Two highlights from Ron Howard’s early career presented together, united by their shared passion for the American automobile.
A cultural phenomenon that jump-started boomer nostalgia and the likes of “Oldies” radio, American Graffiti was director George Lucas’ first mainstream hit. Set in the frenzied car cruising scene of early 1960s Michigan, the film stars Ron Howard as a hot-rod-obsessed teenager in the summer before his group of friends are set to part ways for college. A clear catalyst for Howard’s subsequent stardom on TV’s similarly retro and teen-focused Happy Days, the film was produced by Lucas’ friend and fellow Hollywood maverick Francis Ford Coppola, and also introduced the world to future stars Richard Dreyfuss and Cindy Williams (of Laverne & Shirley fame), and in a memorable supporting turn, a cowboy-hatted Harrison Ford.
Ron Howard’s directorial debut, Grand Theft Auto, chronicles young couple Sam and Paula (Howard and Nancy Morgan) who escape from disapproving parents to elope in Las Vegas. Having stolen Paula’s father’s Rolls Royce, they don’t get far without attracting attention. Before long there’s a convoy in hot pursuit, ensuring a road trip filled with humor, hijinks and mayhem, and no shortage of careening cars.
Presented with a 10-minute intermission between each film.
