1. "The Godfather"(1972)
No movie is more synonymous with the glorious auteur-driven creative freedom of the 1970s than Frances Ford Coppola's crowning achievement. If you have to be told that a 47 year old Marlon Brando completely reinvented himself with his amazing portrayal of aging Don Vito Corleone, then you need to be schooled on the classier parts of pop culture. A previously-unknown Al Pacino is so consistently incredible as his quietly-cunning heir apparent Michael, that it's easy to overlook the talents of his other Family members(Robert Duvall, James Caan, John Cazale). Every aspect of this immaculate production, from Mario Puzo's rich script to Nino Rota's unmistakable score, is a reminder of cinema's preeminent place in America's artistic heritage.
2. "Deliverance"(1972)
A buff Burt Reynolds loudly announced his arrival as a Movie Star in the wake of John Boorman's sensational survival drama, based on James Dickey's 1970 novel. Jon Voight, Ned Beatty, and Ronny Cox are Burt's buddies on a weekend canoe trip in rural Georgia that turns out to be anything but a carefree summer getaway. 'Dueling Banjos' and a pair of hillbilly rapists provide the kind of movie moments that linger in the memory long after the end credits. "Deliverance" definitely earned it's rep as one of this era's most essential films.
3. "The Heartbreak Kid"(1972)
Forget Ben Stiller and the Farrelly brothers. Charles Grodin's sociopathic newlywed is the only 'Heartbreak Kid' you need to concern yourself with(outside the colorful world of pro wrestling, of course). Director Elaine May and celebrated screenwriter Neil Simon, clearly following the lead of Mike Nichols' "The Graduate", crafted one of the best black comedies ever made. Don't believe me? Try taking poor Jeannie Berlin out for pecan pie sometime. Hollywood doesn't have the guts to infuse genuine heartbreak into the comedic genre anymore. As of this writing, the film can be viewed in it's entirety on YouTube. A complex rights issue has kept it off of streaming platforms, and the out-of-print DVD is going for more than $60 on ebay.
4. "Cabaret"(1972)
A 25 year old Liza Minnelli mesmerizes in Bob Fosse's fab 1930s-set musical dramady. The Nazi Party is flourishing in Berlin, and the nighttime inhabitants of the Kit Kat Klub are happily oblivious to the growing danger. I used to wonder why Judy Garland's daughter was so deified. Then I saw her perform 'Mein Herr' on a chair and I got my answer. Joel Grey(father of Jennifer) grabbed the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for repeating his Tony-award winning turn as the colorful, cross-dressing 'Master of Ceremonies'. "Cabaret" collected a total of EIGHT Academy Awards, including Best Actress and Director, the most ever for a non-Best Picture winner.
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| A match made in movie heaven. |
5. "Play It Again, Sam"(1972)
This one could have been called 'When Woody Met Diane'. Has any actress ever benefitted more from a close association with her writer/director/costar than Keaton did? I'm waiting. I understand that Allen has his detractors, but even they will have a hard time dismissing his San Francisco misadventures as a newly-single nebbish. Can the hilarious ghost of Humphrey Bogart(Jerry Lacy) guide him back toward a less-depressing love life? Herbert Ross actually directed "Sam", because Woody had yet to achieve industry autonomy. That wouldn't happen again.
6. "Butterflies Are Free"(1972)
I'm just going to come right out and say it- Goldie Hawn was gorgeous. The "Cactus Flower" cutie proved that her Oscar win was no fluke, in this feel-good May/December romance that helped establish her benign brand as a force to be reckoned with, till 1996's "The First Wives Club". Even a blind man(Edward Albert) could see her bubbly blond appeal. I wouldn't leave that San Francisco apartment either. Broadway vet Eileen Heckart was a Best Supporting Actress winner as Hawn's meddlesome future mother-in-law. "Butterflies" is based on a 1969 play by Leonard Gershe who also wrote the screenplay.
7. "The Poseidon Adventure"(1972)
Gene Hackman heads up a hearty ensemble(Ernest Borgnine, Shelly Winters, Roddy McDowell, Jack Albertson) for this popular thriller that packed theaters during the '72 holiday season. "Poseidon" was the middle entry in the highly profitable Irwin Allen disaster cycle, that was bookended by "Airport" and "The Towering Inferno", and the action/FX and production design are among the best of the pre-"Star Wars" era. A 1979 sequel and 2006 remake were much less successful.
8. "Fat City"(1972)
Stacey Keach and Jeff Bridges were a potent pair as hopeless, small-time boxers in John Huston's slice-of-life drama. No sport has been the basis for more quality cinema than the pugilistic arena. But like the great ones("Rocky", "Raging Bull"), it's not really about that. Huston's interest lies in shattered dreams and bitter compromises that slide everyday people into unremarkable lives. Best Supporting Actress nominee Susan Tyrrell and Nicolas Colasanto(of "Cheers" fame) are memorable in supporting roles.
9. "Jeremiah Johnson"(1972)
Robert Redford roughed it as an 1850s mountain man in this absorbing fact-based drama. Director Sydney Pollack became a frequent Redford collaborator("The Way We Were", "Three Days of the Condor", "Out of Africa"), and the pristine footage he captured of his star's beloved Utah is probably the reason why. Jeremiah Johnson was a soldier, and his struggles with hunting, fishing, and fire-making will leave patient viewers extremely grateful for their existence in the 21st Century. Indians and wolves are also present. Put down your phone and watch it tonight.
10. "The Candidate"(1972)
America voted for Robert Redford in 1972. The cerebral stud really firmed up his fame while Nixon resided in the White House(he would later help bring down the President and his men), in Michael Ritchie's smart, well-written political satire. Redford's idealistic Democrat competes for a California Senate seat with an establishment Republican(Don Porter) that differs wildly over how to best serve the people. It's startling how little has changed on that front in the last 40+ years.
Honorable Mentions
"Joe Kidd"(1972) Clint Eastwood cowboys up.
"The Mechanic"(1972) Charles Bronson was a bad-ass.
"The Getaway"(1972) So was Steve McQueen.
"Boxcar Bertha"(1972) Martin Scorsese makes his proper directorial debut.
"The Way of the Dragon"(1972) Bruce Lee vs. Chuck Norris.
"Sounder"(1972) Paul Winfield impressed in Martin Ritt's Depression era Oscar contender.
"Sleuth"(1972) Michael Caine and Laurence Olivier. Need I say more?
"The King of Marvin Gardens"(1972) Jack Nicholson and Bruce Dern are NJ brothers in this Bob Rafelson drama.
"Cisco Pike"(1972) Kris Kristofferson is a pusher in this cult drug dealer drama.
"The Cowboys"(1972) John Wayne dies.
"Conquest of the Planet of the Apes"(1972) The fourth installment in the "Apes" franchise.
"Chato's Land"(1972) Charles Bronson vs. Jack Palance.
"Sisters"(1972) Margot Kidder is a killer in this Brian De Palma thriller.
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