70s Movies You Didn’t Know Were Remakes | Slashfilm.com
The 1970s are often remembered as a golden age for cinema, producing iconic films like “Star Wars,” “The Godfather,” and “Taxi Driver.” However, beneath the surface of these original masterpieces lies a fascinating history of remakes. A closer look reveals that several beloved films from that decade were actually second takes on earlier stories, sometimes with surprising results.
Five ‘70s Films You Didn’t Know Were Remakes
Sorcerer
William Friedkin’s 1977 action film, “Sorcerer,” starring Roy Scheider, is a remake—or, as Friedkin himself argued, a readaptation—of both the 1950 novel “The Wages of Fear” by Georges Arnaud and the 1953 French film “Le Salaire de la peur.” The story follows four men tasked with transporting unstable dynamite across treacherous terrain. Despite a troubled production—including illness among the crew and unexpected environmental challenges—the film has gained appreciation over time.
Invasion of the Body Snatchers
The 1978 version of “Invasion of the Body Snatchers,” directed by Philip Kaufman and starring Donald Sutherland, is widely considered a classic of the horror genre. However, it’s also a remake of the 1956 film directed by Don Siegel, which itself was based on Jack Finney’s 1954 novel, “The Body Snatchers.” The 1978 film currently boasts a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, praised for its deeper approach to the source material.
A Star is Born
“A Star is Born” has seen multiple iterations, with the 1976 version starring Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson being one of them. This film is a remake of the 1954 musical starring Judy Garland and James Mason, which itself was based on the original 1937 film produced by David O. Selznick. A fourth version, starring Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, was released in 2018.
The Lady Vanishes
Anthony Page’s 1979 film, “The Lady Vanishes,” starring Cybill Shepherd and Elliott Gould, is based on Ethel Lina White’s 1936 novel, “The Wheel Spins.” It’s also a remake of Alfred Hitchcock’s 1938 adaptation of the same novel. The 1979 version updates the characters to be American, while retaining the core mystery of a woman who disappears on a train.
Heaven Can Wait
Warren Beatty and Buck Henry’s 1978 sports drama, “Heaven Can Wait,” is an adaptation of Harry Segall’s 1938 play. It’s also the second adaptation of the story, following Alexander Hall’s 1941 film, “Here Comes Mr. Jordan.” Beatty initially intended to cast Muhammad Ali in the role but ultimately changed the sport to football when Ali declined. The story was later adapted again in 2001 with Chris Rock in the lead role.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the common thread among these remakes?
These films all demonstrate a pattern of revisiting compelling stories across different eras, adapting them to new cinematic styles and cultural contexts.
Did directors always acknowledge their films as remakes?
Not always. William Friedkin, for example, insisted his film “Sorcerer” was a readaptation rather than a remake, aiming to put his own mark on the source material.
How many versions of “A Star is Born” have been made?
As of this writing, there have been four versions of “A Star is Born,” released in 1937, 1954, 1976, and 2018.
Considering the enduring appeal of these remakes, what do you think drives filmmakers to revisit and reimagine classic stories for new audiences?