 Stewart was offered the role of Howard Beale in "Network" (1976), but refused it due to its explicit language.Instead, he appeared in supporting roles in the disaster film "Airport '77" (1977), the remake "The Big Sleep" (1978), and the family film "The Magic of Lassie" (1978).Despite mixed reviews, "Airport '77" was a box-office success, but the two other films were commercial and critical failures.