‘Earthquake’ released in U.S. theaters 40 years ago today (Nov 15 1974)


Video: 'Earthquake' trailer

(Friday, November 15, 1974)Earthquake, an ensemble disaster film about the struggle for survival after a catastrophic earthquake destroys most of the city of Los Angeles, was released today in the U.S.

Directed by Mark Robson, the film starred Charlton Heston, Ava Gardner, George Kennedy, Lorne Greene, Geneviève Bujold, Richard Roundtree, Marjoe Gortner, Barry Sullivan, Lloyd Nolan, Victoria Principal, and (under an alias) Walter Matthau.

The film was notable for the use of an innovative sound effect called Sensurround which created the sense of actually experiencing an earthquake in theaters.