Cast
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Barry Newman
as Dr. Frank Whitman
Susan Clark
as Diana Brockhurst-Lautrec
Shelley Winters
as Nurse Andrea Harper
Leslie Nielsen
as Mayor William Dudley
James Franciscus
as Jimbo
Ava Gardner
as Maggie Grayson
Henry Fonda
as Fire Chief Risley
Jonathan Welsh
as Herman Stover
Hilary Farr
as Mrs. Adams
Richard Donat
as Captain Harrison Risley
Mavor Moore
as John O'Brien
Donald Pilon
as Dr. Matwick
Terry Haig
as Terry James
Cec Linder
as Councilman Paley
Ken James
as Andrew
Crew
Director
- Alvin Rakoff
Writer
- Jack Hill
- David P. Lewis
- Céline La Frenière
Producer
- Claude Héroux
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, City on Fire distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Alvin Rakoff brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1979, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of City on Fire took approximately 7 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 106 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 156 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 10 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The musical score contains over 34 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1979, when this film was released:
- The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
- Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While City on Fire shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Dune, which focuses more on action than character development, City on Fire subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like 13 Minutes and Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan explore similar territory, City on Fire stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: July 11, 1979
- Runtime: 1h 46m
