From ‘Jaws’ to ‘Cuckoo’s Nest’ and ‘Rocky Horror’: 15 Iconic 1975 Movies Turning 50 This Year
It was a great year for movies, including 'Shampoo,' 'The Stepford Wives,' 'Dog Day Afternoon' & more
If the year 1975 had to be distilled down to one title in terms of movies, it would be Jaws. And while that Steven Spielberg-directed film truly introduced the idea of the Hollywood blockbuster, the truth is that there was a diversity of other films that year —from comedies to thought-provoking dramas and cult classics—that are celebrating 50 years as well.
The mix of genres from that year is especially noteworthy. From the satirical comedy of Shampoo to the suspenseful horror of Jaws, the musical extravaganza of The Rocky Horror Picture Show and the silliness of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, 1975 offered something for everyone.
The same was true for films like One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and Dog Day Afternoon, which delved deep into the human psyche, presenting narratives that provoked critical discussions. Meanwhile, adventures like The Man Who Would Be King and Escape to Witch Mountain transported audiences to fantastical realms, highlighting the year’s varied storytelling. What follows is a look at 15 of those films.
1. ‘Shampoo’ (February 11)
Starring: Warren Beatty (George Roundy), Julie Christie (Jackie Shawn), Goldie Hawn (Jill Haynes), Lee Grant (Felicia Karpf)
Writer and Director: Written by Robert Towne and Warren Beatty, directed by Hal Ashby
Plot Summary: Set on the eve of the 1968 presidential election, Shampoo follows George Roundy, a Beverly Hills hairstylist whose charm and good looks lead to romantic entanglements with multiple women, including his ex-girlfriend, her best friend, and a wealthy older client.
Behind-the-scenes facts:
- Warren Beatty, who co-wrote the script, was inspired by his own experiences as a Hollywood playboy.
- Lee Grant won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role.
- Carrie Fisher made her film debut in a pretty unforgettable moment
- The character of George Roundy was reportedly inspired by a pair of real-life hairdressers, most notably Jay Sebring, who serviced the stars in LA in the 1960s and was murdered by the Manson Family in 1969; and Jon Peters, who would move from hairdressing to movie producing.
2. ‘The Stepford Wives’ (February 12)
Starring: Katharine Ross (Joanna Eberhart), Paula Prentiss (Bobbie Markowe), Patrick O’Neal (Dale Coba), Tina Louise (Charmaine Wimperis)
Writer and Director: Written by William Goldman (based on the novel by Ira Levin), directed by Bryan Forbes
Plot Summary: Joanna Eberhart moves with her family to the seemingly idyllic suburb of Stepford, Connecticut. Once settled there, she discovers that the women in the town, including her friends, are being turned into submissive, perfect housewives by their controlling husbands.
Behind-the-scenes facts:
- The term “Stepford Wife” became a cultural shorthand for women who conform to outdated gender stereotypes.
- Many scenes were filmed in Connecticut towns like Darien and Fairfield.
- Katharine Ross’ performance was critically acclaimed, adding depth to the horror.
- The film spawned three TV movies (1980’s Revenge of the Stepford Wives, 1987’s The Stepford Children and 1996’s The Stepford Husbands); and a 2004 remake starring Nicole Kidman.
3. ‘Funny Lady’ (March 12)
Starring: Barbra Streisand (Fanny Brice), James Caan (Billy Rose), Omar Sharif (Nicky Arnstein)
Writer and Director: Written by Jay Presson Allen and Arnold Schulman, directed by Herbert Ross
Plot Summary: A sequel to Funny Girl (1968), the film continues the story of Fanny Brice as she navigates her career and love life following her divorce from Nicky Arnstein. Fanny enters a new relationship with showman Billy Rose while struggling to maintain her career in show business.
Behind-the-scenes facts:
- Barbra Streisand reprised her role as Fanny Brice, earning a Golden Globe nomination.
- The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Original Song.
- Many critics compared it unfavorably to Funny Girl, though Streisand’s performance was praised.
- Barbra Streisand did not want to participate in the film, but was legally forced to by producer Ray Stark to whom she owed one more film on her contract.
4. ‘Tommy’ (March 19)
Starring: Roger Daltrey (Tommy Walker), Ann-Margret (Nora Walker), Oliver Reed (Frank Hobbs), Tina Turner (The Acid Queen)
Writer and Director: Written by Pete Townshend (based on The Who’s rock opera), directed by Ken Russell
Plot Summary: Tommy follows the story of a deaf, dumb, and blind boy who becomes a pinball champion and a spiritual leader. As Tommy’s fame grows, so does the surreal and chaotic nature of his life, culminating in a critique of fame and consumerism.
Behind-the-scenes facts:
- The film is based on The Who’s 1969 rock opera album of the same name.
- Ann-Margret won a Golden Globe for her performance and was nominated for an Oscar.
- Elton John’s performance of “Pinball Wizard” became one of the film’s highlights.
