Who directed the 1977 disco-era film Saturday Night Fever?

John Badham directed the 1977 disco-era film “Saturday Night Fever.”

The film was based on a New York magazine article by Nik Cohn and was produced by Robert Stigwood, whose company was closely connected with the Bee Gees and the soundtrack. Badham directed John Travolta as Tony Manero, a young Brooklyn man whose weekend dancing provides an escape from his ordinary life.

Badham’s direction helped balance the movie’s spectacular club sequences with its darker coming-of-age drama. The film became a major commercial success and helped define the visual and musical image of late-1970s disco for international audiences.

A common mix-up is to credit producer Robert Stigwood as the director. Stigwood was an important producer and music-business figure, but he did not direct the film. Randal Kleiser directed “Grease,” released the following year, while Alan Parker directed other music-related films such as “Fame.”