Some of the best teen movies that came out during the 1970s, especially those that came out during the latter part of the decade, fall under the musical film category. These films soon became classic motion pictures enjoyed even by the generations that followed. Showcasing their own forms of youthful sensibility and cinematic charisma, these free-spirited offerings utilized dance and music to provide unbridled enthusiasm for audiences.
“Saturday Night Fever” (1977)
“Saturday Night Fever” is about a Brooklyn native who is known as a Saturday night star at a local discotheque because of his stylish dance moves. But off the dance floor, he lives a struggling life. At home he constantly fights with his father and also contends with a certain form of sibling rivalry almost all the time. He feels fed-up with his dead-end job at a local paint store as well. Suddenly a change of pace happens when he teams up with a woman who needs to train for the club’s dance competition.
This film is a dazzling piece of cinema for its talented cast, brilliant production values, and funky disco music. After its commercial success at the box office, it readily became a pop culture phenomenon of the disco era. It also launched then-minor celebrity John Travolta to superstardom.
“Grease” (1978)
Based on the Warren Casey and Jim Jacobs musical of the same title, the pleasing and energetic musical “Grease” tells the story of two high school students finding themselves enjoying a whirlwind romance during summer vacation. Unexpectedly, they are now entering the same school, where things turn out quite differently between them.
This masterpiece of the genre shines with its music and dance numbers. It captures the enthusiasm of youth and the culture of its times. A critical and box office success starring Travolta, this landmark film showcases an infectiously catchy soundtrack which became the second-best selling album during its release — just a notch down from the soundtrack album from “Saturday Night Fever.”
“I Wanna Hold Your Hand” (1978)
Set in 1964, “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” is a memorable musical comedy about a group of young girls who can’t pass up the first appearance of the Beatles in the United States. This hysterically funny flick may offer slapstick humor and familiar plot, but it is still able to bring out a certain form of excitement through its effective storytelling.
This fictionalized account of the Beatles’ first appearance in an American show is directed by Robert Zemeckis and takes its title from that same 1963 Beatles song.
“Rock ‘n’ Roll High School” (1979)
The musical comedy “Rock ‘n’ Roll High School” features a group of hardcore rock music fans who try to take over their school from a new, oppressive, and rock-hating administration. This edgy and tongue-in-cheek film offers a number of memorable songs from the Ramones, Alice Cooper, Brownsville Station, and other rock artists of the 1970s.
Deliberately designed as a cult flick produced by B-movie legend Roger Corman, this juvenile-themed movie phenomenon is full of sight gags, cool music, and throwaway humor. Interestingly, its youthfully rebellious tone works well within its limits as a good-natured motion picture.
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