First Preview: January 28, 1973, Northpoint Theater, San Francisco, CA
Second Preview: May 15, 1973, Writer’s Guild Theater, Beverly Hills, CA
Released by Universal Studios: August 1, 1973
Runtime: Original release: 110min ~ Re-release (1978) 112min

A reflection of George Lucas’ years as a teenager growing up in Modesto, California in the early ‘60s, American Graffiti personifies the time in a young man’s life when high school is over and he must decide about his future. Filmed almost entirely at night, this coming-of-age story set in September, 1962, evolves around four longtime friends, two of whom intend to leave for college the following day. Especially significant is the film’s portrayal of teenagers who cruise the main drag in their cars and hot rods, a ‘50s and early ‘60s ritual that took place not only in Modesto, but also in Petaluma and in “Everytown, U.S.A.”.

Just as in American Graffiti, many of Mr. Lucas’ films are based on the transitional time in a person’s life when a decision must be made to make a major change; and the bravery behind that decision to take the “first step” into the unknown.

In its original release, Universal Studios cut the following three scenes from the film that after the success of Star Wars in 1978, Mr. Lucas added to the re-release:

Used car salesman sitting in the big rocking chair
Steve tells off Mr. Krook (Marblehead) at the Freshman Hop
Falfa sings Some Enchanted Evening to Laurie

Production Staff

Cast

Awards and Honors