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As a child growing up in the 1970s, I saw many summer films with my family at the Twin Hills Drive-In. At least two or three times a month, our family loaded up the car with blankets and pillows and headed out to watch movies under the stars.
One of my family’s favorite summer movies was the 1973 hit, “American Graffiti.” A coming of age film directed by George Lucas, this movie starred Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, Paul Le Mat, Cindy Williams, Harrison Ford and Wolfman Jack (my favorite DJ). Portraying 1962 Modesto, California, “American Graffiti” takes place over one night and shows the adventures of a group of teenagers cruising around town and listening to radio personality Wolfman Jack.Featuring Mel’s Drive-In, street racing and a sock hop, this movie was a realistic view of teenage life in the early 1960s. My Dad liked this movie because of all the classic original cars featured in the film and my Mom said it reminded her of her teenage years. This is one of those movies I have to stop and watch whenever I find it while flipping through the channels.
“Jaws” is a 1975 horror thriller film directed by Steven Spielberg, his second theatrical film and very first blockbuster, which made him a household name. This movie is based on Peter Benchley's best-selling novel of the same name.The movie takes place in the fictional summer resort of Amity Island where the police chief, Martin Brody – played by Roy Scheider – tries to protect residents from a great white shark. The town council overrules Brody’s decision to shut down the beach during tourist season, and we all know what happens next. It is open buffet season for the great white.
After several shark attacks, Brody enlists the help of a marine biologist, Matt Hooper – played by Richard Dreyfuss - and a professional shark hunter, Quint – played by Robert Shaw to help him track down the shark and kill it.
Although the movie scared me senseless and made me nervous just swimming in a pool, it wasn’t the images that scared me the most – it was the theme music. Written by legendary John Williams, the score to “Jaws” still evokes cold chills down my spine every time I hear it. My favorite quote: “I think we’re going to need a bigger boat” - famous last words.
“Jaws” is considered the father of the summer blockbuster movie. The film was followed by three sequels, none with the participation of Spielberg or Benchley and none as successful as the original: “Jaws 2” (1978), “Jaws 3-D” (1983) and “Jaws: The Revenge” (1987). A video game titled “Jaws Unleashed” was produced in 2006.
In 1977, “Star Wars” changed the world of science fiction forever. Considered a space opera film, “Star Wars” was written and directed by George Lucas and is the first of six films released in the “Star Wars” saga – 3 original movies and 3 prequels. “Star Wars” is one of the most successful films of all time and is considered one of the most influential in pop culture.Set in a galaxy far, far away, the movie tells the story of a group of freedom fighters, known as the Rebel Alliance, fighting to destroy the oppressive Galactic Empire by disabling the Death Star space station. The plot follows the tale of farm boy, Luke Skywalker - Mark Hamill - who is suddenly thrust into the role of hero when he takes possession of the robots – R2D2 and C3PO - carrying the schematic plans for the Death Star. Luke must accompany Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi - Alec Guinness - on a mission to rescue the owner of the robots, rebel leader Princess Leia Organa - Carrie Fisher. Luke also has help from Han Solo – Harrison Ford - and his Wookiee co-pilot Chewbacca - Peter Mayhew.
“Star Wars” gave birth to one of the most evil villains in movie history, Darth Vader – portrayed by David Prowse and voiced by James Earl Jones. The other two movies in the original trilogy – “The Empire Strikes Back” (1980) and “Return of the Jedi” (1983) – both have the original cast from “Star Wars.” The three prequels – “The Phantom Menace” (1999), “Attack of the Clones” (2002) and “Revenge of the Sith” (2005) – revolve around the character development of Darth Vader. Although the second trilogy received mixed reviews, all three went on to become major blockbusters.
I have seen many summer blockbusters since the 1970s, but the ones from my childhood hold the most memories. Although I love much of the new technology available in current films, there is something about these classic movies that hold a soft spot in my heart.
