There’s something special about 1970’s disaster movies. Looking at them through the eyes of someone who grew up in the days of CGI and advanced pyrotechnics makes them look ultra kitsch and at times, far more humorous than terrifying. I combed through the depths of YouTube to share a few trailers from some that particularly stood out to me on a “this is so mind-numbingly bad it’s good” level. Enjoy:
Earthquake (1973)
When they get to featuring “The City of Los Angeles” as a cast member I absolutely lose it…
The Towering Inferno (1974)
Brace yourself for a real-life alleged murderer in the credits…
Conquest for the Planet of the Apes (1972)
It’s beyond me how the make up in this managed to be worse than the first few movies.
Avalanche (1978)
Nothing says sexy like Mia Farrow at a 1970’s ski resort.
The Omega Man (1971)
Incase you couldn’t get enough of Charlton Heston being the last man on earth in Planet of the Apes…now with MORE YELLING!!!
Airport (1970)
I like how they go through the entire plot referring to the characters by the actors’ names. Bonus points for a Rat Packer trying to save the day.
The Poseidon Adventure (1972)
The shots of people falling sideways when the boat cap sizes are pretty damn impressive for the time.
My favorite line in the Earthquake trailer:
“The City of Los Angeles and its millions of people – living, loving, planning, fighting…”
What? Great trailers. They just don’t make them like they used to. ;)