The Golden Age of Disaster Cinema

From the 1950s through the 1970s, disaster films were among the most popular on any genre. Audiences loved the thrill and spectacle of these movies, many of which were quite glamorous for their time. Many disaster films were derided by critics, but yielded tremendous box office receipts and became audience favorites and cult classics. Others launched careers of many who would go on to produce, direct, or star in some of Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters. The genre was popular worldwide, inspiring filmmakers in Japan, England, Italy, Canada, Germany, Croatia, and other nations to follow suit. The Golden Age of Disaster Films is a guide to disaster films of this golden age of sinking ships, burning buildings, massive earthquakes, outbreaks of animal madness, and viral pandemics. Featuring over 40 interviews with actors, actresses, producers, stuntmen, special effects artists, and others who worked on these films, as well as vintage photos, lobby cards, and production stills, The Golden Age of Disaster Films is a fascinating look into the often overlooked genre of disaster cinema.