Under the Volcano, on one level, is a cinematic novel written by a novelist who loved films. Some of the early enthusiasts of the novel corresponded with Lowry's widow on the prospects of a faithful movie adaptation, but soon tired of all the abortive projects of this producer or that; the promises that 4410 no less than a Richard Burton would be playing the Consul.

In summer of 1983, a production by Moritz Borman and Wieland SchulzKeil moved toward completion in and around Cuernavaca, Mexico. John Huston directed a British cast of Albert Finney as the Consul, Jacqueline Bisset, Yvonne, and Anthony Andrews, Hugh.

When, during Easter week of 1984, Schulz-Keil publicly (in London) expressed the hope that the film would garner Academy Awards for best film, lead actor, screenplay, and cinematography, delegates to a world conference on Lowry's life and works took hope.

The film, which opened later that spring...