70s Memories and Movies- 1977
78
Year of the Blockbusters
Rocky continued on into 1977 and was an unexpected monster hit if there ever was one. We had previously shown The Lords of Flatbush with Stallone in it, but who could have known what was to come from this man. Sly, to say the least.
The story enchanted everyone and it was most clever to have Rocky lose at the end. Adrian, - Aaaddrian! Unforgettable for audiences.
Pop T was very fortunate in his rotation picks that year and although there were a few stinkers, over all this was probably the best time financially the Flick was to ever have. Added to the fantastic roll out of regular features we finally nailed the correct venue for the Flick's late shows.
It was immediately obvious when kung-fu pictures started that a movie cinema goldmine had been found. The double features were Friday, Saturday and Sunday at eleven-thirty p.m. and were generally at capacity seating or near it every night but Sunday.The ticket price as recalled was two-fifty a head in 1977.
The audience for these movies were largely African-American. One should remember this was 1977 and some things were more out in the open than they are now. The patrons enjoyed their pot and were constantly coming out to buy cups with ice for their booze. When we would have a complaint about having to pay for the drink cups, we'd just say "...that's how we take our inventory" which was true.
In comparison to how life and certain things are today, its interesting to note that in all the years these late shows ran not once to my knowledge were the police ever called, a fight or serious argument break out, or any attempt at a robbery made.
I believe these movies were like a catharsis for the people, as the plots were mostly about a brave hero arising from the oppressed to do battle and defeat the oppressors. The last thing any of these patrons wanted was to be denied the Flick's late shows, believe you me.
One flop that year--which if not mistaken is considered an all time movie bust--was Exorcist Two. It was greeted with great excitement by exhibitors. I'm not sure if they got a pre-screening but its doubtful.. The film was a total mess and practically unwatchable. Another one was a George C. Scott flick called Islands in the Stream.
Now the late Mr. Scott has given us some mighty fine and outstanding film portrayals such as Patton, but this one is a different matter. One evening Joel and I were in the projection room over-seeing a tiny audience when suddenly he pulled out a joint. Joel was the kind of guy men gravitated to as a friend(of which he had many), so consequently, he always secured the finest smoke around.
It was 1977 and almost all the peers I knew back then partook in varying degrees, myself included.The effect of this most unusual grade caused us to somehow see right into a part were Scott is emoting at the side of a stream.
It was like we were there on the movie set not having any real connection to the scene; but rather seeing right through the silly acting motions, which of course made George C. look ridiculous; it was hilarious and I can't ever remember gut buster laughing more joyfully with a pal.
I stopped smoking it a long time ago and of course would never recommend it--unless legally prescribed--to anyone, as it does have a bad tendency to make one lazy and put on unhealthy pounds.
Star Wars. Another sleeper/monster hit no one had any clue would become what it has. The audience for this picture started off moderate, increasing as word of mouth spread. Unlike today's promotions, internet and all, back then the "grapevine" was what could finally push a movie into the stratosphere.
George Lucas's vision startled and delighted most who saw it as no one had been exposed to this type of movie special-effects before. The audiences had great fun swaying in their rocking- chair cinema seats. Chewbacca, R2D2, Luke, Hans and all the rest were instantly memorable 70's characters and the show wound up doing excellent business and of course went on to became the mighty franchise it has.
It was at this time because I remember Star Wars was playing that a life threatening situation occurred.The wonderful and generous Mrs. Dot, Pop T's wife, asked if I would deliver a package to a friend of hers in a metropolitan area close by the next day. Unable to score a love-bird for the night at a local night-club, and not wanting to go home or do anything really but stay up drinking, the following dangerous event took place.
I hooked up with a dude as a friend who I thought was cool. After the bar closed at two p.m. we went down to the river and drank and conversed till sunrise. When we got to the woman's house she invited us in for coffee. Unbeknown to me, the jerk took the opportunity to steal twenty dollars from her purse.
