The early 1970s produced plenty of classic films that are still loved today, but not every release was a success. Some were far from it. Multiple movies disappointed audiences with confusing stories, stiff acting, badly written scripts, or ideas that just didn’t work. A handful became notorious for terrible reviews and flopping at the box office. In some instances, this was true in spite of big budgets or famous casts. Here are eight early ’70s movies that missed the mark according to critics and audiences.
1. Z.P.G. (1972)
Synopsis
Short for zero population growth, Z.P.G. takes place in the distant future, when the world’s governments ban all births in an attempt to solve overpopulation. A married couple secretly decides they want to have a child despite the severe consequences. The movie was intended to be a thought-provoking dystopian drama.
What Was Bad
Critics thought the movie wasted an interesting premise with stiff dialogue and off performances. Many audiences found the story slow and emotionally detached. Despite its unique subject matter and message, the film didn’t have much of a lasting impression.
2. The Baby (1973)
Synopsis
A social worker becomes suspicious of a family that treats its fully grown adult son as though he were still an infant. As she investigates further, she uncovers a series of increasingly disturbing secrets. The movie blended psychological horror with shocking drama.
What Was Bad
Critics thought the subject matter was deeply uncomfortable and unnecessarily bizarre. Audiences were often divided, with some saying it was successful in being super unsettling and disturbing, while others thought it was downright ridiculous. Although it later developed a cult following, it is definitely one of the strangest films of the ‘70s.
3. Lost Horizon (1973)
Synopsis
After surviving a plane crash, several strangers discover the mysterious paradise of Shangri-La hidden up in the mountains. They learn that its peaceful residents have managed to avoid many of the world’s problems. The film was a lavish musical remake of the 1937 classic.
What Was Bad
Critics thought the movie dropped the charm and magic of the original version. Many said the songs did nothing to make the movie entertaining and instead just slowed the story to a crawl. The expensive production became a huge financial disappointment for Hollywood.
4. Man of La Mancha (1972)
Synopsis
An aging dreamer imagines himself as the noble knight Don Quixote and sets out on a bunch of odd adventures. Along his way, he inspires those around him to believe in impossible dreams. The movie was adapted from the hugely successful Broadway musical.
What Was Bad
Critics felt the stage production’s energy and fun had been lost during the transition to film. The pacing was slow and the musical numbers were devoid of excitement. Despite starring well-known actors, the movie couldn’t nail the magic of the original theatrical production.
5. Myra Breckinridge (1970)
Synopsis
A flamboyant woman (Raquel Welch) arrives in Hollywood determined to challenge traditional ideas about gender and sexuality. Her outrageous behavior creates chaos wherever she goes. The movie was based on Gore Vidal’s controversial novel.
What Was Bad
Critics blasted the movie for being confusing in tone, uneven in its attempts at comedy, and overly sensational when it came to several shocking scenes. The tone was all over the place, with many audience members unsure whether the film was supposed to be a comedy, a satire, or something else entirely. It was one of the most infamous flops of the early 1970s.
6. Blood and Lace (1971)
Synopsis
After witnessing the brutal murder of her parents, a teenage girl is sent to a gloomy orphanage that seems to hide dark secrets. As she gets used to her new surroundings, she begins to suspect that someone is victimizing the children living there. The movie was shot as a suspenseful psychological horror film.
What Was Bad
Critics thought the movie was mostly shock value instead of any type of compelling story. Audiences said the acting was all over the place and the plot was confusing, with several twists that were more ridiculous than smart or surprising. It now has a small cult following in the world of scary movies, but it is still considered an incredibly weak horror movie.
7. The All-American Boy (1973)
Synopsis
A former Olympic boxer drifts through life after his athletic career comes to a sudden end. As he searches for purpose, he struggles with relationships, money, and personal disappointment. The film was designed as a thoughtful character drama.
What Was Bad
Critics thought the story moved far too slowly and never gave audiences a reason to care about its characters. The movie was downright dull to viewers despite its serious themes. It quietly disappeared from theaters and is mostly forgotten today.
8. The Legend of Boggy Creek (1972)
Synopsis
Residents of a small Arkansas town become convinced that a mysterious ape-like creature is living in the nearby woods. The movie presents a series of eyewitness accounts to blend elements of documentary-style storytelling with horror. It was inspired by local folklore regarding the so-called Fouke Monster.
What Was Bad
Critics complained that the acting was amateurish and the story wasn’t the least bit suspenseful. Many audiences thought the slow pacing and repetitive structure made the supposed horror movie way less frightening than intended. While it later gained a bit of a cult following, many reviewers still consider it one of the worst horror films of its time.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Courtesy of Columbia Pictures.