Review of Earthquake (1974) by Christopher P — 12 Dec 2010

"When the big one finally hits L.A.".

"An Event...".

One of at least 4 70's disater movies (Poseidon Adventure, Airport, Towering Infero, etc.), actually at first feels like a Robert Altman movie, like Short Cuts, where a bunch of different character's storylines overlap with one another, then an earthquake comes. The cast includes some big names, like Charlton Heston and George Kennedy, though Walter Mathau is wasted in a comic relief role. It accomplishes what it set out to do, be entertaining, even though the effects don't hold up too well, and it's no where near as good as Poseidon Adventure...

Mayor Lewis: The governor and I aren't even in the same party. If this turns out to be a false alarm, he'll make me out to be the biggest fool west of the Mississippi.

Dr. Stockle: Second biggest. I'll top the list.

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Sam Royce: Barbara, take off your pantyhose, damnit! You too, c'mon, take off your pantyhose!

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Sgt. Lew Slade: Earthquakes bring out the worst in some people.

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Drunk: What do you have to do to get a drink around here?

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Remy Royce-Graff: You know, if it wasn't 7:30 in the morning I would have a drink.

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Remy Royce-Graff: [shouting] God damn it!

Stewart Graff: Your last words to me last night; your first words this morning. Ever thought about expanding your vocabulary?

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Stewart Graff: Sweet Christ...

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Chief Inspector, L.A. Dept. of Water & Power: Find anything?

Diver at Hollywood Reservoir: [surfaces] All OK as far as I can tell! I'll check again!

[submerges].

Chief Inspector, L.A. Dept. of Water & Power: I guess we won't find anything until after the shaft is pumped out, but everything looks fine.

Max, Assistant Dam Caretaker: Right. People drown in elevators every damn day of the week!

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[last lines].

Dr. James Vance: This used to be a helluva town, officer.

Sgt. Lew Slade: [on the edge of tears] Yeah...