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A close-knit group of teenagers relish their last night of summer vacation before their paths diverge, changing their lives forever, in George Lucas’s American Graffiti. Most of the cast succeed in creating wholly believable characters with compelling dilemmas, and Lucas lets the night’s events unfold in a striking, documentary style that makes the film feel immediate and real. The groundbreaking soundtrack features over forty vintage tunes, all introduced by famed radio deejay Wolfman Jack — the first motion picture ever to feature a wall-to-wall collection of pop tunes.

Among the ensemble of characters are Steve and Laurie (Ron Howard and Cindy Williams), two sweethearts who wonder if they’re going to stay together; Terry the Toad (Charles Martin Smith), an awkward dork who snags a dream date with the aloof Debbie (Candy Clark); and John (Paul Le Mat), a drag racer who gets stuck babysitting thirteen-year-old Carol (Mackenzie Phillips) while cruising the Modesto, California, streets in his deuce coupe. Then there’s Curt (Richard Dreyfuss), the college-bound guy who spends the entire night searching for a mysterious blonde he doesn’t even know. Harrison Ford also pops up as Bob Falfa, John’s racing adversary.

You get really caught up in American Graffiti — you’re with these kids, in their cars, at the diner, at the high school, in love, infatuated, anxious, worried. Just as Lucas’ later Star Wars films transported us to the far reaches of space, American Graffiti transports us to the summer of 1962, keeping us up for one glorious night with characters who are all at a volatile crossroads in their lives. It’s nostalgic, funny, fun, and moving — and the work of an auteur. As much as I love Star Wars, American Graffiti features Lucas’ best directing work to date.

Favorite scene: when Paul Le Mat and Mackenzie Phillips get their revenge on a car full of snobby girls by covering the girls’ vehicle with shaving cream and flattening its tires. It’s an editorial fete set to the tune of “Johnny Be Good” — kinetic and full of life.

Oscar saw fit to nominate American Graffiti for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actress (Candy Clark), Best Editing, and Best Screenplay.