With the New Hollywood boom in swing, a fresh breed of movie idols were capturing the attention of cinema goers. Though there were others who helped define the period, many feel that the Zeitgeist was captured the most by one actor.

That man was known by millions upon millions across the world by his first name only - Jack. When it comes to Hollywood stars of the first half of the 1970s, Jack Nicholson was king.

Other actors certainly impressed and prospered in this era, but it was arguably Jack who made the biggest impact, the man who summed up the mood of the times, combining as he did old style movie charisma and modern character-actor angst. This book celebrates Jack’s work in the 1970s, from the lesser loved and the forgotten gems to the immortal classics and undeniable masterpieces.

Chris Wade, a lifelong fan, dissects and analyses Jack’s startling performances in such films as Five Easy Pieces, The King Of Marvin Gardens, The Passenger and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, revealing a body of work unmatched to this day. .