Saturday Night Fever (1977)

Saturday Night Fever (1977) is an American dance drama that follows the life of Tony Manero, a 19-year-old Italian-American from Brooklyn’s Bay Ridge neighborhood. He lives with his family and works at a small paint store. Seeking an escape from his mundane routine, Tony heads to 2001 Odyssey, a popular discotheque where he reigns supreme on the dance floor and receives the admiration and respect he craves. His circle of friends includes Joey, Double J, Gus, and Bobby C, with Annette, a local girl who has a crush on Tony, on the fringe of their group. However, Tony does not reciprocate her feelings. On occasion, Tony and his friends play around on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, which holds special meaning for him as a symbol of hope for a better life.

Annette’s elation at Tony agreeing to be her dance partner is quickly dampened when he becomes infatuated with another woman, Stephanie Mangano. Despite his attempts, Stephanie rejects his advances. However, she does agree to be his partner for the competition on the condition that their relationship remains strictly professional. Meanwhile, Frank Jr – Tony’s older brother and the pride of their Roman Catholic family as a priest – delivers upsetting news to their parents and grandmother: he has left the priesthood. Tony has always had a strong bond with Frank Jr, but he can’t help feeling relieved to no longer be considered the family outcast. Frank Jr reveals that he never truly wanted to be a priest; it was simply a path he took to please their parents.