The 1977 film that 20th Century Fox initially underestimated was George Lucas’ groundbreaking “Star Wars.” Despite concerns about its commercial viability, it went on to become a monumental success, reshaping the film industry and popular culture.
Box Office Triumph
“Star Wars” was released in May 1977 alongside “The Other Side of Midnight,” a romantic drama that Fox believed would attract audiences. However, the gamble to package the two films together was driven by skepticism surrounding “Star Wars.”
Upon its release, “Star Wars” garnered an impressive $314.4 million domestically, a figure that translates to approximately $1.685 billion today when adjusted for inflation. The film continued to perform well, earning an additional $22.5 million shortly after its original run and another $17.3 million during a re-release in 1981.
The Other Side of Midnight
- Film Type: Romantic drama
- Plot: Centers on Noelle Page, a French woman entangled in a love triangle.
- Critique: Critics found it cliché, contrasting sharply with the innovative approach of “Star Wars.”
- Runtime: The film was lengthy, at two hours and 45 minutes.
Despite its intriguing plot, “The Other Side of Midnight” fell short during the summer movie season, which had been recently established following the success of “Jaws.” The film’s serious tone did not align with the audience’s summer entertainment expectations.
Freshness Over Familiarity
The contrasting fortunes of “Star Wars” and “The Other Side of Midnight” highlight a key lesson in filmmaking: audiences crave originality. While “Star Wars” introduced a unique blend of science fiction and adventure, “The Other Side of Midnight” adhered to more traditional romantic drama tropes.
Ultimately, “Star Wars” became an iconic film that not only outperformed its contemporaries but also set a new standard for blockbuster filmmaking. The unpredictable nature of audience preferences is evident in this case. What seemed like a risky venture evolved into one of cinema’s most celebrated franchises.
