I think all your points are valid: the island could be a Channel Island, probably Catalina as it would be cheapest and require the least permitting. I think we should consider the islands off Baja, too, as it could have justified a fishign trip.
The outdoor, jungle, shots, are either, not in the US, or in a planted jungle, like, but not the LA Arboretum. Because of the shots that include a wild vista, I'm somewhat at a loss for location - a lot in LA would have a familiar sky line, and it's nothing like the coastal mountains (think MASH). I think by the extras and the not-California flora, a VERY low budget location like Mexico or the Phillipines could be possible - note that all the shots are day shots and especially bright, so reflectors could have provided the additional lighting.
Anyway, glad someone else had the same question I did.
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UhOhChongo
14 years ago
Baja is a good guess. At the beginning of the series Link washes up onto a beach with large cliffs/boulder formations in the background. From the look of the surf and the position of the sun I could make a case for Baja. I still maintain that even the Phillipines would be a budgetary stretch for a cheap show...Mexico is a possibility although dubious. The opening shots for each segment are no doubt Channel Islands as they are within reach of the studio. What throws us off is exactly what you point out-many shots show a very wide expanse with no familiar geographic landmarks to aid in identification. They feature thick vegetation which is too lush for Catalina and rocky valleys, in addition to several overgrown rivers. Of course, the day shots are cheaper than night. It's a puzzler! I'm sure if we ever get a definitive answer we'll slap our foreheads!
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UhOhChongo
14 years ago
Actually, one other possibility is to be found in, of all places, another Jan-Michael Vincent film, i.e. "The World's Greatest Athlete". All the "African" jungle scenes were shot in a wildlife park in California with similar vegetation. I don't remember the name of the park. Anyone?
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x-ramubay
14 years ago
The answer is actually Mexico. This can be verified by watching director Richard Donner's interview at http://www.emmytvlegends.org/interviews/people/richard-donner (chapter 5). Here he discusses the Mexican actors and crew that were hired along with Jan-Michael Vincent buying a large bag of "grass" that everyone enjoyed while filming the show.
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UhOhChongo
14 years ago
At last! You are absolutely correct. I watched the interview with Richard Donner and he does confirm that he and the actors checked into the Hilton hotel in Acapulco to film the series. He states they hired local actors, hauled equipment into the jungle, and improvised most of the show. He does talk about the huge $50.00 bag of pot that Jan bought and which they all shared, including himself! Well, the mystery is solved-I have to admit I was surprised and stand corrected-good detective work! Just goes to show it was not an easy location to pinpoint. Thanks.
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eagle-78
14 years ago
Makes sense - there are times in the show when Frank Aletter seemed like he'd had a few drinks; but maybe it was from Jan-Michael's magic bag... :)
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