The Great Gatsby (1974)

A Midwesterner becomes fascinated with his nouveau riche neighbor, who obsesses over his lost love.

Director:

Jack Clayton

Writers:

F. Scott Fitzgerald (novel), Francis Ford Coppola (screenplay)

Stars:

Robert Redford, Mia Farrow, Bruce Dern

Won 2 Oscars. Another 5 wins & 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Robert Redford	...	Jay Gatsby
Mia Farrow	...	Daisy Buchanan
Bruce Dern	...	Tom Buchanan
Karen Black	...	Myrtle Wilson
Scott Wilson	...	George Wilson
Sam Waterston	...	Nick Carraway
Lois Chiles	...	Jordan Baker
Howard Da Silva	...	Meyer Wolfsheim
Roberts Blossom	...	Mr. Gatz
Edward Herrmann	...	Klipspringer
Elliott Sullivan	...	Wilson's Friend
Arthur Hughes	...	Dog Vendor
Kathryn Leigh Scott	...	Catherine
Beth Porter	...	Mrs. McKee
Paul Tamarin	...	Mr. McKee

Storyline

Nick Carraway, a young Midwesterner now living on Long Island, finds himself fascinated by the mysterious past and lavish lifestyle of his neighbor, the nouveau riche Jay Gatsby. He is drawn into Gatsby's circle, becoming a witness to obsession and tragedy.

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Plot Keywords:

rich man | shore | hotel room | adulterer | car driving | 

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Taglines:

Gone is the romance that was so divine.

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Genres:

Drama | Romance

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Certificate:

PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

Robert Evans had a shortlist for the actresses he was considering for Daisy but when Ali McGraw left Evans for Steve McQueen, Mia Farrow sent Evans a private note asking, "Can I be your Daisy?" which evidently sealed the deal for Farrow. Farrow had previously starred for Evans and Paramount in the wildly successful 'Rosemary's Baby.'

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Goofs

At the first party at Gatsby's house that Nick attends, the song "The Charleston" is heavily featured by the jazz band. The story takes place over the summer of 1922, but the song did not premiere until October 29th, 1923 in the Broadway musical "Runnin' Wild."

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Quotes

Daisy Buchanan: Rich girls don't marry poor boys.

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Alternate Versions

In the movie's original theatrical release, Tom Ewell played a small part at the cemetery near the end. Several weeks into the run, theaters were sent a new last reel from which Tom Ewell's part had been removed.

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Connections

Referenced in The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000)

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Soundtracks

Three O'Clock in the Morning
Written by Dolly Morse (as Dorothy Terriss) and Julián Robledo

User Reviews

Excellent(If No-Frills) DVD

So much for hoping for a special edition DVD of this undervalued movie. Not even a trailer! But at least the movie has never looked better, and the original music soundtrack has been fully restored, so I'm not about to complain any further. Ever since its release this film has been battered with wildly vicious criticisms. Maybe that can be better reserved for the genuinely numbing and off key 2001 TV version, which makes this version look better than ever. This version, to me, improves with every viewing--it's peculiar rhythms and deliberately sedate pace does work very well, creating a mood not easily comparable to other movies. Then too, look at director Jack Clayton's movie, THE INNOCENTS (1960), which shares a bit of this studied approach. I'm glad this Gatsby version wasn't reduced to a quick and vulgarized romp; instead Clayton took a more intellectual tone, very nicely counterpointed with a superb array of period music. The crowning touch, Irving Berlin's "What'll I Do," is a match made in heaven, both the song and the novel having appeared within a year of each other in 1925. As for the DVD, it now highlights to maximum effect the evocative, first rate cinematography and art direction (what were those other commentators thinking--were they watching a duped VHS?), etc. Too bad a 30th anniversary edition couldn't have happened in 2004, but I'm more than pleased this has been given its chance on DVD. I agree that the novel's literary aspects defies easy transformation into a movie, but we are more than fortunate that this 1974 film version is as haunting and quietly moving an experience that it is.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

29 March 1974 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Great Gatsby

Filming Locations:

Marble House - 596 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, Rhode Island, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$6,500,000 (estimated)

Gross USA:

$20,563,273

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$20,563,273

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paramount Pictures, Newdon Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

144 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1