Samuel LoveIt’s almost fifty years since Tony Manero strutted his stuff down a Brooklyn street, swinging a can of paint, to the Bee Gees’ Stayin’ Alive. Saturday Night Fever has become something of a time capsule, perpetually existing in the long-gone disco era and transporting viewers back to a time where the dancefloor was sacred. Directed by John Badham, the cult classic holds a very special place in the hearts of many who were there, and many since – including writer and podcaster Margo Donohue, author of the new book Fever: The Complete History of Saturday Night Fever.
Fever offers a comprehensive deep dive into one of the most culturally significant 1970s flicks, from Nik Cohn’s largely fictitious New York magazine article that inspired it all the way through production, release, and the legacy that is felt to this day. No stone is left unturned and every player is given their moment in the spotlight – Donohue interviewed a huge number of cast, crew and musicians from the soundtrack and their recollections are fascinating and often poignant. Whilst some chose not to participate – Travolta, for one – the sheer number of interviewees, along with the amount of research that has gone into this book, is staggering. There has certainly been no shortage of documentaries and home video special features looking into Saturday Night Fever over the years, but this book truly feels definitive. A sweet touch included at the end of the book is a brief biography of every single person interviewed, and their chosen favourite song from the iconic soundtrack.
Written in a friendly, accessible way, Fever is far from the pretentiousness of academic film writing. Told chronologically, this page-turner is packed with memorable moments and fascinating insight – there are stories of fake shooting schedules to try and trick Travolta’s many fans from swarming the set, a bitter feud between choreographers over who was really responsible for the iconic dance sequence, and larger-than-life characters like Robert Stigwood. And thankfully, the book only briefly touches upon Staying Alive, the critically-panned 1983 sequel directed by Sylvester Stallone.
Interestingly, the book also spends some time talking about the inception and production of the stage adaptation, which premiered in London in 1998. There’s some fascinating stuff here – and throughout, really – about the impresario Robert Stigwood and how he always had a finger on the pulse of entertainment. He was a genius, with a keen mind for business, and the book in many ways feels built around him. HBO’s Mr. Saturday Night documentary is recommended viewing for a glimpse into Stigwood’s universe.
Fever is a magnificent book, telling the definitive story of one of the most iconic films of the 1970s in comprehensive detail. It’s clear the book is written with passion and love, by a fan, for fans. It is highly recommended, whether you’re a brother or whether you’re a mother.
Fever: The Complete History of Saturday Night Fever is available now from Citadel Press
