
Classic disaster film Earthquake - Charlton Heston

Those of us who remember the disaster film craze of the seventies - spearheaded by producer Irwin Allen - will remember cheesy soap opera storylines, big name actor and aging film star casts, along with groundbeaking - for the era - special effects that stole the show. Earthquake was one of the three biggest of these films, but came at the tail-end of this frenzy. To help market the film and guarantee a big box-office return, Universal didn't bank on stars Charlton Heston, Ava Gardner or Lorne Greene - or even the death and destruction that was the centerpiece of these types of films. The newly patent-pending technology of "Sensurround" where you FEEL the quake was the big push to get people into theatres. Although why they needed to patent something that was unlikely ever to be used again is the question. Maybe for Beyond the Poseidon Adventure which my old dog-eared paperback swears is "soon to be a major motion picture?
My dad took me to see Earthquake when I was about 11 or 12 years old - appropriately enough in Hollywood - and I was amazed at the buildings I recognized being demolished on screen. Senssurround turned out to be a stack of Woofers around the theatre that would have made The Who or Led Zeppelin proud, but was still cool nonetheless. Those of you who purchase this film - make sure you have a big woofer and turn it up! However, if you live in an apartment - be prepared for some angry neighbors and possible ceiling cracks.
The most notable thing about this film is that it is actually watchable. Special effects and loud rumbling aside, the acting is decent (although Ava does push it a little with the screen diva act, and who actaully buys that Lorne Greene is her father???), the score is by John Williams, and none other than Mario Puzo contributes as screenwriter. Finally, this film is a must watch for 3 things: Victoria Principal in an enormous brunette afro, Marjoe Gortner of preacher and soon-to-be sex change fame in an enormous blonde afro, and a somewhat uncredited(check the credits) Walter Matthau as a drunk who is oblivious to the world collapsing around him.
I say this film is good because it manages to bring all the typical elements of a disaster flick together, while still maintaining its dignity. This is a good popcorn film or party film. For those of you who have survived major earthquakes, such as myself, you can explain how off the actual earthquake part is (such as there being no such thing as 5 + minute long quakes with no aftershocks for 6 hours afterward and the advisability of seeking refuge in parking garages)and really annoy your friends! Overall, a fun night with a classic cheese flick that is watchable.
Review ID: 10000000007100331

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