The Golden Age of Disaster Cinema

From the 1950s through the 1970s, disaster movies were a wildly popular genre. Audiences thrilled at the spectacle of these films, many of which were considered glamorous for their time. Derided by critics, they became box office hits and cult classics, inspiring filmmakers around the globe. Some of them launched the careers of producers, directors and actors who would go on to create some of Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters.
With more than 40 interviews with actors, actresses, producers, stuntmen, special effects artists and others, this book covers the Golden Age of sinking ships, burning buildings, massive earthquakes, viral pandemics and outbreaks of animal madness.

Nik Havert is a police detective, writer, radio DJ, horror host and martial arts instructor from Nappanee, Indiana. He has self-published dozens of comics books and his fiction work has been published in multiple short story anthologies.

Nik Havert
Format: softcover (7 x 10)
Pages: 256
Bibliographic Info: 18 photos, appendices, notes, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2019
pISBN: 978-1-4766-6730-0
eISBN: 978-1-4766-3480-7
Imprint: McFarland

Acknowledgments vi
Introduction 1
✦The Fifties✦ 5
✦The Sixties✦ 36
✦The Seventies✦ 64
Appendix I: Author’s Top Ten Lists 219
Appendix II: Close Call Movies 221
Notes 227
Sources 228
Index 229

“Havert effortlessly and enthusiastically details these films—on TV and in feature films—over three decades. With films from the fifties, sixties and seventies, this book easily became my new best film guide. It’s my companion for recalling those greats I’ve watched over the years and a great reference book for future watches. …stunning collection of visual movie memorabilia…I must admit to squealing with delight at this material with previously unseen treats such as visual information gleaned from press kits, publicity stills, film call sheets and teaser advertisements. …So I implore you to discover Havert’s book which has an avalanche of good and so good its bad movies from the big and wee screen…I personally hope this book will be followed one day with a sequel, as he continues his adventure with the films from the decades that followed making another book to remember.”—Realweegiemidget Reviews