Without one man Ron Howard’s career was over before it had begun: “I thought I might get fired at lunch”

Ron Howard’s first feature film as director, the 1977 comedy *Grand Theft Auto*, nearly derailed his ambitions before they began. At 23, he was anxious and behind schedule on the first day of shooting, but cinematographer Gary Graver helped him simplify the production and regain his footing.

Howard got the chance through producer Roger Corman, who owed him a favour after *Eat My Dust!* and set firm commercial requirements for the film. Howard also starred in it and co-wrote the script with his father, Rance; he later recalled managing only four or five camera setups during the troubled first half-day and thinking he might be fired at lunch. The article argues Graver’s support helped Howard continue directing, although the film itself was not a career highlight.