"American Graffiti" was screened in its premiere in San Francisco January 28, 1973. Convinced that the room was packed with personal friends of Lucas, Ned Tanen, head of production for Universal, refused to consider the enthusiastic audience response. He took part in one of the producers and said: "The film is not ready for release in theaters. You would have first had to show it. I I fought for you, and you, you let me down. "Turning to Coppola, who also produced the film, he said, angrily:" I'm very bored. It was a lot of work to do. - What are you talking about? "Asked Coppola trembling with anger. Have not you heard and saw what we saw and heard? And the laughs? - I took notes, Tanen said. We'll see if we can come out in theaters. - You see if you can get out? "Growled Coppola, apoplectic. You should really get on your knees and thank George for saving your job. This kid was punctured to make the film for you. And he finished on time and within budget. The least you could do would be to thank you. "
Coppola remembers out his checkbook and offered to buy the movie on the spot at Universal, while running:" If you hate the movie that much , let him go, we will go to someone else, and you recover your money. "
" American Graffiti "was released in theaters on August 1, 73.
It exploded all records and collected $ 55 million at the box office.
The film had only cost 775,000 dollars, plus an additional 500 000 to pay for printing copies and promotion, or return on investment of 4300%.
It exploded all records and collected $ 55 million at the box office.
The film had only cost 775,000 dollars, plus an additional 500 000 to pay for printing copies and promotion, or return on investment of 4300%.
Lucas made about 7 million on the movie, or 4 million after taxes. For years, Lucas had lived with 20 000 dollars more per year. Lucas, however, despite the radical change of lifestyle, the glass was half empty. Lucas always wanted to be respected as an artist like Coppola and Scorsese. He once said to William Friedkin as American Graffiti was an American version of "I Vitelloni" Fellini.
He wondered why no American critic had not increased.
He wondered why no American critic had not increased.
Friedkin thought: "My God, it feels really doing that. How pretentious! "
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