valley was the site of the impressive P.O.W. camp which, according to Technical Advisor Laurence Neber was very convincing: "When I first saw it, I honestly believed for a minute that I was back in Vietnam." It took the crew just three weeks to destroy the eerie set, which had taken three months to build.
After the Hawaiian shoot was finalized on August 19, 1983, the production team headed for Bangkok where one final week of shooting was to take place.
"Uncommon Valor" was the second film appearance of Tex Cobb, who at the time was one of the top ten heavyweight boxers. In fact, a mini-gym had been built at the Newhall and Hawaii locations so that Cobb could continue to train for an upcoming fight. Though Cobb may have been a skilled boxer, Swayze was once quoted as saying the man almost killed him during their fight scene because he (Cobb) didn't know how to throw a punch, Hollywood style.
Some basic facts about "Uncommon Valor"
Released December 16, 1983
Domestic Box Office: $27,900,000
105 Minutes, Rated R, from Paramount
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