🟨 12 Curiosities about the movie "Dirty Dancing" (1987) that you didn't know!
"Dirty Dancing", released in 1987, is a cinematic classic that has transcended generations and become a pop culture icon. Set in the 1960s, the film blends romance, drama, and dance, telling the story of Frances "Baby" Houseman, a young woman who finds love and passion in the arms of dance instructor Johnny Castle.
The plot not only captured the hearts of viewers but is also marked by an unforgettable soundtrack, including the iconic "Time of My Life".
With breathtaking choreography and a compelling narrative about self-discovery and rebellion, "Dirty Dancing" is more than just a movie – it's a celebration of freedom and the power of dance.
Get ready to dive into fascinating trivia that reveals what made this film so special and unforgettable.
1 - CHOOSING THE LEAD CAST
Before Patrick Swayze was cast as Johnny Castle, actors Val Kilmer and Billy Zane were considered for the role.
Kilmer ended up turning down the offer, and Zane did not meet the required dance skills. Similarly, Jennifer Grey was not the first choice for the role of Baby. Sarah Jessica Parker and Sharon Stone were invited to participate in the film but also decided to decline. Jennifer Grey was 27 years old when she auditioned for the role of Frances Houseman (Baby), a 17-year-old.
In just five minutes, she demonstrated that she was capable of portraying a significantly younger character.
2 - BASED ON REAL EVENTS
Written by Eleanor Bergstein and directed by Emile Ardolino, the plot is based on the author’s personal experiences, who had a romance with a dance instructor during her teenage vacation.
3 - THE COLORS OF THE CLOTHES
Intentionally, while Baby (Jennifer Grey) wore light and vibrant clothing, Johnny (Patrick Swayze) dressed predominantly in dark, mostly black, attire.
4 - PATRICK SWAYZE ALSO SINGS!
Patrick Swayze not only shone as the charismatic Johnny Castle but also showcased his musical talent by performing the song "She’s Like the Wind". The song, which he co-wrote, became one of the highlights of the film's soundtrack. Swayze sings the track alongside Wendy Fraser, and his performance adds an extra layer of emotion to the plot, reflecting the romance and complexity of the character he portrays.
The inclusion of "She’s Like the Wind" not only highlights Swayze’s versatility as an artist but also contributes to the film’s charm and memorable atmosphere.
5 - PATRICK REFUSED TO FILM THE SEQUEL
Patrick was invited to participate in a sequel to the film with an offer of $6 million. However, rumors suggest that the actor was against such a continuation and reportedly turned down the offer immediately.
In 2004, the film received a sequel: "Dirty Dancing – Havana Nights", which was not as well received by audiences as the original.
6 - AUCTION OF AN ORIGINAL COAT FROM THE FILM
Between April 28 and 29, 2020, in Los Angeles, Lisa Niemi, Patrick Swayze’s widow, auctioned off the coat that the actor wore in the film. The proceeds were donated to the Pancreatic Action Cancer Network, an organization dedicated to researching the type of cancer that caused Patrick’s death in 2009, when he was just 57 years old.
7 - COLD WEATHER
Although the film is set in a summer romance, the filming took place in the fall. Because of this, in the lake scene, the characters' faces are not shown up close... They had purple lips from the cold! Because of this, some of the orange leaves had to be sprayed green!
8 - LICENSED PRODUCTS
Truly ahead of its time, Dirty Dancing spawned a series of licensed products including a video game, a workout program to achieve the characters' physiques, as well as a wide range of traditional merchandise such as t-shirts, tote bags, and cups.
9 - RECORDING ERRORS LEFT IN THE FILM
The iconic rehearsal scene where Baby uncontrollably laughs while Johnny tickles her was completely genuine! Jennifer was extremely ticklish, and her laughter was not staged – neither was Patrick’s reaction, who was frustrated by having to repeat the scene repeatedly due to his scene partner’s spontaneous reaction.
In the end, the director decided to keep this spontaneity in the film.
10 - LOVE ONLY IN FRONT OF THE CAMERAS
In his autobiography "Time of My Life", Patrick Swayze revealed that he did not have a good relationship with Jennifer Grey.
It wasn’t just because of the tickling incident; the actress’s moody and emotional personality also displeased him. Often, they had to reshoot scenes because she would start joking or telling stories, disrupting the filming process.
11 - AWARDS
In 1987, the film won the Oscar and Golden Globe for Best Original Song for "(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life". Additionally, at the Golden Globes, it was nominated for Best Motion Picture – Musical/Comedy, Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical/Comedy for Patrick Swayze, and Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical/Comedy for Jennifer Grey.
The following year, Dirty Dancing received a nomination for Best Original Song Written for a Motion Picture or Television for "(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life" and won the Independent Spirit Award for Best Film.
12 - BUDGET AND BOX OFFICE
The film had a budget of $6 million, which was a bit high for a romance film in the 80s, and was a tremendous box office success: it grossed an incredible $214 million worldwide.
In conclusion, "Dirty Dancing" has established itself as a pop culture icon since its release in 1987, not only for its engaging plot but also for how it captured the essence of the 1960s and the personal dilemmas of its characters.
The chemistry between Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, along with a memorable soundtrack, elevated the film to a cult status that transcends time. The blend of dance, romance, and drama not only enchanted audiences but also made history by influencing future generations of films and musical shows.
The legacy of "Dirty Dancing" remains alive, reaffirming its importance in cinema history and popular culture.
Its success is a testament to the universality of its messages about love, self-discovery, and the importance of following one’s dreams.
