“Tony, the only way you’re gonna survive – is to do what you think is right. Not what they keep tryin’ to jam you into.” – Frank Manero Jr.

This cinematic crown jewel of the disco era made John Travolta a household name and has taken its rightful place in movie musical history.

Based on a magazine article by Nik Cohn and adapted for the screen by Norman Wexler, Saturday Night Fever is, at its heart, a classic boy-meets-girl story. Tony Manero, a 19-year-old paint store worker, lives at home with his parents. His father is unemployed, and his brother is the apple of his parents’ eyes. Tony’s deepest desire is to break out of this limited world and become somebody. By day he hangs out with a group of guys from the neighborhood, but when night falls, he puts on his white suit and becomes king of the local disco dance floor. One night Tony meets Stephanie, a talented dancer who is also struggling to overcome her working-class status, and the story takes off.

Saturday Night Fever smoothly incorporates such themes as drugs, sex, unrequited love, homophobia and racial tension. It features a soundtrack dominated by such disco era hits as “Staying Alive,” “Night Fever” and “If I Can’t Have You” by the quintessential disco era band, the Bee Gees. Led by John Travolta as Tony and Karen Lynn Gorney as Stephanie, the ensemble cast includes Donna Pescow, Bruce Ornstein, Barry Miller, Joseph Cali and Paul Pape. Gorney and Pescow will be joined by costume designer Patrizia Von Brandenstein and casting director Shirley Rich in an onstage panel discussion following the screening.

A Robert Stigwood Production. Paramount Pictures. 1977. 35mm. 118 minutes. Print courtesy of Paramount Pictures and the Academy Film Archive.

Academy Award® nominee: Actor in a Leading Role (John Travolta).