- Ken Russell’s direction emphasized psychedelic visuals and surrealism.
5. ‘Escape to Witch Mountain’ (March 21)
Starring: Kim Richards (Tia), Ike Eisenmann (Tony), Ray Milland (Aristotle Bolt), Donald Pleasence (Lucas Deranian)
Writer and Director: Written by Robert Malcolm Young (based on the novel by Alexander Key), directed by John Hough
Plot Summary: Siblings Tia and Tony possess mysterious psychic abilities and find themselves pursued by a greedy millionaire who wants to exploit their powers. The children embark on a journey to discover their origins, eventually finding their true home in the mystical Witch Mountain.
Behind-the-scenes facts:
- The film was a major success for Disney, spawning sequels and remakes.
- The chemistry between Kim Richards and Ike Eisenmann was a highlight.
- Star Kim Richards preceded the film as Prudence in the sitcom Nanny and the Professor and would go on to be one of the stars of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
- A 2009 remake, Race to Witch Mountain, starred Dwayne Johnson.
6. ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’ (April 28)
Starring: Graham Chapman (King Arthur), John Cleese (Sir Lancelot), Terry Gilliam (Various roles), Michael Palin (Sir Galahad)
Writer and Directors: Written by Monty Python (Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin), directed by Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones
Plot Summary: A comedic reimagining of King Arthur’s quest for the Holy Grail, the film follows Arthur and his knights as they encounter absurd challenges, from the Knights Who Say “Ni” to a killer rabbit (with “a vicious streak a mile wide”). The story is interwoven with surreal humor and parodies of medieval legends.
Behind-the-scenes facts:
- The film was made on a small budget, leading to creative solutions like using coconuts for horse sound effects.
- The castle scenes were all filmed at Doune Castle in Scotland.
- It became a cult classic and inspired the Broadway musical Spamalot.
- The film’s abrupt ending is one of the most memorable in comedy history.
7. ‘The Eiger Sanction’ (May 21)
Starring: Clint Eastwood (Dr. Jonathan Hemlock), George Kennedy (Ben Bowman), Vonetta McGee (Jemima Brown)
Writer and Director: Written by Hal Dresner and Warren Murphy (based on the novel by Trevanian), directed by Clint Eastwood
Plot Summary: Dr. Jonathan Hemlock, an art professor and retired assassin, is blackmailed into completing one last mission: assassinate a mountain climber during a dangerous expedition on the Eiger mountain. The film blends action, suspense, and stunning alpine cinematography.
Behind-the-scenes facts:
- Clint Eastwood performed many of his own climbing stunts, adding realism to the film.
- The film was shot in Switzerland and Utah.
- Eastwood reportedly read the novel on vacation and immediately decided to adapt it.
- The title refers to the Eiger, one of the most challenging peaks in the Alps.
8. ‘The Return of the Pink Panther’ (May 21)
Starring: Peter Sellers (Inspector Jacques Clouseau), Christopher Plummer (Sir Charles Litton), Catherine Schell (Lady Claudine Litton)
Writer and Director: Written by Blake Edwards and Frank Waldman, directed by Blake Edwards
Plot Summary: Inspector Clouseau is tasked with recovering the stolen Pink Panther diamond, leading to a series of comedic misadventures and slapstick antics. The film reignited the popularity of the Pink Panther franchise.
Behind-the-scenes facts:
- This was Peter Sellers’ return to the franchise after a 10-year hiatus.
- The animated Pink Panther character appears in the opening credits, a franchise staple.
- Christopher Plummer replaced David Niven as Sir Charles Litton.
- It was one of the highest-grossing comedies of the year.
9. ‘Jaws’ (June 20)
Starring: Roy Scheider (Chief Martin Brody), Robert Shaw (Quint), Richard Dreyfuss (Matt Hooper)
Writer and Director: Written by Peter Benchley and Carl Gottlieb (based on Benchley’s novel), directed by Steven Spielberg
Plot Summary: A small New England town is terrorized by a great white shark during the summer tourist season. Chief Brody teams up with a marine biologist and a professional shark hunter to track and kill the predator. The film is a tense, thrilling exploration of survival and fear.
Behind-the-scenes facts:
- Jaws became the first summer blockbuster, grossing over $470 million worldwide.
- The mechanical shark, nicknamed “Bruce,” frequently malfunctioned, forcing Spielberg to rely on suspenseful buildup instead of showcasing it.
- John Williams’ iconic score won an Academy Award.
- It won three Oscars and was nominated for Best Picture.
10. ‘Rollerball’ (June 25)
Starring: James Caan (Jonathan E.), John Houseman (Bartholomew), Maud Adams (Ella)
Writer and Director: Written by William Harrison (based on his short story), directed by Norman Jewison
Plot Summary: Set in a dystopian future where corporations control society, the film follows Jonathan E., a star player in the violent sport of Rollerball. As he challenges the system, Jonathan faces increasing pressure to conform or face deadly consequences.
