Fever: The Complete History of Saturday Night Fever

by Margo Donohue

The music! The dancing! The clothes! The hair! (Watch the hair!) Celebrating 50 years of the iconic Saturday Night Fever, this first-ever complete history includes exclusive interviews, rare photographs, behind-the-scenes stories, and brand-new insights into the cult-hit phenomenon that’s been stayin’ alive for generations . . .

“Whether you’re a brother or whether you’re a mother,” it’s impossible to resist the throbbing disco beats—and lasting cultural impact—of Saturday Night Fever. Released in December 1977, the low-budget “disco movie” was the surprise gift that kept on giving. It made millions at the box office, earned an Oscar nomination for TV-actor-turned-movie-star John Travolta, catapulted The Bee Gees’ music career into the stratosphere with a record-breaking, Grammy-winning soundtrack album, and ignited a “disco inferno” that burns to this day. From Travolta’s iconic white polyester suit and legendary dance moves, to the flashing lights and illuminated floor of the Odyssey disco in Brooklyn, Saturday Night Fever captured the era like no other film—and launched a phenomenon that changed the world forever.

Here, for the first time, is the complete history of Saturday Night Fever. From the New York Magazine article that inspired the film—“Tribal Rites of the New Saturday Night” by Nik Cohn—to the on-and-off-set dramas of Travolta, director John Badham, and producer Robert Stigwood, this deep dive into the making of a movie classic also includes special interviews with actors Donna Pescow and Joseph Cali, among others. It explores the huge impact of the film on the industry—including a “Death to Disco” backlash—as well as on American culture itself.

With modern-day insights into its 1970s-era portrayals of gender, sex, and race, this is a richly detailed, delightfully entertaining celebration as glittering and multi-faceted as a mirrored disco ball. It’s a must-have for every movie and music lover who’s ever caught the Fever . . .

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Media Tie In, Film, Music

272 pages, Hardcover

First published August 26, 2025

Reviews

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

"'Saturday Night Fever' is a movie often remembered as a light disco flick with John Travolta in the white suit and wall-to-wall Bee Gees music. The sanitized television version has been viewed so often that it can come as a surprise to people when they watch the R-rated director's cut. [.] The film is downright ugly at times, and yet . . . it is also relatable. We are witnesses to a young man who was raised with little expectations and many grievances. He discovers he is good at dancing, and realizes he may be able to rise above his circumstances." -- on page 145

Filmed in the Brooklyn neighborhoods of New York City during the spring of 1977, Saturday Night Fever was a modestly budgeted movie 1.) helmed by a director with only one prior feature film credit, 2.) starring a young actor best known for a supporting role in a sitcom, and 3.) largely steered by a soundtrack featuring an Australian pop-rock band thought to be somewhat past their charting prime. Paramount Pictures had only limited expectations (its then-CEO Barry Diller even cracked that its unsavory title "sounds like a venereal disease you'll pick up on a weekend evening"), but by the end of the next year it grossed nearly $100 million (in fact, eventually becoming the highest-earning R-rated movie from the 1970's), established John Travolta as a viable silver-screen performer, and brought disco music and dancing - previously an urban phenomenon - to a nationwide audience.

Author Donohue delves into the production of the flick - which, crazily, will soon experience its 50th (!) anniversary in less than two years time - with her informative Fever. Barring the absence of star Travolta (who understandably may not want to revisit that exact era, as filming coincided with the cancer-related passing of his then-girlfriend, actress Diana Hyland), it appears that Ms Donohue had interviewed nearly everyone involved with the production (supporting performers, choreographers, etc.) or pulled pertinent archival material from a variety of sources. Though sometimes remembered incorrectly as a lightweight movie - blame that on the later parodies - she reminds readers that it is a much more of a gritty, slice-of-life drama, comparable to a 70's-version of Rebel Without a Cause.

