Hard to believe that the movie grease, staring the then-youthful and lean john Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, was released 40 years ago this year ( specifically on June 16). It was re-released Sunday and I saw it in the afternoon at King of Prussia.
The theater was more than halfway full, the ages mostly 50+. A nice crowd for a cold Sunday to see a movie one can easily rent or find on cable or on-demand. Still, there's nothing like a seeing a classic movie on the silver screen, and seeing it with others.
To be honest I had never seen the entire movie before. Only snippets, and, of course, I heard the great songs. So it would be like watching a brand-new flick for me.
It was a fun experience, and I was amazed how fresh the comedy held up after 40 years. The 1950s were and still are a special time in America, revered for it's lifestyle, music and larger-than-life personalities. Look how well the original Back To The Future did, which most of it's plot set in the 50s.
Easy to see why Travolta was so popular. He just made Saturday Night Fever, after achieving fame on the TV show Welcome Back Kotter as the scatter-brain, Vinnie Barbarino. Travolta had it all- looks,s ex appeal, he could dance, and be funny. He kinda could sing, well-enough to get this part. Ironically, Henry Winkler, the Fonz form Happy Days was originally offered the part. not wanting to be typecast he declined, and we are all happy her did. Could Winkler even sing?
I always had a crush on Newton-John, She was gorgeous, the girl-next-door, via Australia, and she could sing. She really never acted before, but she proved to have a chemistry with Travolta. Other actresses up for the part of Sandy were Marie Osmond and Susan Dey. How bad would they have been?
Fun seeing so many old stars in Grease: Sid Caeser,Eve Arden, Alice Ghostley, Doody Goodman, to name but a few. Frankie Avalon as the Teen Angel was good. singing "Beauty School Drop-Out".
Grease was about dancing, and the production numbers were elaborate, corny and fun. We knew how great of a dancer Travolta was. But Grease was really known for it's songs, from the Grammy-nominated "Hopelessly Devoted To You" to the number 1 hits "You're The One That I Want" and the title track ( sung by Frankie Valli and written by Barry Gibb of the bee Gees).The audience was singing right along to the familiar music, and after each song there was real applause- even after 40 years.
Odd there were no parents to be seen, or home life. The plot centered around school (Rydell High, named after South Philly icon Bobby Rydell) and simpler times, like meeting at the malt shop, drag racing, football games and bonfires, sock hop dances in the gym and sleepovers. Simpler and gentler times.
Grease was made on a budget of less than $10 million yet made $395 million worldwide. It spawned a wretched sequel, and numerous stage shows, some of which are still running. Hearing the songs brought back memories, not only of my high school days, but of the summer of 1977 when the film came out. Simpler times too.
Seeing it all the way thru for the very first time, i give grease 3 1/2 out of 4 stars, mainly because it still holds up, the characters are warm and friendly, and mostly because of the music, which will last forever.
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