Saturday Night Fever
He plays the lead, Tony, in 1977’s Saturday Night Fever.
Who is John Travolta? He practiced rigorously for the film’s iconic dance scenes and personally oversaw the editing of his solo dance sequence.
King was born in 1947 in this chilly state.
What is Maine? The Portland, Maine, native often writes books that feature his home state as the setting.
In 1994, scientists witnessed the Shoemaker-Levy 9, one of these celestial objects, impact Jupiter.
What is a comet? This was the first time scientific technology allowed astronomers to predict a planetary impact.
The 1970s are sometimes known as this decade, referring to a synthetic fabric used in many fashion items.
What is “The Polyester Decade”? Bold colors, slick leisure suits, and the desire for affordable clothing all led to the popularity of polyester.
Released in 1983, this Michael Jackson tune begins, “She was more like a beauty queen from a movie scene…”
What is “Billie Jean”? The song’s unique sound is due to innovative choices, including Jackson singing some parts through a six-foot cardboard tube.
This is the type of club where Tony, Stephanie, and others dance on Saturday nights.
What is a disco club? The disco dancing competition is at the center of this music-heavy film.
King published this debut novel about a troubled teen in 1973.
What is Carrie? The novel was adapted to film a year later and stars Sissy Spacek.
An ophthalmological advancement in 1983 saw the invention of a bifocal type of this eyesight-enhancing device.
What is a contact lens? Bifocal glasses had been around for many years, having been invented by Benjamin Franklin.
Working women in the ’80s were sporting this type of suit, often with shoulder pads and bold accessories.
What is a power suit? The style was popularized by Princess Diana, Nancy Reagan, and Margaret Thatcher.
A timeless Beatles favorite, it begins, “When I find myself in times of trouble / Mother Mary comes to me…”
What is “Let It Be”? Paul McCartney references his late mother in the song, as a dream of her inspired him.
This rhyming band performs many of the soundtrack’s hits, including “Staying Alive.”
Who are the Bee Gees? Other tracks include “Open Sesame,” performed by Kool & the Gang, and “Boogie Shoes” by KC and the Sunshine Band
This horror novel about a friendly Saint Bernard who turned vicious was turned into a 1983 film.
What is Cujo? The canine character was inspired by an aggressive dog King encountered at an auto body shop.
This famous physicist advanced science throughout the 1970s, with theories about black holes and a new understanding of the big bang theory.
Who is Stephen Hawking? Famous for his contributions to the big bang theory, Hawking also cameoed in the television series The Big Bang Theory.
In 1971, Diane von Furstenberg released her timeless signature look, this dress style.
What is a wrap dress? Fashion critics point to the growing number of women in the workforce as one reason for this versatile dress’s immense popularity.
It’s the Pink Floyd tune that begins with an echoing “Hello? Is there anybody in there?”
What is “Comfortably Numb”? First released on their 1979 album The Wall, the tune developed from guitarist David Gilmour’s concept and melody.
The movie’s soundtrack became one of the best-selling albums ever until this Michael Jackson album eclipsed it six years later.
What is Thriller? According to Travolta, the Bee Gees’ music wasn’t added to the movie until post-production. It’s hard to imagine Saturday Night Fever without the Bee Gees!
With multiple Oscar nominations, this film based on King’s work is one of his most popular and stars Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman.
What is The Shawshank Redemption? The film received seven Academy Award nominations, including for Best Sound, Best Writing, and Best Actor in a Leading Role (Freeman) but amazingly did not win any.
The pocket version of this number-crunching device became popular and massmarketed during the 1970s.
What is a calculator? The rise in pocket calculators helped pave the way for computers by advancing circuit development.
Designers like Perry Ellis and Ralph Lauren are synonymous with this style, influenced by Ivy League tradition.
What is preppy? The style was also influenced by British aristocracy and the Seven Sisters style.
In this 1977 tune, the Eagles found themselves “On a dark desert highway, cool wind in my hair.”
What is “Hotel California”? The song is written about driving into Los Angeles for the first time.
He is the director of this iconic disco film.
Who is John Badham? John Travolta personally showed the director around Manhattan and Brooklyn.
This was his day job when King began his writing career.
What is a teacher? He taught English at a high school in Hampden, Maine.
In the 1980s, meteorologists began to use this weather technology, based on the 19th-century work by Christian Andreas Doppler.
What is Doppler radar? The technology uses energy pulses and helps predict storm movement and weather patterns.
In the ’90s, big names in fashion included Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell, who had this profession.
What is a supermodel? Along with Linda Evangelista and Christy Turlington, they are considered the original supermodels.
In 1978, Gloria Gaynor told us, “At first I was afraid, I was petrified” in this tune.
What is “I Will Survive”? This No. 1 hit became an anthem for women’s empowerment.