On a more personal note, I had the good fortune to meet Ms Donohue in late June 2025 at the annual American Library Association Conference & Exhibition in Philadelphia. Second in line at the 'meet & greet' at her table, we spoke for several minutes about the film - we happened to agree that Travolta's solo to 'You Should Be Dancing' at the disco was a wonderfully indelible scene, both with the cinematography and in showcasing the actor's diligence with choreography training - and she personalized my copy with 'Scott ! My disco king' to my everlasting appreciation. (She also jokingly rolled her eyes that the publisher had misspelled her surname on the intro page of this 'ARC,' and quickly corrected said typo with a slash from her Sharpie marker.) I asked if she had plans for a subsequent book, and if it would be another film-related project. She said she was in the midst of writing a similar 'making-of' documenting director Brian DePalma's 1976 cinematic adaptation of Stephen King's Carrie, which was much to my interest. (Fever, by the way, is only her second book.)

Unfortunately, real life has a way of interrupting 'reel life' in ways that make you want to scream out 'Not fair!!!' I was surprised, shocked, and saddened to recently learn that Ms Donohue unexpectedly passed away at age 58 in August 2025, just weeks after meeting her and, most unjustly of all, days before Fever was officially released for sale. May you rest in peace, Ms Donohue - thank you for writing this book, and thank you for the kindness you displayed to a new fan on that June morning.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saturday Night Fever was never expected to be a big success. Karen Lynn Gorney (Stephanie) got hives because she was so stressed about the dancing. Denny Terrio did a dance to “Jungle Boogie” to earn the honor of teaching John Travolta to move, then tried to claim the movie’s choreography was his own… So many great tidbits in this well-researched book! Unfortunately, Travolta was not interviewed for the book, but John Badham (director) and Donna Pescow (Annette) were!

That’s the good part. Now for the bad: The editing and proofreading were atrocious! In fact, I checked to see who had published it and nearly wrote them a letter asking them to hire me! Awkwardly worded sentences, missing or extra words and typos all over the place.

4 Stars

[Marcia Miller · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a devotee of John Travolta, I was looking forward to this book. But oh was I wrong. This book a pure gossip mongering, focusing more on the directors, producers, trainers, studio heads, musicians, cast members, hangers-on, than on Travolta himself. He does come across as a hard-working, devoted actor despite lots of behind-the-scenes fights, disagreements, etc.

It was a jumble of details with no clear through-line. Overwritten, poorly written, meh!
I feel like I was scammed.

[Nichole Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

(ARC Review)

At some point in my childhood, the PG-rated version of Saturday Night Fever must have played on one of the two TV channels that we got in our rural home in northern Pennsylvania. It was probably at the end of the disco era, but I was too young to know that. All I knew was that the music was amazing, the clothing was incredible, and I wanted to dance just like they did in that movie.

Fast-forward to my adulthood, and it remains one of my favorite films, although now for many other reasons, having actually seen the original R-rated version.

I wanted to love this book as much as I love that movie. Certainly there were aspects of the book that I hungrily read through, wanting a glimpse of what it was like to film such an incredible story. Unfortunately, there were just as many, if not more, sections that simply could not pique my interest. I think that, in my mind, I envisioned this book having the same feel while I read it as I got when watching the limited series “The Offer” about the making of the movie The Godfather.

True fans of the film, those who have a much deeper and vested interest than I, will probably love this book and hold it up as another piece of the puzzle as to why the movie still remains so embedded in people’s brains and hearts today. I will more likely recognize it as a book that I skimmed through so that I could move onto a book that I would more readily enjoy reading.

[Tony Farinella · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m a big fan of movies, books, and books about movies. However, “Fever” falls short in terms of enthusiasm, energy, and passion for the iconic film “Saturday Night Fever.” The book reads like a college essay, presenting facts accurately, citing sources, and presenting information in a linear fashion. But it’s incredibly boring and lacks any real excitement. It also becomes repetitive, repeatedly emphasizing John Travolta’s popularity and the challenges faced during filming due to the attention he was drawing on set. While I did learn a few interesting new facts about the movie, much of it was recycled information from the various documentaries featured on the film’s physical media releases.

