Lee Purcell on her role in "Big Wednesday", John Milius, and the "story underneath the story"

Lee Purcell chats her role in the cult classic "Big Wednesday", working with John Milius, and the "story underneath the story" of the film.

[@13mrbill]

I saw Big Wednesday in the theater at least 4 times with my two best friends, (the 3 friends) Ted and Mike. We'd have been about 15 at the time and we loved it from the jump. I even brought a cassette tape recorder in and recorded the entire film so I could listen to it at home. Needless to say, I got it right away. It's always blown me away that this film never got the love that it should have, and now to hear Ms. Purcell talk about how the marketing wasn't right at least brings me a bit of understanding. Big Wednesday is one of the greatest films ever in my opinion and I'm so happy to hear that it has become a cult classic. Well deserved. Stay casual.

[@MeBeTheDB]

Thank you, dear Lee Purcell ... BIG WEDNESDAY and the story of many hearts made a difference to me when I first saw it in 1978 when I was 20 ... and these many decades later, still resonates -- still echoes. Your 'Peggy' is very much for me, like the love of my life that I sadly let get away. If only we all could gain the wisdom that became the love story of Peggy and Matt and how they transcended the many adversities along the way. Bravo ... you and your role made a difference. D.A.

[@davidp6780]

There's literally a Big Wednesday "quote" for everything in life. I loved it from the first time I saw it when it was released. Bear: "That's when you need a friend, when you're wrong. When you're right you don't need nobody . . ." "Your friends are the only thing you got, have a drink Jack," and I even saw a shirt recently ( by Yellow Rat ) that says "That's just your Oklahoma attitude" on it! Our two dogs are named Waxer and Matt Johnson. And as a little girl when people would ask our daughter "What's your dog"s name?" more often than not she'd reply in her biggest kid voice: I told you that ain't no hodad squidlips, that's Matt Johnson! You and all the cast members of that film have brought so much joy to so many over the years, thank you for your part in that. I can honestly say looking back, now as a 60 year old man and life long surfer, that film has had an outsized positive influence on my life. It captured a classic moment in California history; as well as timeless moments in growing up, the importance of friendship, and how to deal with hardship. You were perfect as PG, glad you insisted on playing that part. Thanks again, DP

[@johnsavala8202]

I had the opportunity to see some of the cast members at the Egyptian Theatre for a Q &A after the 25th anniversary of the movie in Hollywood. Lee Purcell, William Katt, Barbara Hale.

[@MikeOwen-u8j]

Seen Big Wednesday when I was 13 on chanel z with my cousin blew me away the cast the acting coming of age the Vietnam backdrop story brilliant 😊

[@jeffreywollard922]

Top-five movie of all time for me. I was 10 years behind the characters, but otherwise grew up in nearly this exact environment. Even had a surfer friend from Oklahoma who was fearless. As far as Lee Purcell (Peggy) is concerned, that look on her face when she first sees Jack and is holding back tears upon his return from Viet Nam...what an actress.

[@ronaldrollins1558]

Lee Purcell you are a beautiful woman. Always reminded me of Audrey Hepburn and Raquel Welch. Love how she acted through the look of her eyes.

[@deodato585]

In the early days of cable (80, 81) this was among a handful of movies that were shown quite often. At least where I lived on the east coast. Perhaps that may have helped into cult status. Peggy Gordon was my boyhood crush. Love her forever

[@caseyhansen4567]

Big Wednesday will always resonate with the surfing community.water film work by George Greenough, Dan Merkle that are legends of surf photography .surfer doubles with Peter pt Townsend and Ian Cairns Gerry Lopez..and more.thanks for the interview

[@saltydog4759]

In her day, she was one of the sexiest females in the movies

[@MeBeTheDB]

She still is, amigo ... she still is. D.A.

[@jeffreywollard922]

No doubt.

[@barrycuda3769]

So, what part did Milius originally want her for ?

[@marksb0601]

The Patti D'Arbanville part.

[@barrycuda3769]

@@marksb0601 Jack's girlfriend.

[@marksb0601]

@@barrycuda3769 Yes. I believe the characters name was Sally.

[@markwilliamson2795]

So Cal ex surfer dude here.....Big Wednesday touches my soul....We went out on a day like that when we were 17 in 1969-70 paddled out with my friends we never thought we would get back in alive...it's a buddy movie all the way....she will always be hot....always !

[@scottharden1827]

The point grinder is still Hot