Let’s take a trip down memory lane, back to 1971. Not only was The Good Five Cent Cigar brand new to the University of Rhode Island’s campus, but many monumental events happened in the fashion and entertainment industry that still affect our lives today.
Many things that were trendy in the 1970s are making a comeback, with the style of pants being the first one. The 1970s were a time of high waisted, flared pants, and current fashion trends are showing similar styles making a reappearance in stores. The more modernized version of that trend would be “mom jeans,” with their more straight-fitting look being extremely popular right now in comparison to the now-outdated skinny jean look.
Another fashion trend that is coming back from the 1970s is “curtain bangs,” which are blowing up right now among Gen Z. This effortless-looking blown out hairstyle originated in the 1970s with icons like Olivia Newton-John and Jane Fonda.
1971 was a great year for movies, with one huge one being the original “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.” Based on the 1964 Roald Dahl novel, the movie remains a classic throughout many generations, featuring the late Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka. It had received two Academy Award nominations and in 2014, it was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress, reserved for films categorized as being “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant.”
The same year the original film came out, was the creation of what we now know as Nestlé Candy Shop, originally the Willy Wonka Candy Company. So we have 1971 and “Willy Wonka” to thank for Laffy Taffy, Nerds, Pixy Stix and more.
The film also inspired a 2005 Tim Burton remake “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” featuring Johnny Depp, which might be more familiar for members of this generation. This more modern adaptation earned a total of $475 million worldwide and was a big hit.
Another huge event that happened in 1971 was the construction and opening of Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Walt Disney has created an empire with his characters, many of which are at the core memories of every American child and adult alike.
The construction of Disney World began in 1967, and it consisted of just Magic Kingdom. Walt tragically passed away right before the construction began, so his brother Roy Disney took over when it came to plans for the construction.
Disney’s Magic Kingdom amassed roughly 57,400 guests per day pre-pandemic, as of 2019. Since its original construction, Disney World has gained four theme parks and two water parks. Disney World is famous for its parades, attractions and “magic,” earning it the nickname“the most magical place on Earth.”
I could go on and on about the influence Disney has had on the entertainment industry in general. The Walt Disney Corporation currently owns 12 media companies, including big names like ESPN, ABC and Hollywood Records. In addition, it owns popular franchises such as “Star Wars,” “Grey’s Anatomy” and “the Muppets.”
1971 was a monumental year for many reasons, and has inspired many of the entertainment we consume in our lives today and the styles we continue to carry in the way we dress, the movies we watch or the music we listen to.