I wasn’t particularly interested in drama or behind-the-scenes conflict; I simply wanted a sense of time and place while reading the book. The writing style was tedious and laborious, making it difficult to get into the book. It lacked heart and was very bland and uninteresting. The interviews conducted in the book didn’t offer any groundbreaking insights either. In my opinion, I would recommend watching the numerous documentaries on the film that have already been released. This book doesn’t offer any new perspectives or insights.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this was like reading an oral history -- I could hear the interviews through the pages. This covered a LOT -- the article that inspired the movie, the movie's production history, the soundtrack, the various folks who trained the dancers, famous folks who were background dancers, where are they all now and their favorite songs from the movie. The author shows her passion for the movie but doesn't insert herself into the story. Just a huge recommend for anyone who digs the movie.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Margo Donohue, Fever The Complete History of Saturday Night Fever, Kensington Publishing, August 2025.

Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.

This is a magnificently detailed account of the personnel, cultural environment, and film history that brought into being Saturday Night Fever. Overwhelming at times, this book is worth returning to repeatedly, for anyone interested in the film, but also for students of film history. Saturday Night Fever was produced in two versions. One was suitable for a wider audience, the other was grittier, an honest account of the Brooklyn world in Tony Manero swung his paint can as he walked to work in the opening scene. For me, the fall from the Brooklyn Bridge was a focal point of the film. Grease, also starring John Travolta and produced a year later, like Saturday Night Fever, had a captivating soundtrack, which sometimes leads to thinking of the films in tandem. However, this is misleading. Grease was delightful and easy viewing. Saturday Night Fever was not, and Margo Donohue’s history shows how it was saved from becoming only the lighter version.

The book has an arresting cover with its disco dancing figure and title in what appear to be lights. John Scognamiglio’s introduction to ‘dear reader’ tells us clearly that Saturday Night Fever depicts Brooklyn in the seventies, as well as highlighting its relevance to current popular culture. He makes a short but telling contribution to the way in which the book will immerse the reader in familiar and unfamiliar material, depending on memories of the 1970s in a gritty environment where racial and sexual slurs were endemic, and tragedy existed side by side with the glamour of disco dancing, striking clothing, makeup and hairstyles.

A list of the interviews conducted by Margo Donohue, follows then chapters dealing in detail with the various elements that make up the history of Saturday Night Fever getting to an audience. There are biographies of the interviewees, a bibliography, and recommended documentaries as well as notes for each chapter.

An important chapter is Fever at Fifty – a review of the film ten years after its screenings. Here, the ugliness of the movie is acknowledged by Barry Miller who later starred in the popular, nostalgic, and sweeter, Peggy Sue Got Married. Although he later felt more positive about the film, The Complete History of Saturday Night Fever is never far from ensuring that the grittiness of the era it depicts is not forgotten. Alongside this valuable recognition is the insight that its soundtrack, the stars, and the dancing are worth the nostalgia the film evokes. It is here, that Margo Donohoe excels in conjuring up the mixed feelings of those involved on bringing the film to the screen and its then audience. Through the overwhelming information is a thread that draws the book’s audience into the experience of the film’s audiences, a vital feature in experiencing both the film and the weighty work that went into its production. Margo Donohoe effectively captures the complex emotions of those involved, weaving together audience experiences and production challenges.

[ManOfLaBook.com · Rating 4 out of 5]

For more reviews and bookish posts visit: https://www.ManOfLaBook.com

Fever: The Complete History of Saturday Night Fever by Margo Donohue is a loving history of the 1970s surprise hit movie, Ms. Donohue is an accomplished writer for the lifestyle and entertainment genres, as well as producing several podcasts.

A few years ago, my wife, daughter and I sat to watch Saturday Night Fever, one of my wife’s favorites. I realized that I never saw the whole movie (I was about eight when it came out and Superman was all the rage for me). The big revelation to me was that there are at least three versions of the movie – R, PG and a TV version. So, it’s quite possible that many of us have never seen the R rated version, the one that’s considered to be the classic. The story, grime, darkness, ugliness, but also relevant themes then and now told me all I need to know about why it’s as beloved as it is.

Fever by Margo Donohue traces the making of the movie from Nik Cohn’s New York magazine article which the movie is based on, to taking John Travolta from a “Sweathog” to a movie stardom, the reception and, of course, legacy. Along the way she dispels myths, such as who taught Travolta to dance, and others.