We left and it wasn't long before he began to boast about his thievery. I was upset and began non-threateningly berating him for this when he pulled a switch- blade out and put it to my throat, saying pull over. We exited through his side of the car with my life now in jeopardy.
So, there we were, in rush hour traffic, standing to the side of a major big city intersection in those no cell phone days. I managed to talk the maniac down, and he eventually lowered the blade. We then proceeded on, but it was a close run thing and from then on out, I made sure to always keep an unknown factor in front of me, never to the side or behind.
Two other block- busters the Flick showed that year were Saturday Night Fever and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. John Travolta's portrayal of Tony Manero was incredible and even though the south was in many ways different than New York City, people are basically the same when it comes to interpersonal situations.
John Travolta's disco dancing and the Bee-Gees music didn't hurt any either. The show did super business. Pop T and Mrs. Dot later meet Travolta at a "National Alliance of Theater Owners" convention and said he was a friendly and very likable person.
Close Encounters of the Third Kind came out later in the year and cemented Steven Spielberg's reputation once and for all. Jaws was no fluke.The movie was utterly engrossing and fascinating. The ending had patrons spell-bound and some came out of the cinema looking like a religious experience had happened to them. It also was the only movie the Flick played that caused me to purchase a book on the subject. The film did phenomenal biz.
There are so many other things that could be included in this year but we shall proceed with some other movie shows that were played in 1977. A Bridge too Far was an excellent and accurate war film on the tragic attempt by the British and their allies the Americans to wrest a bridge from the Germans in WW2.
It had many star names in it, Robert Redford being one who has been quoted as saying something to the effect "The only thing stupider than the amount of money they offered me, would be if I had turned it down." Orca , a movie starring Richard Harris, obviously made on the coat-tails of Jaws, was about a vengeful Killer Whale and was actually a pretty good picture.
The little known Sorcerer made by the director of "The Exorcist" which unintentionally fooled the theater owners and public into believing it would be in the mold of the demon show. It tanked like a rock in water. A fine performance by Gregory Peck in MacArthur , purported to be the last movie request of Elvis Presley.
Thanks folks, hope you enjoyed the 1977 cinema show some and will be back for 1978. Perhaps some frames of the people and town can be looked at again as in the earlier 70's more closely; and of course, those marvelous movies!
- 1976, 1980, 1981 are on HubPages. other years are on the link below.
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Love the way you hold your reader's interest. I'm always sad when there's no more left to read!! UP++
This is kinda funny but shows how updating a hub can come about: It was written in here that "McArthur" was the last movie Elvis saw. After browsing this new book called "Elvis in Vegas" I found out he actually requested a private screening for him and Ginger the night before he passed, but it was too late for the projectionist so they missed it. Thank you Gail, that movie sounds awesome and I do want to seeit. Saturday Night Fever; you know what got the biggest laugh in that; when Tony's dad slapped his head at the dinner table haha. Close Encounters was a one of a kind movie and kind is the optimal word there. Wonder if we'll ever see the likes again.:)
Awesome and interesting hub and I so enjoy how you weave your personal experiences into these movie hubs. I recently saw the movie, "My Week With Marilyn," and thought of you during it, as it was about a young man's experience working on a movie set. I enjoyed it, mostly because the young man was so resourceful, good-natured and good-hearted and he was getting himself into so many adventurous and "sticky" situations.
Getting back to 1977, I loved Saturday Night Fever (even though I can't dance and never went to disco clubs) and I also liked "Encounters of the Third Kind."
Voted this hub up across the board except for funny.
Your telling your age Jackie but thats okay cause your still pretty young. Saturday Night Fever was a great film with the Bee Gees music being a good part of its success. Only two left. Very sad. The rock star life has its share of victims for sure. Jackie thanks but you don't ever owe me a visit, though I do like it when you do.:)
I think Saturday Night Fever was 15 or 20 years old before I got into it and fell in love with the Bee Gees and I still love them, although there are only two left. Sad to lose all these we love so much that gave us so much. Owed you a visit and this looked interesting...and it was, very.
