Seldom-Seen Photos from the Sets of Classic ’70s Films

Movie sets in the 1970s carried a ruggedness about them that translated to the screen. Directors pushed for realism and crews worked fast in an industry that was changing year by year. The decade produced films that still dominate streaming queues and film school syllabi, from gritty crime dramas to summer blockbusters like The Godfather. These seldom seen photos from the sets of classic ’70s films offer a grounded look at how some of the decade’s most enduring movies actually came together.

The Godfather (1972)

Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, The Godfather was shot largely on location in New York. Behind the camera, Marlon Brando often rehearsed quietly before scenes, sometimes adjusting dialogue in ways that made it into the final cut.

Jaws (1975)

On the set of Jaws, mechanical shark malfunctions forced director Steven Spielberg to rely on suspense rather than constant creature shots. The delays stretched the Martha’s Vineyard shoot far beyond schedule.

Star Wars (1977)

Filming in Tunisia and at Elstree Studios, George Lucas worked with a young cast that included Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill, long before the franchise became a global institution.

Taxi Driver (1976)

Shot on gritty New York streets, Taxi Driver paired director Martin Scorsese with Robert De Niro at the height of 70s character driven filmmaking. Many exterior scenes were filmed with minimal permits to capture the city’s real atmosphere.

The Exorcist (1973)

Director William Friedkin kept the set cold during possession scenes to make actors’ breath visible. Practical effects were engineered on site, including mechanical rigs built into the bedroom set.

Alien (1979)

Director Ridley Scott used detailed miniatures and full scale set builds to create the Nostromo. The cast reportedly had limited information about the chestburster scene before filming.

Saturday Night Fever (1977)

Shot on location in Brooklyn, Saturday Night Fever captured real neighborhood streets and discos. John Travolta trained extensively to perform most of the dance sequences himself.

Superman (1978)

Directed by Richard Donner, Superman relied on wirework and optical effects to sell the illusion of flight. Large blue screen stages were used for sequences featuring Christopher Reeve in costume.

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