Which 1973 film directed by George Lucas launched his career?

American Graffiti is the 1973 film directed by George Lucas that launched his career. This coming-of-age comedy-drama drew on Lucas's teenage experiences cruising through Modesto, California, in the early 1960s and follows several young people over one pivotal summer night.

Francis Ford Coppola produced the film, which starred Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, Paul Le Mat, Charles Martin Smith, Candy Clark, and Cindy Williams. Harrison Ford also appeared in a supporting role. The soundtrack’s period rock-and-roll songs and its hot-rod culture gave the film a distinctive sense of time and place.

Lucas had already directed THX 1138, but that earlier science-fiction film was a critical rather than commercial success. American Graffiti became a major hit despite its modest budget, earning five Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director. Its success helped finance Lucas's next major project: Star Wars.