Director George Lucas set the semi-autobiographical vignettes in his own Modesto, California hometown, and in the twilight of American innocence: with Mels Diner, drag racing, Inspiration Point ...

Most of the action takes place in one night. American Graffiti cost only $1.27 million to produce, and it’s grossed over $200 million since its general release in the U.S. on August 1, 1973.

George Lucas and Harrison Ford almost saw their professional relationship suffer a premature end on the set of their $140 million comedy.