1977: Studio 54, the first celebrity disco, opens in New York City. It attracts those luminaries and aspiring celebrities who want to see and be seen.

Today: Somewhat nostalgic movies about places like Studio 54 and about the people who went there are made. The emptiness of the lifestyle is often highlighted.

1977: Annie opens on Broadway, where it runs for 2,377 performances.

Today: Though it no longer plays on Broadway, Annie is still regularly performed in repertory and has been made into a feature film and television movie.

1977: In music, the burgeoning punk movement challenges the dominant rock bands, dismissing them as dinosaurs.

Today: Many musical styles, like punk and classic rock, exist side by side.

1977: There is general distrust of the American government because of the recent Watergate scandal involving President Richard M. Nixon.

Today: There is a sense of distrust of the American government because of...