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(More customer reviews)I attended the premiere of Steel in my hometome, Lexington, Ky., the city where it was filmed. My late husband, an ironworker, and I, both worked for the company that performed the steel erection for Kincaid Tower, the building used as the centerpiece for this quite interesting film and the firm listed in the credits. We knew many of the 'real' ironworkers who worked as uncredited extras on the film.
The premiere was held at a vintage Lexington theater and was attended by several of the stars including Lee Majors (Mike Catton) and Terry Kiser (Valentino). A reception held at Kincaid Tower was also attended by many of the stars. Phyllis George Brown, first-lady in Kentucky at the time and former Miss Texas and Miss America, was hostess and mistress of ceremonies for the film's opening.
Lee Majors, whose hometown was Middlesboro, KY, played football for and graduated from Eastern Kentucky University 26 miles from Lexington, in effect 'came home' to make this film. Several of my friends attended college with Lee, but I had never met him. I recall being very surprised to learn the 'baby' of the TV hit Big Valley and the amazing 'Million Dollar Man' was painfully uncomfortable and shy in public when he attended the premiere.
Stuntman A.J. Bakunas' (who also had a bit part in the film) 300' leap from the top of the building ended in his tragic death. The stunt received live radio coverage. Listening to the broadcast it was obvious before the actual announcement, based on the lack of definite immediate confirmation of his successful record winning stunt, that the outcome was dire for Bakunas (stunt double for Burt Reynolds in TV's Hooper). The fall in the film as double for George Kennedy, has been previously completed from the 9th floor. The jump from the top of the building was an attempt to regain a high fall record after he learned that Dar Robinson had broken his record high fall for a non-movie related publicity stunt. Bakunas, whose father was in attendance for what would be his final stunt, performed the fall expertly, but the airbag split on impact. The film was dedicated to Bakunas.
I own 'Steel' on VHS and have just recently viewed once again. For me, of course, the backdrop of my hometown is always interesting to see from the vantage point of the pinnacle of one of the tallest buildings in our city. Additionally, I always enjoy seeing so many individuals I knew at that time making their celluloid debut particularly because so many of them are no longer with us. These personal links to the film are not necessary though to enjoy the movie.
'Steel', while certainly not Oscar material or destined to be a classic, is instead a solid film with an impressive cast that pays homage to an art (hanging steel) and to the truly unique individuals who make that art their profession. The writer did a fine job of presenting the personality traits and characteristics of so many of the fine men who daily walked the steel girders high above the rest of the world and the actors carried off their roles in a very believable fashion. These men faced what so many of us fear and most had 'bigger than life', strong personas that made them an interesting breed to know and love. It is the spirited characterizations along with the dazzling views from high atop the steel girders that infuses 'Steel' with the flavor that makes it something other than a run-of-the mill film.
Lee Majors did what I think was his best acting work in 'Steel' Whether it was being back in his home state or settling back in with the blue collar citizenry of his childhood, he filled the steel-toed boots of an ironworker to a T. Terry Kiser, an interesting versatile actor, was perfectly cast for the part of the lover in the crew and this was one of his best films. Art Carney was truly enjoyable and George Kennedy, who had an important role but limited screen time, made his mark on the film.
This film seems to be becoming scarce, having never made it to DVD. Now that so many movie rental stores don't stock videos any longer, these old gems are becoming more difficult to catch-up on. I would recommend 'Steel' to anyone with even a passing interest in building construction, working at heights, or mostly of course seeing an enjoyable movie with a believable plot populated by unique people one would enjoy getting to know.
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Steel (1979)
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