On This Day

Blue Collar released

February 10th 1978

12:18 10 February 2024

'Blue Collar' opened in theaters in the U.S. on this day in 1978. Paul Schrader's directorial debut starring Richard Pryor, Harvey Keitel and Yaphet Kotto tells the story of three car-plant workers who plot to rob their union's safe but end up uncovering evidence of corruption.

The shoot was fraught with tension with the three stars not getting along amid stories of guns being pulled and fist fights. Schrader has stated he had a mental breakdown onset and seriously considered a change of career.

Despite the difficulties during filming, the movie received universal praise from the critics and is considered one of the best to come out of the New Hollywood era.