On This Day

Death Wish released

July 24th 1974

15:26 24 July 2024

The premiere of 'Death Wish' took place at the Loews Theater of New York City on this day in 1974. The film opened to mixed reviews because of its perceived support of vigilantism but resonated with audiences and sparked a nationwide debate over how to deal with a rising urban crime rate. 

Charles Bronson starred as Paul Kersey, a New York architect who becomes a one-man vigilante squad after intruders break into his home and brutally assault his wife and daughter.

Sidney Lumet was set to direct but when he bowed out to direct 'Serpico' (1973), United Artists brought in Michael Winner who in turn cast Bronson in the lead role following on from their success together with 'The Mechanic' (1972) and 'The Stone Killer' (1973).

'Death Wish' is despite, or perhaps because of, its moral ambiguity, a solid  70s action thriller that spawned several increasingly absurd sequels and a 2018 remake starring Bruce Willis.