6 Rare ‘Great Gatsby’ 1974 Set Photos That Show the Movie’s Stars at Their Most Iconic

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel The Great Gatsby is officially 100 years old, and to celebrate, we’ve decided to look back at what really went on behind the scenes on the set of the 1974 adaptation. The plot of both the film and the novel follows Nick Carraway (Sam Waterston) after he moves in next door to the mysterious Jay Gatsby (Robert Redford), who just so happens to be in love with Nick’s married cousin Daisy Buchanan (Mia Farrow). The film won two Oscars, and if you keep scrolling, you can see the best photos from the set that are just as glitzy and glamorous as we had hoped. 

Lounging around—the lavish way

Jay Gatsby (Redford) is known for his lavish parties and clothes, and given how famous Redford is, it totally makes sense that he would be the same way. Here you can see the actor sunbathing in the pool that his onscreen character only used on the day of his (spoiler alert) death. Given that, we assume that this photo was taken on the same day, making it both tragic and iconic. 

Let’s go for a drive 

Gatsby’s friendship with Nick (Waterston) is a key part of the film, as it paves the way for the rich party host to reconnect with his long-lost love Daisy (Farrow). Nick is also the first party guest to whom Gatsby reveals his identity, and here you can see the two actors hanging out together in one of the film’s cars. We like to imagine that the two of them were friends on and off screen, and this picture seems to confirm it. 

Daisy gets a little dirty 

Since The Great Gatsby takes place in 1920s New York, it is not surprising that smoking plays a significant role in the plot. All of the characters are seen with a cigarette multiple times throughout the film, and here you can see Mia Farrow (who plays Daisy Buchanan) doing the exact same thing. Whether it was for her personal enjoyment or to help stay in character remains unknown, but it does show that if needed, seemingly naive Daisy can get a little dirty if needed. 

How are you doing, old sport? 

Gatsby and Daisy’s love story is one for the ages, and here you can see that the actors who played them in the 1974 adaptation have the perfect amount of chemistry, allowing that to come across on camera. Not only is Redford looking deep into Farrow’s eyes, but they are also sitting so close to one another, allowing their on and off-screen connection to come across. 

Need a ride? 

Anyone who has seen or read The Great Gatsby knows that Gatsby’s car plays a huge part in that shocking ending. Yes, we are talking about when Daisy runs over Myrtle Wilson (Karen Black) while driving Gatsby’s car, which eventually leads to George Wilson (Scott Wilson) killing Gatsby. Here, though, Redford can be seen hanging out in front of that car, meaning that before things turned deadly, it was delightful. 

Nick gets knicked on the nose

Daisy and Nick are among the closest cousins we have ever seen, and it’s clear that Waterston and Farrow shared the same affection. They can be seen smiling at one another and Farrow is even booping him on the nose, showcasing that they really did love each other on and off screen.