Robert Stigwood, the producer, gets much of the credit for the movie. Originally it was conceived as a vehicle to showcase Stigwood’s clients, the Bee Gees and he brought along screenwriter Norman Wexler, director John Badham, and that kid from the sitcom Welcome Back Kotter, which just had the elusive “it”.

The book covers a lot of areas, the iconic dancing at Brooklyn’s 2001 Odyssey disco, the disco floor, excellent choreography, best-selling soundtrack and the effect it had, and still has, on pop culture. It is divided into sections which really don’t flow into one another, but on the positive side if you don’t find a particular section interesting you can simply skip it to the next one without missing a beat.

The work, I thought, was well researched and is an enjoyable and informative read whether you like disco. If you’re a movie and trivia fan like me, or enjoy reading about movies, you’ll enjoy this book no matter what.

[Adrian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes, the right book comes along at the right time and your anemoia is sated. For this reason, I was thrilled when Fever by Margo Donohue was offered as an ARC by Kensington Publishing and NetGalley.

Although I wasn't born when Saturday Night Fever was released, I have a genuine love for disco. Saturday Night Fever is a unique time capsule of a movie, so firmly entrenched in the gritty Brooklyn vibes of the 1970s, which makes it a fascinating film to watch. It's an ugly movie and Donohue is apt in her criticism. I had no idea they had a PG version, as I only ever knew the R-rated version, which seethes with hatred.

Donohue carefully lays out the foundation for all the elements that made the movie swing – not least, of course, because of the soundtrack (the Bee Gees' ire at becoming the poster boys for disco was particularly enjoyable) – as well as how they chose the locations, the writer with its searing indictment of disco rites and rituals and why it had such an impact at the cinema. Having just read Last Night at the Disco (excellent), I enjoyed the trivia and read it chapter by chapter, particularly enjoying the infamous Disco sucks death of the disco genre. Perhaps the biggest surprise: Staying Alive made money!
I'm giving it 3 stars but that's not to say I don't think you, fellow reader, shouldn't read this. Donohue did a terrific job in this book and, I think, if there are future editions, she should consider a coffee book of pictures to accompany the text. It's well worth a disco tome front and centre in anybody's home.
Btw, if you're interested, Margo, my favourite song from SNF is 'If I Can't Have You' - pure disco. And yes, I would like to see the stage show, today, tomorrow, whenever, wherever.

[Sunny Disposition · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fever encapsulates, the glitz, glamour and grit of the 1970’s. Thanks to Saturday Night Fever, the allure of disco is something that has been embedded in me from a young age. When I read the synopsis for this book, I knew I had to read it. The stars aligned and I was lucky enough to be given an Advanced Readers Copy, which I devoured within a couple of days.

As an avid fan of the film, I appreciated how Donohue’s enthusiasm mirrored my own and shone through in their writing. I enjoyed how detailed and descriptive Donohue’s writing style was. I also felt that the use of trivia was an effective technique, as it encouraged the reader to further engage with the text.

Saturday Night Fever is not just a frivolous film, it explores dark subject matters. It was reassuring to read how one of the actresses was cared for and made to feel comfortable, whilst shooting one particular heinous scene. It was great to read, that even though the film was shot in the 1970’s, a great level of care and consideration was extended to the actors.

Overall, I feel that Fever was well researched, informative and an extremely fun read. It will definitely appeal to those that long for the nostalgia of disco. I would also encourage people who don’t have a particular interest in disco, as it also provides a great insight into the production of a film.

5 stars

I would like to thank, Margaret Donohue, DRC from Kensington Publishing and Net Gallery, for providing me with an Advanced Readers Copy.

[Martin Maenza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kensington Publishing provided an early galley for review.

I first saw the movie (the R-rated version) in February of 1978, right around my thirteenth birthday. I was already a big fan of disco music; this film sealed disco forever into my DNA. And I am proud of that. Of course, I knew some of the history behind it all but was willing to see if Donohue could surprise me with some nuggets of lore I did not know. Turns out, there were a ton of juicy details that I gleaned from the book.

I was impressed just looking at the names of those she interviewed for the book. While there might be some notable absentees here, I was certainly interested to see what those who might not have gotten to speak much on the record before have to say as we approach the film's 50th anniversary. I found so many of their insights entertaining and informative.

