In 1973, fresh off the flop of his first feature, “THX 1138,” Universal released George Lucas’ “American Graffiti” — a box-office sensation and cultural touchstone that almost wasn’t. Set in Lucas’ ...

There was one scene in particular that was very familiar.

After success directing “The Godfather,” (1972) Francis Ford Coppola, came aboard as the producer for the 1973 film “American Graffiti,” saving the film from being butchered. Universal Pictures ...

Ron Howard didn’t have high hopes for what would become the most formative—and transformative—moviemaking experience of his young life. “I think we felt like it was a good, low-budget, kind-of-indie ...

“American Graffiti” qualifies as a great movie. The American Film Institute ranked it among the top 100 American films ever made. What is it about “American Graffiti” that people love? “Well, for the ...