Cord the Seeker undertakes a journey to discover the Book of Enlightenment. On his way he does battle with Monkey, Panther, Rhythm and Zetan, Keeper of the Book. His only companion is a blind man who plays a haunting flute. This combination of martial arts and spiritualism was originally written as a vehicle for Bruce Lee, although the project was abandoned long before his untimely death.

A huge glass tower block, touted as the tallest building in the world, bursts into flame on its opening night.

An all-star cast includes Steve McQueen as Michael O'Hallorhan, the fire chief determined to get the blaze under control, while Paul Newman stars as embarrassed architect Doug Roberts, trapped inside with fellow guests Fred Astaire, Richard Chamberlain and Robert Wagner.

The Towering Inferno became the biggest of the Seventies cycle of disaster movies, which began four years earlier with 'Airport'.