Sean Egan Can You Dig It (hardback): The Phenomenon of The Warriors

CAN YOU DIG ITWalter Hills The Warriors was not just a motion pictureit was a social phenomenon on every level. The tale of a Coney Island street gang who, framed for murder, have to make the perilous journey back to home turf across the terrain of rival crews out for revenge, it caused a sensation when it hit the theaters in early 1979. Despite a low budget, an absence of marquee names, and minimal promotion, it proceeded to lead the box office, devoured by an urban youth that had never before been represented nonjudgmentally on screen. Within weeks, though, the glory was tarnished when deaths at and around screenings created an unparalleled controversy about imitation of onscreen violence. The Warriors never recovered commercial momentum. However, it never lost its critical kudos, partly deriving from its plots unlikely origincourtesy of the 1965 source novel by Sol Yurickin Greek classic Anabasis. It now enjoys cultclassic status. "Can you dig it?"the call to arms against the Man dramatically enunciated by rival gang leader Cyrusis now one of cinemas immortal catchphrases. Sean Egan has spoken in depth to the people who made The Warriors, including its directorscreenwriter, producers, stunt coordinator, costume designer, soundtrack composer, and starring actors. He details how its shoot was engulfed in acrimony and strife, including a spiraling budget, the leading lady breaking her arm, and intimidation from loitering reallife gang members. Then there was the... | Sean Egan Can You Dig It (hardback): The Phenomenon of The Warriors