This oral history, along with a recent rewatch of the film a few years back, reminded me of all the heavy topics (racism, sexism, rape) that the movie covers. It is more than just a spotlight on dance culture. I believe that is why it resonated with me even as an early teen; back then we were not sheltered from mature topics - we were exposed to them so that we could learn from them.

Fans of the film should definitely check this one out.

[CYIReadBooks (Claire) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Margo Donohue’s Fever is an interesting deep dive into the behind-the-scenes world of a iconic era, chronicling the intricate details of directors, locations, and choreography that shaped the disco frenzy. The book’s comprehensive exploration brought back a flood of fond memories, vividly recreating the energy and excitement of the time. I was fascinated by the backstage stories—details I’d never imagined—offering a fresh perspective on a beloved period.Donahue’s thoroughness is both a strength and a slight drawback. The wealth of information is impressive, but at times, the minutiae became overwhelming, leading me to skim through overly detailed sections. Still, the book’s engaging facts and compelling narratives kept me hooked, that balanced out the occasional tediousness. For anyone nostalgic for this era or curious about its inner workings, Fever is a highly enjoyable read that delivers a rich, if occasionally exhaustive, experience. Four stars.

I received a DRC from Kensington Publishing through NetGalley. This review is my own and reflects my honest thoughts and opinions.

[John Schorg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Saturday Night Fever was a touchstone for many of us of a certain age. It symbolized the disco era and was reviled and adored with equal fervor. Time has softened some of the ways it is regarded... the movie is a nice reflection of that time, John Travolta was quite good, and it's OK to admit that Stayin' Alive and Disco Inferno are great songs. Travolta's absence from participation in this book is a hindrance, as is a reliance upon some people who, shall we say, tend to overinflate their importance to the project. But the author does justice to the film, doesn't ignore some of its flaws, and gives ample voice to people like Donna Pescow, who speak eloquently about their experiences.

[Matthew Elfenbein · Rating 3 out of 5]

The history of Saturday Night Fever and all of the ancillary media that came out from it. The author conducted some great interviews and wrote them in a conversational style, but there were not many narrative connections created. I would have enjoyed a more technical analysis of the music and dancing, but the book and study were still sufficient on the subject. While it makes mention of the period in which it existed, the book remains focused on the material of Saturday Night Fever, rather than its contexts (though there is plenty of context).

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good book about Saturday Night Fever and what was 50 years ago. A book about the movie and the world around.
SNF is not a happy or light movie: there's abuse, violence, death, and the hope of a better life just on the other side of the bridge.
We danced but maybe something more was on our mind (and I was a fan of Television/Talking Heads/Patti Smith who were on the other side)
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Paula Boggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having been born in the late fifties, disco was a large part of my high school and college years. I can honestly say, I wasn't the biggest fan. I did, however, enjoy the movie "Saturday Night Fever". I did truly enjoy this book! The times, the names.....Stigwood, Travolta, Badham; the music, brought the mid to late seventies back. Margo Donohue did a wonderful job keeping up the pace, and my interest. A great weekend read for late baby boomers, especially.

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Donohue’s Fever feels like stepping into the world behind Saturday Night Fever. It is full of vivid stories, cultural context, and the grit of ’70s Brooklyn. It’s packed with detail and real affection for the film, though sometimes the structure wanders and the deep-dive focus makes it best for readers who already care about disco or the movie. Still, it’s an engaging, well-researched trip through a moment that shaped pop culture.

[LL · Rating 3 out of 5]

All of the trivia and behind the scenes is pretty interesting. The writing is fine. It is well-researched. I think maybe you have to be a bigger fan of the film to really appreciate it. But as a general film history book, I found this a worthwhile read.


I received a free copy for review; all opinions are my own.

[LYDIA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicely researched history of the making of Saturday Night Fever. Loved the interviews and behind the scenes stories. It's a small book. I wish there were more photographs. What a profound effect this movie had on dance clubs. Not just the disco, up-beat music.

[Geri McB · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written and researched, but just not all that interesting.

[Tim Oldakowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the more comprehensive books about a film. It was fun.