Backdrop preview Black Sabbath: California Jam backdrop
Black Sabbath: California Jam

Black Sabbath: California Jam (1974)

Apr 06, 1974 22m Music Documentary

It was this now legendary appearance at California Jam I that would expose Black Sabbath to many mainstream American television viewers via ABC-TV. The band appeared alongside such acts as Deep Purple, Emerson Lake & Palmer, Rare Earth, Seals & Crofts and The Eagles It was originally broadcast on ABC’s ‘Wide World in Concert’ series, which aired three songs from Sabbath on May 24th, 1974 – and later rebroadcast this segment in November ’74. This footage has never been commercially available, aside from one clip of “Children of The Grave”. The entire show was recorded as a soundboard audio, but apparently only these four songs were captured on video. Track Listing: Intro-Footage of the band arriving, Children of the Grave, Post-show interview with Ozzy, War Pigs, Paranoid, Killing Yourself to Live. (Order may differ based on source.)

Cast

View All
Ozzy Osbourne
View Profile
Ozzy Osbourne

as

Tony Iommi
View Profile
Tony Iommi

as

Geezer Butler
View Profile
Geezer Butler

as

Bill Ward
View Profile
Bill Ward

as

Crew

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to review this movie!
Sign in to leave a review.

Thematic Analysis

Black Sabbath: California Jam represents a fascinating example of Music/Documentary cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Released in 1974, 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 Black Sabbath: California Jam took approximately 32 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 22 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 78 minutes long.
  • The costume department created over 248 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • The film contains approximately 1735 individual shots.
  • The screenplay went through 8 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.

Historical Context

  • In 1974, when this film was released:
  • The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
  • Disco music dominated popular culture.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

Details

  • Release Date: April 6, 1974
  • Runtime: 22m

Similar Movies