Earthquake (1974) is an American disaster drama film directed by Mark Robson, featuring a star-studded cast that includes Charlton Heston, Ava Gardner, George Kennedy, and Lorne Greene. The film is set in Los Angeles and revolves around the catastrophic events following a massive earthquake that devastates the city. It is notable for its innovative use of the Sensurround sound system, designed to enhance the audience's experience of the film's seismic events.
The narrative follows several interconnected characters as they navigate personal struggles and relationships amidst the impending disaster. Central to the story is Stuart Graff (Heston), a construction engineer whose marriage to Remy (Gardner) is on the rocks. Tensions rise as Graff begins to develop feelings for Denise Marshall (Geneviève Bujold), a widow he feels compelled to help. Meanwhile, junior seismologist Walter Russell (Kip Niven) predicts that a major earthquake will strike Los Angeles within days, but his warnings are met with skepticism by local authorities.
As expected, the earthquake strikes with catastrophic force, registering 9.9 on the Richter scale, leading to widespread destruction and chaos. Buildings collapse, and characters find themselves trapped or in perilous situations. The film depicts various survival scenarios as Graff and others attempt to rescue those trapped in the rubble while grappling with their own personal dilemmas. The action culminates in dramatic rescue attempts and emotional confrontations, highlighting themes of survival, sacrifice, and human resilience.
Despite its ambitious scope and special effects for the time, Earthquake received mixed reviews from critics upon its release. While some praised its spectacle and emotional depth, others criticized its melodramatic elements and formulaic plot typical of 1970s disaster films. It grossed approximately $79 million at the box office against a budget of $7 million, making it one of the successful entries in the disaster genre during that era.
Overall, Earthquake remains a significant film within the disaster genre, reflecting societal anxieties about natural disasters while showcasing the era's cinematic techniques. Its legacy endures through its influence on subsequent disaster films and its place in popular culture as a quintessential example of 1970s cinema.