Episode description

Well you can tell by the way we talk and talk...this week we're covering Saturday Night Fever, the 1977 dance-drama that took the world by storm with the story of one man's life as it revolves between the struggles of his working class Brooklyn neighborhood and his passion for disco. University of Oxford Harmsworth Visiting Professor of American History Bruce Schulman joins to discuss this landmark movie which features a sparkling breakout performance from John Travolta and spawned one of the best-selling albums of all time. We discuss the place of the film in the historical memory of the 1970s, its depiction of working class life in New York City, and of course, the highs and lows of disco – from the Gibson's falsettos to Disco Demolition Night.

This episode contains discussion of sexual violence and contains strong language. Listener discretion is advised.

Bruce's book, The Seventies: The Great Shift in American Culture, Society, and Politics (2002), is available for purchase across the internet (and probably at your local library!)

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Flashback is graciously supported by the University of Oxford’s Rothermere American Institute

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