Good memories to enjoy, bad memories to throw away- you said it! 1977, that was probably the best year for movies. Magic time at the movie show. Thank you Eiddwen, you've made me glad this one was written.
Oh how I enjoyed this one Alaster!! I have seen all the films and love every single one.
In fact i think we have them all as DVDs right here.
I have to admit though that my enjoyment of StarWars didn't develop until a few years ago but I am now hooked and now have a range of films that I enjoy.
Thank you so much for sharing this trip down memory lane and I look forward to many more walks down this enchanting lane.
Good memories to enjoy; bad memories to throw away.
Brilliant reviews my friend.
Enjoy your day.
Eiddwen.
Well, build a mountain out of mashed potatoes. What do you know. Your dad's Travolta's pilot. Imagine they are close then, with the flying in common too. That's awesome James, thanks so much for mentioning it. Pop T gave me a picture of John smiling at that convention but I haven't seen it in a long time- hope it didn't get lost when moving. CE3K was in a unique class all by itself. Stunning and larger than life to say the least. What happened to movies like that James. Now-a-days its all negative it seems. Wheres the magic gone my friend.
I knew I had missed a couple of these. You've got a treasure trove of stories from back in the day, my friend. I love "Close Encounters of the Third Kind."
I may have told you this: my dad is John Travolta's pilot. :D
Thanks for the great memories.
Yes it was a great year for movies! When Star Wars first came out quality girl no one had any idea it would do or become what it did. I forgot about a movie we played called Carrie that had Travolta in it before we played Saturday Night Fever. The boss said Travolta was a really nice person in person. Thank s Quality Girl.
what an awesome year of good movies! I had 2 of my all time favorites that year. Saturday night fever and star wars! Star Wars was the beginning of many more to come and still has a following of dedicated fans. John Travolta will be remembered for this movie more than anything else he has done. you keep writing and I'll keep reading!
HaHaa! Mr Epi your the man. Your steel-trap and creative mind is so unique in that you use it for the delightful benefit of others. There is no guile in you, only a genuine openness that is ultra-max charming. There should have been a Hubbie award for most beloved; you'd have won that one too. Tomatoes used to be called 'love apples,' should have eaten the whole lot of em and then maybe I'd gotten lucky that day...lol! How did that line in Lennon's 'Instant Karma' go-- ' Who in the hell d' you think you are..a super star' Not me Colin but you know I appreciate your kind appellation. And if a little pleasure's brought to the table all the better. Schubert and daybreak over Lake Erie..yes, that is an inspiration.
....you are such a terrific writer my friend - love your new profile picture too - it reminds of the Tarantino film he never made - Showdown at the roadside Tomato stand - and believe a lot of tomatoes were destroyed that day -lol lol
....and yes you were born to write - you are one of our resident superstars here and you have brought so much pleasure to the epi-man and to others - with your words of majesty.
lake erie time 7:00 am second cup of coffee, Schubert playing and the daybreak over the lake - now there's a writer's scenario .....
You know how I feel about that time in your life. Wasn't that a truly great year for the movies! Star Wars, CE2K, Saturday Night Fever, and we saw em all. Best year for the money the ole cinema ever had. Those were some fab times at the picture show. The maniac woulda slit my throat or poked holes in me if i'd resisted. The a**hole swiped 20 bucks from the ladies purse and when he started bragging about it and i found out after we'd left; well, i began saying things like..why'd you do that man? Though i wasn't going to get violent about it, he decided to preempt any possible retaliation. I used my head and talked him down but it was close. Dropped his a** off and never saw him again..Irish..he was a white trash crook with a switch-blade. In the 70's South out-side of work and school blacks and whites didn't socialize all that much and every one got along fine. Not saying anything personal thats just the way it was. The kung-fu shows had maybe a 20% white audience but it became a ritual for the black folks. They really got into them and cut loose with hollering when the film would break, smoked their pot and drank. I don't know the cultural or psychological reasons but like was written in the story these films had plots mostly about evil big-wigs oppressing people and the hero emerges to make things right. Any ways, they were great fun and often really good. Hope this answered some and thank you Irish for the read and super fine comment:D
1977 was not a great year for me personally but it was probably one of the best years for my kind of movies at the time. I saw nearly all of the movies you mentioned in this hub and I really appreciate this fabulous trip down memory lane.
