Book Review: ‘Fever: The Complete History Of Saturday Night Fever’ By Margo Donohue

by | Oct 27, 2025 | Books | 0 comments


The book is in stores now. Click on the link to buy a copy. https://amzn.to/3Wq4kez

For many, SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER is remembered as that disco movie from the 1970’s where John Travolta danced to music by The Bee Gees. And they are correct. However, this common description is missing what made the film resonate with me and so many others. Author Margo Donohue understood the gap and her new book excels at connecting the dots for these two sides. In the process, she expertly serves up some inside scoop on the filmmaking process, the actors, and the era.

Author Donohue explains why opinions on the film are so widely varied. First of all, there are two versions … an R-rated version released theatrically, and a PG version that ran in prime-time television. The differences go much deeper than cleaning up the profanity. Some of the topics addressed in the original are so glossed over in the TV version that one would be excused for being unaware. At its core, the story is about a young man searching for a path to adulthood that doesn’t limit him in ways that remaining in the neighborhood would.

For film buffs, Donohue details how little faith the studio had in the film, the budgetary limitations, the change of director from John G Avildsen (coming off his Oscar win for ROCKY, 1976) to John Badham (coming off THE BINGO LONG TRAVELING ALL-STARS & MOTOR KINGS, 1976), and the concerns about whether “Welcome Back, Kotter” star John Travolta could transition his popularity from TV to the big screen. She also breaks down some of the most memorable scenes – that iconic opening strut swinging a paint can, and the significant and relatable family dinner, among others. Donohue also spills the beans on Travolta’s dance training and the choreography during filming.

Some of the best writing and research is found in the segments (seemingly) directed at those who tend to off-handedly dismiss this as just a disco dancing film. Donohue drills down into the manner in which Donna Pescow made her Annette into such a complex character. It’s a shame that the author wasn’t able to interview Travolta for the book, but many of his past quotes about playing Tony in the film are included. Personally, I always struggled with Tony choosing Stephanie as his dance partner (when she appeared to be a mediocre dancer) yet I found Stephanie to be so familiar as a person – wanting to be an adult and desperate to make herself seem so important. Both female characters are heartbreaking in their own way and Donohue provides a great deal for us to chew on.

In writing the book, Margo Donohue makes the point that much of what’s in the film would not be included were it to be remade today. Racism, misogyny, abortion, suicide, religion, family dysfunction, and sexual abuse are key elements to Badham’s true version (R, not PG). It’s a gritty street movie that offsets poverty and other less desirable attributes with some historically popular music and some stunning dance sequences. In addition to the heaviness, there are also moments of levity: “Attica!”, Marisa Tomei’s line is always good for chuckle, as is, “He hits my hair!”. My personal favorite occurs while the group is at White Castle, and they ask, “Don’t you never chew, Tony?”. If a writer chooses to take on a movie that has had a lasting impact on so many, there better be some valuable insight and some behind-the-scenes intel that pack a punch. Margo Donohue has succeeded in delivering all of that and more. Unfortunately, Ms. Donohue passed away unexpectedly earlier this year at the age of 58, and her legacy is her writing and the influence of her podcast.

David Ferguson
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