American Graffiti
Where were you in '62?
Overview
A couple of high school graduates spend one final night cruising the strip with their buddies before they go off to college.
Backdrop
What makes this movie Worth Watching
American Graffiti arrived at a time of cultural nostalgia in the early 1970s, reflecting a yearning for simpler times amidst the social and political upheaval of the Vietnam War era. The film's sanitized portrayal of 1962 offered a comforting escape from the complexities of contemporary American life, appealing to audiences seeking a romanticized vision of the past.
- Captures the authentic feel of early 1960s American youth culture, particularly the cruising scene.
- Features a fantastic soundtrack of classic rock and roll hits that perfectly complements the visuals and narrative.
- Showcases early performances from future stars like Harrison Ford, Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, and Suzanne Somers.
- Presents a relatable and nostalgic coming-of-age story about friendship, love, and the anxieties of leaving home.
Fun Facts
- George Lucas financed the film in part by offering to make 'Howard the Duck' for Universal Pictures if 'American Graffiti' was a success.
- The white 1958 Edsel driven by Steve Bolander (Ron Howard) belonged to George Lucas himself.
- Many of the cars featured in the film were owned by actual local cruisers in the Modesto, California area, where the film was originally intended to be shot (but was eventually filmed in Petaluma).
Available Languages
English
US
Title:
"Where were you in '62?"
suomi
FI
Title: Svengijengi -62
""
Español
ES
Title: American Graffiti
"¿Dónde estabas en el 62?"
Italiano
IT
Title:
"Anche tu negli anni '60... ?"
Français
FR
Title:
"Où étiez-vous en 1962 ?"
Deutsch
DE
Title:
"Wo warst du im Jahr 62?"
Where to Watch
Cast
Crew
Reviews
It's 1962. '50s cool cars, killer music and an all-star cast from before they were stars. The story doesn't really mean anything here, it's all about the ambience of the period. So put on a white T-shirt, slick back your hair and feel young again.
Oscar Awards
Wins
Haven't Won A Oscar
Nominations
ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE - 1973
Candy Clark
DIRECTING - 1973
George Lucas
FILM EDITING - 1973
Verna Fields, Marcia Lucas
BEST PICTURE - 1973
Francis Ford Coppola, Gary Kurtz
WRITING (Story and Screenplay--based on factual material or material not previously published or produced) - 1973
George Lucas, Gloria Katz, Willard Huyck
Media
Clip
The Car Revenge Prank
Featurette
Ron Howard's Moving Tribute to Francis Ford Coppola
Clip
Steve Bolander and Laurie Henderson Lead Off the Snowball Dance