Do you think that guy would really have harmed you? Did he ever apologise after? What did you say to him to make him so angry? I'm curious.
Can you explain why you think the Sunday night showings were filled with mostly African Americans?
Voted up as were all the others.
Hi there Nurse mar. Star Wars was quite the ride swaying back n forth. Audiences had never seen the likes of it before. Yes, its no surprise you were a proper teen and didn't indulge the bad habits of some..well, many. Carrie Fisher; really haven't seen much of her since the early Star Wars series and that sounds sad about the skit. Slowly but surely is a good way to proceed and you've got some surprises and hopefully laughs coming soon. Thank you and may the force be with you mar.
Alastar,
Wow, to me Star Wars was just larger than life at the tender age of 16 (yes, I went with Mamma and was certainly not "smoking", LOL)! I was so sad to see Carrie Fisher in her recent comedy skit, so down on herself/ trying to be funny... I guess time moves on.
Enjoying this series, sir, even though I am moving slowly!
Voted UP & AWESOME...Have a super weekend, mar!
CE2 was a ground breaking movie. It touched the heart & sparked the curiosity. Stars Wars was an event with endearing characters. It was a feast for the eyes. At the time I believe CE2 made the bigger impact on audiences but we all know how that story turned out. Kathy, do remember that line in the Boston song that goes 'so many people, have come an gone...' In the last 20+ years I've seen two from back then, one on purpose and one by accident. Sometimes circumstances come where one must move on in life..but your right, they never forget. :D
Didn't we all love Close Encounters? What a fantastic movie. It DID feel like a religious experience; it was so real and, to many...a wish..'wouldn't it be great...?" STAR WARS! I could NOT believe the scenes when Luke was piloting the small rapidly flying "personal spaceship" (can't think of the correct term for these) through the corridors and among parts of the mother ship and not colliding w/just about EVERYTHING! I remember swaying in my seat (as everyone else was, too) as we followed those flights)! Fantasy! My favorite! Your life reads like a young man's dream, Alastar...what fun you must have had..and experiences which will last a lifetime; friends to remember..do you ever contact any of these "players?" I sure hope you do. Wouldn't that be really cool? Cool is the only word that seems to fit in this situation..this is such a wonderfully fun and reminescent series you're writing. I will follow it to its consclusion which I hope isn't for a very long time because, like any book I love or story line I follow...I don't want it to end. So many of your memories resonate..very close to home. Much appreciated and enjoyed! UP Awesome, Beautiful and Wonderful!
Oh, and Useful because, it always helps to have another's view and opinion of something.
You got it 'Canook' and thanks again.
Hi! 'tarheel' you can call me 'Canook'- I think it is a cool name Angie
Hi! 'Canook', is that alright, if not will go back to other. 1977 sure was a good year for great movies. The big boys weren't too pleased with the little ole Flick getting so many hot ones that year. Down the road they changed the rules to make sure that didn't happen so much anymore. But it was a blast with all the characters you mentioned. Thank you Angie and so glad it took you back in a happy way. Your 'tarheel'. :)
Hi! 'Tarheel'
Your Hub is memory lane...1977 I was 17.
Star War .. Luke and Hans, Saturday Night Fever - John Travolta, boy could John dance.
