The daring and independent-minded rebellion of early 70’s cinema, showcasing once-taboo subject matter on-screen, gave way to the so-called ”blockbuster mentality” commonly attributed to have originated with the release of 1975’s “Jaws.”

Adjusted for inflation, “Jaws” grossed nearly $1.15 billion domestically, or $260 mil upon its release in 1976. “Jaws” and “The Exorcist” currently assume the 7th and 9th place, respectively, on the all-time adjusted domestic box office list.

Today, in 2020.

And then … there was 1977’s “Star Wars.” When I saw it for the first time, on a subpar screen in Monticello, New York, I could not stand from my seat following the end credits. My parents and brothers waited in the lobby for ten minutes before my legs regained their feeling. No hyperbole intended, “Star Wars” was a near-religious experience for me, as it would continue to be for subsequent generations of creative artists. There was no “A New Hope” back then. 1977 was prior to any real execution of an Episode 5. It was just “Star Wars.” It was something new, and something spectacular.

Now, when Woody Allen’s “Annie Hall” defeated “Star Wars” for that year’s Best Picture Oscar, I was ready to kick my television.

But over the years I’ve mellowed with that one. “Annie Hall” to my mind is one of the greatest comedies ever released.

“Star Wars” not only changed the film world, but changed the world proper. Suddenly, the economics of movies were reconsidered following the eventual release of the film’s mass merchandising. To be fair, 1968’s “Planet of the Apes” inspired its own notable merchandise line, but the bulk of “Apes” product was introduced following the releases of the original film’s 1970’s film and television sequels. Kids in 1977, however, and many adults, could not get enough of “Star Wars.” The geek world, formerly the property of “Star Trek” and comic books, became a universe, encompassing not only games, but a whole new era of inspiration. Our computers, our technologicial advances … not all inspired by “Star Wars,” certainly, but you may be surprised at just how much actually was.

The film made history, and its place in world culture is forever secured. Steven Spielberg’s “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” followed shortly thereafter, and didn’t do badly at all.