THE TOWERING INFERNO

The Towering Inferno-
I said before 1974 was a wonderful year, bringing us not only "Earthquake" but "The Towering Inferno" as well. This movie came out the same time as the world tallest building The Sears Tower in Chicago was about to open, so it triggered a lot of concern about the fire hazzards of a skyscraper.

Again this movie is filled with a famous cast, suspense, drama, special effects and laughter as well. It stars Steve McQueen and Paul Newman (there were rumors the 2 fought over who had top billing for the movie, so the opening titles feature both their names together on the screen at the same time). It also starred Faye Dunaway, Richard Chamberland and William Holden as the partner architect to Paul Newman, together they designed this 120 story citadel in the middle of downtown San Francisco. The idea of a building with 120 stories is already a laff riot to top it off it's in San Francisco, the earthquake capital of the world, oh that's another movie.

There's a lot of fooling around in the building, while its up in flames, you find Robert Wagner making love with his secretary in his office. Later when the 2 discover they were trapped in this blazing inferno, Wagner covers himself with a wet towel and tries to run across the burning room to get help. As he sets foot in the hall, instantly him goes up in flames! As for his girlfriend, she ends up screaming, diving out of a window, falls to her death from the 100th floor wearing only a night shirt!

Among the big name cast were Fred Astaire, O J Simpson and singer Maureen McGovern. McGovern plays herself performing "We May Never Love Like This Again" the sequel single to her previous pop hit "Morning After" from the The Poseidon Adventure.

Incidentally in 2006 the remakes "Poseidon" and "Superman Returns" the original version of both movies featured Miss McGovern's vocals.