Hollywood Struggling For Economic Survival

“The American motion-picture industry struggled desperately for economic survival during the late 1960’s and early 1970’s.  About 80% of all films produced lost money.  Nearly every studio was in serious financial trouble.”  –from The World Book Encyclopedia. 1983.

DOMESTIC RENTALS OF THE TOP FILMS  (In millions)

  • 1968:  $26.3
  • 1969:  $45.9
  • 1970:  $48.7
  • 1971:  $38.2

And then came the massive blockbusters…

  • 1972:  $86.2
  • 1973:  $89.0
  • 1975:  $129.5
  • 1977:  $193.7

 

OPENING SHOT AFTER THE TITLE CRAWL

  • Box-office champ for all films released in 1976.
  • Would win Best Picture and the DGA award in 1977.
  • With an estimated production budget of about $1 million, the movie would bring in $56 million in domestic box-office rentals for United Artists.

 

A WORK OF ART

“After searching for months for a work of art that would convey a contemporary notion of God, the editors concluded that there was no appropriate representation.” –from Time magazine, April 1966.

 

THE NEXT SPIELBERG’S TOP 10 LIST.  NEWSWEEK AUGUST 2002.

  • 10 films receiving DGA recognition…including 4 winners.
  • 7 box-office giants released within 10 years after the early 1970’s.
  • “It’s important, Marion.  Trust me.”