Well done Angie
Agree with you Mentalist. It was fun and different to see but didn't quite envelop like say, "Close Encounters" or even "Rocky". Of course as far as the culture and all goes from any film that year it can't be touched.The characters did charm everyone and it was a big B.O. Thanks Mentalist for the read and comment. Yours AP
I remembered Star Wars for its awesome special effects,but thought it was formatted to much towards kids.;)
When you say: 'taught a guy on the beach to say Cheap Date' what do you mean exactly by that Hyph, you don't mean hurt him like rolling in the sand do you...lol? Lets get a group up and go have some fun in Acapulco. You get a C in the name test, hint, hint. I'll still tell if you want. Positive thought emanations going out for contest.. wait! Your writing talent doesn't need any such help. My greens on you. Merci Hyph
Hehe. I actually was a blonde while there and taught a guy on the beach to say Cheap Date. Those were his only English words. I hope he didn't get hurt. lol And an old lady about gave me a heart attack. She must have been 90 and was selling coconuts on the beach. She took a giant machete and chopped the thing open! I feared for her hand and my head. I would love to go back. It was great fun.
Does Joel's last name start with an A?
I was writing a children's story for a national contest and just didn't have time to get on my beloved Hub. It is in now (pray for me) so I will write a new Hub soon, hopefully tomorrow.
Hyph, I haven't seen you on the site for a couple days and was beginning to worry about you. Glad your back gal! That's so kewl about shouting at his palatial home. Fun in Acapulco for sure. Were you a good girl down there? Bet you were but with your hair down...lol. So, you truly believe you know who 'Joel' was? If you promise to keep it a secret I'll e-mail you his real name. Hurry with your next story...starting to go through with-drawls. Merci as always Hyph.
This really did bring back memories. Rocky was so inspirational. BTW-I saw his home when I was in Acapulco. Of course we shouted ROOOOCKY! as we drove by. And I really must know Joel's last name. I believe I know him. Really. Another perfectly written trip down memory lane. Thank you Alastar.
Thank you gg.zaino. Hope Elliot's doing well today. It sure is memory lane. Its strange to think back then we had what...three or four T.V. channels..a cell phone woulda been something an inmate had and yes..ahem, we did have the smoke. Never thought about it but by gosh your right..Sly probably did get that from 'Streetcar'. Thanks again for the compliments gg and i want to get in to your 60s memories about growing up and others. Am already hooked on the continuing adventures of Elliot and co.!
Voted UP Alastar- thanks for the trip down memory lane- the review was well done.
how did we ever manage back then without the internet?
oh- thats right- good weed!
The scene with Balboa screaming for his beloved "ADRIANNE!" was a direct rip off in my estimation, from Brando in 'Streetcar Named Desire' and his own bellowing- for his beloved "STELLA!"
Thank you for a great read Alastar- your style is unique.
peace- greg
Have know quite a few here too tamron. It was big when it was released back in '77..went on to be the number one movie of the year at 127 million(what would that be today?)but no one new just how long and massively successful the whole enterprise would be.Thank you tamron, I appreciate very much the comment and interest. :-)
I had a friend that collected everything to do with Star Wars> Great Hub!
Appreciate as always your following and support jt. How does a character named Behemoth sound. He was truly the most astounding of all. We had a lot of hits that year but the only one i can think of off the bat is"Every Which Way But Loose". Thank you jt.
awesome-I love reading the continuing series of the Cinema Nights! Please keep them coming!
Thank you very kindly paradigmsearch, your probably the first person to ever do that. It does bring back the memories. I guess i'm an optimist because a few years ago called up "Joel" to see what he thought about a book being written on those times. He was off on a movie set as a prop-man but i talked with his wife. Later on she told me he wanted to forget those times, which indeed had its share of heart-breaks. There were some wonderful people though and the times were far from all bad. Anyhow its a little bit of that era and its movies and if anyone gets anything out of it it'll be worth the effort as far as i'm concerned. Merci again paradigm.
You sure do know how to bring back memories… Excellent hub. I rated it up every which way.
Alastar Packer Hub Author 8 weeks ago
fpherj48 I have to laugh at myself sometimes, this was one of the first articles written on HP and I just spent ten minutes on some typos and such. Practice makes a little better doesn't it lol. Thank you so much for choosing this and commenting, these were really fun to write. 1977 is one of the tamer ones since there were so many great films that year. If you read any more of them later on please feel free to write on any memories you might have of your own movie going experiences.