
American Graffiti
George Lucas was originally slated to direct Apocalypse Now for Warner Bros. but the deal fell though. Despite its shoestring budget and little support from Universal, his next project was a mythic ode to his high school years in Modesto, California that became a sleeper hit, grossing over $55 million and jump-starting numerous careers both behind and in front of the cameras. Interestingly, the innovative end title wrap-up‚ describing the fates of its characters did not include any of the females. A disappointing multi-screen-ratio sequel followed in 1979.
About Allan Arkush
A record collector and film buff from birth, Allan Arkush brought his two loves together in directing the cult classic Rock ‘n’ Roll High School. Back in the day Allan was directing and executive producing television series like Heroes, and Crossing Jordan. He has also directed episodes of Ally McBeal, Moonlighting, St. Elsewhere, Fame, A Series of Unfortunate Events and TV Movies like Elvis Meets Nixon and Shake Rattle & Rock as well as the mini-series, The Temptations, for which he won an Emmy. He used to have a lost film, Get Crazy, but Kino/Lorber found it in time for Christmas 2021. His day job is teaching Film production & history at the AFI.