The Hollywood blockbuster Titanic, released in 1997, is known for its emotionally charged story, ballooning budget, and numerous Oscar wins. However, there is a lesser-known story behind the scenes during filming in Nova Scotia involving lobster chowder and a hallucinogenic drug. Marilyn McAvoy, a painter on the set, recalls the incident as surreal and dreamy, which has become lore over the years. The modern-day scenes of the movie were filmed in Nova Scotia, without the presence of the leading stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.
During the filming in Nova Scotia, an incident occurred where the cast and crew were allegedly served chowder tainted with a drug known as phencyclidine (PCP), or Angel Dust. Rick Courtney, a production assistant at the time, recalls people acting bizarre, including director James Cameron, who described hallucinations and feeling intoxicated. As more crew members fell ill, emergency services were called, and many were taken to the hospital. Some crew members, like Gloria Stuart, who played old Rose, did not consume the chowder and were unaffected.
New details about the incident and subsequent investigation were revealed in a report released years later. The investigation was challenging as many affected individuals had left the country, and there was no clear culprit identified. Rumors circulated, including speculation about the incident being staged to extend the filming and increase funding. The investigator cautioned against releasing such information, as it could lead to negative press. Despite efforts, it seemed unlikely that the person responsible would be found or convicted.
The conclusion of the mystery surrounding the tainted chowder incident remains unsatisfactory. Investigators believed that unless the perpetrator admitted to the act, they would likely not be identified. The incident was considered a blemish on the local film industry, but over time, it has healed. Despite the shocking nature of the incident and the potential long-term effects of consuming PCP, such as flashbacks, the mystery remains unsolved. Courtney reflects on the audacity of whoever was responsible and the criminal nature of contaminating food with such a dangerous substance.
The incident during the filming of Titanic in Nova Scotia left a lasting impact on those involved, with many experiencing varied effects of the drug. The chaos in the emergency room, the challenges of treating numerous crew members, and the subsequent investigation all added to the intrigue and mystery surrounding the incident. Despite the passage of time and the release of details in the report, the true culprit remains unknown, leaving a sense of unresolved tension surrounding the tainted chowder incident.
