On Set Secrets: Rare Photos From Classic ’70s Movies

Hollywood in the 1970s wasn’t always polished, but that grunge is what made its movies so compelling. Productions often went forward without modern safety nets, but the result was a decade full of films that felt alive. These behind-the-scenes photos offer a rare look at classic ’70s movies in progress. Maybe you’ll remember a few.

The crew prepares a shot on location during production of The French Connection.
Mel Brooks working with his cast on the set of Blazing Saddles.
The cast on location during the production of Animal House.
Jack Nicholson on set with the cast of One Flew Over the Cuckoo´s Nest.
Linda Blair with director William Friedkin on the set of The Exorcist.
Director Stanley Kubrick taking some time to speak with the cast during the making of A Clockwork Orange.
Director Francis Ford Coppola with his crew members on the set of Apocalypse Now.
Director Roman Polanski works with his crew during the filming of Chinatown.
John Carpenter on set during a break in the production of Halloween.
Director Steven Spielberg and crew are getting ready on the set of Jaws.
Robert De Niro and director Martin Scorsese on location during production of Taxi Driver.
A behind-the-scenes moment from the set of Rocky during production.