Earthquake

Synopsis

Earthquake is a 1974 American disaster film directed and produced by Mark Robson, from a screenplay by George Fox and Mario Puzo. The plot concerns the struggle for survival after a catastrophic earthquake destroys most of Los Angeles. It stars an ensemble cast of well-known actors, including Charlton Heston, Ava Gardner, George Kennedy, Lorne Greene, Geneviève Bujold, Richard Roundtree, Marjoe Gortner, Barry Sullivan, Lloyd Nolan, Victoria Principal, Pedro Armendáriz Jr., and (under an alias) Walter Matthau. The film was notable for the use of an innovative sound effect called Sensurround, which created the sense of actually experiencing an earthquake in theaters. Production made extensive use of miniatures, matte paintings, and modular full-size sets to simulate the earthquake sequences. Earthquake was released by Universal Pictures on November 15, 1974. It received mixed reviews from critics, but was a blockbuster commercial success, grossing $167.4 million from a $6.6 million budget. At the 47th Academy Awards, the film received three nomination and won for Best Sound, as well as a Special Achievement Oscar for its special effects.

Text license: CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

Details

Type

Movie

Release date

January 1, 1974

Genres

action film, thriller film, disaster film, drama film

Created by

Mark Robson

Runtime

123 min

Countries

United States

Cover: Wikimedia Commons · Don Cormier, Los Angeles Times · CC BY 4.0 · Source