Some statistics: Release date: 08-01-1973 Budget: $750 000 Domestic Gross: $115 000 000 Rentals: $55 128 000 Producer – Francis Ford Coppola; Gary Kurtz Director – Georg Lucas Screenwriter – Georg Lucas, Gloria Katz, Willard Huyck Visual director – Haskall Wexler

Performer Richard Dreyfuss Ron Howard Paul Le Mat Charles Martin Smith Cindy Williams Candy Clark Mackenzie Phillips Wolfman Jack Harrison Ford

Character Curt Steve John Terry Laurie Debbie Carol Himself Falfa

1973’s American Graffiti was George Lucas’ blessing. Two years earlier he made THX-1138, and when that movie failed horribly at the box office, George Lucas thought he would never be able to show his face in Hollywood again. But they gave him another chance. He was to write and direct the low-budget movie American Graffiti. With the modest $750 000 budget the film ended up grossing $115 million domestically, with an additional $55 million in video rentals. It also paved the way for Star War.

But American Graffiti was more than just a box office hit, it was a critical hit as well. The film went on to earn 5 Academy Award Nominations, one Golden Globe for Best Picture and Most Promising Newcomer (male) for Paul Le Mat and was also awarded at international film festivals. The American Film Institute selected American Graffiti as one of the best 100 films ever made.

Where were you in ’62 ?

John & Carol

Steve & Laurie

Curt

Terry & Debbie

Mel’s Drive-In

A closer look

HOME