When fire engulfs a skyscraper, architect Doug Roberts (Newman) and fire chief Michael O'Hallorhan (Steve McQueen) risk everything to try and save the lives of those trapped inside.
A simple yet effective premise that earned the blazing epic a clutch of awards including three Oscars, a BAFTA and a Golden Globe. The bigger story is that of the film's production which was financed by rival studios, starred competing egos Paul Newman and Steve McQueen and made headlines for its ground-breaking special effects.
33 years on, the film holds it's own against classic and contemporary titles and should be a must-see when it airs in high definition this month.