Behind-the-scenes facts:
- The film was a critique of corporate power and media manipulation.
- James Caan performed many of his own stunts in the Rollerball sequences.
- The futuristic setting was filmed in real-world locations, including Germany.
- It inspired a 2002 remake that was poorly received.
11. ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ (August 14)
Starring: Tim Curry (Dr. Frank-N-Furter),, Susan Sarandon (Janet Weiss), Barry Bostwick (Brad Majors), Richard O’Brien (Riff Raff)
Writer and Director: Written by Richard O’Brien (based on his musical stage production), directed by Jim Sharman
Plot Summary: This cult classic follows a young couple, Brad and Janet, who stumble upon the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a flamboyant scientist hosting a bizarre gathering to unveil his creation, Rocky, a perfect man. Filled with rock-and-roll songs, campy humor and sexual liberation themes, the film is a (very) eccentric celebration of individuality.
Behind-the-scenes facts:
- The film was a box office failure upon release but later gained cult status through midnight screenings.
- Tim Curry reprised his role from the original stage production.
- Audience participation, including props and callouts, became a defining feature of screenings.
- “The Time Warp” remains one of the most iconic songs from the musical.
12. ‘Dog Day Afternoon’ (September 21)
Starring: Al Pacino (Sonny Wortzik), John Cazale (Salvatore “Sal” Naturale), Charles Durning (Det. Sgt. Eugene Moretti), Chris Sarandon (Leon Shermer)
Writer and Director: Written by Frank Pierson (based on a magazine article by P.F. Kluge and Thomas Moore), directed by Sidney Lumet
Plot Summary: Based on a true story, the film follows Sonny Wortzik and his accomplice Sal as they attempt to rob a Brooklyn bank. The heist goes awry, leading to a hostage situation and media frenzy. As tensions rise, Sonny reveals his motivation: to pay for his partner Leon’s gender-affirming surgery.
Behind-the-scenes facts:
- Al Pacino improvised several of his lines, including the famous “Attica!” chant.
- The film was nominated for six Academy Awards, winning Best Original Screenplay.
- The Boys in the Bank was the movie’s original title, but director Sidney Lumet felt it sounded too much like a comedy, so it was changed.
- The film captures the rising power of the media and public spectacle in the 1970s.
13. ‘Three Days of the Condor’ (September 24)
Starring: Robert Redford (Joe Turner/Condor), Faye Dunaway (Kathy Hale), Cliff Robertson (Higgins), Max von Sydow (Joubert)
Writer and Director: Written by Lorenzo Semple Jr. and David Rayfiel (based on the novel by James Grady), directed by Sydney Pollack
Plot Summary: Joe Turner, a CIA analyst codenamed “Condor,” returns from lunch to find his entire office murdered. As he unravels a conspiracy within the CIA, he must rely on his wit and a reluctant ally, Kathy, to survive and expose the truth.
Behind-the-scenes facts:
- The film reflects the post-Watergate distrust in government institutions.
- Redford and Pollack collaborated on several films, including Out of Africa.
- The film’s suspenseful tone influenced later spy thrillers like The Bourne Identity.
- It was a box office success and remains a classic in the political thriller genre.
14. ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’ (November 19)
Starring: Jack Nicholson (Randle P. McMurphy), Louise Fletcher (Nurse Ratched), Brad Dourif (Billy Bibbit), Danny DeVito (Martini)
Writer and Director: Written by Lawrence Hauben and Bo Goldman (based on Ken Kesey’s novel), directed by Miloš Forman
Plot Summary: The film follows Randle P. McMurphy, a criminal who feigns insanity to avoid prison and is sent to a mental institution. There, he clashes with the authoritarian Nurse Ratched, rallying the other patients to rebel against her oppressive rules.
Behind-the-scenes facts:
- It became the second film to win all five major Academy Awards (Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, and Screenplay).
- Many of the supporting cast members were real mental patients.
- Jack Nicholson improvised several key scenes, including the iconic basketball game.
- Louise Fletcher’s portrayal of Nurse Ratched became one of cinema’s most iconic villains.
15. ‘The Man Who Would Be King’ (December 18)
Starring: Sean Connery (Daniel Dravot), Michael Caine (Peachy Carnehan), Christopher Plummer (Rudyard Kipling)
Writer and Director: Written by John Huston and Gladys Hill (based on Rudyard Kipling’s novella), directed by John Huston
Plot Summary: Set in colonial India, the film follows two former British soldiers, Dravot and Carnehan, who embark on an ambitious plan to become kings of a remote region in Kafiristan. Their scheme unfolds with both triumph and tragedy.
Behind-the-scenes facts:
- John Huston initially envisioned Humphrey Bogart and Clark Gable for the lead roles.
- Sean Connery and Michael Caine’s chemistry as lifelong friends was a highlight.
- The film was shot in Morocco, with stunning cinematography capturing the rugged landscapes.
- It was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Screenplay.
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