Footloose (1984)

A city teenager moves to a small town where rock music and dancing have been banned, and his rebellious spirit shakes up the populace.

Director:

Herbert Ross

Writer:

Dean Pitchford

Stars:

Kevin Bacon, Lori Singer, John Lithgow

Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 1 win & 4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Kevin Bacon	...	Ren
Lori Singer	...	Ariel
John Lithgow	...	Rev. Shaw Moore
Dianne Wiest	...	Vi Moore
Chris Penn	...	Willard (as Christopher Penn)
Sarah Jessica Parker	...	Rusty
John Laughlin	...	Woody
Elizabeth Gorcey	...	Wendy Jo
Frances Lee McCain	...	Ethel McCormack
Jim Youngs	...	Chuck Cranston
Douglas Dirkson	...	Burlington Cranston
Lynne Marta	...	Lulu Warnicker
Arthur Rosenberg	...	Wes Warnicker
Timothy Scott	...	Andy Beamis
Alan Haufrect	...	Coach Roger Dunbar

Storyline

Classic tale of teenage rebellion and repression features a delightful combination of dance choreography and realistic and touching performances. When teenager Ren McCormack and his family move from big-city Chicago to a small Midwestern town, he's in for a real case of culture shock. Though he tries hard to fit in, the streetwise Ren can't quite believe he's living in a place where rock music and dancing are illegal. However, there is one small pleasure: Ariel Moore, a troubled but lovely blonde with a jealous boyfriend. And a Bible-thumping minister, who is responsible for keeping the town dance-free. Ren and his classmates want to do away with this ordinance, especially since the senior prom is around the corner, but only Ren has the courage to initiate a battle to abolish the outmoded ban and revitalize the spirit of the repressed townspeople. Fast-paced drama is filled with such now-famous hit songs as the title track and "Let's Hear It for the Boy".

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Plot Keywords:

teenage rebellion | small town | high school dance | church | sweating | 

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Taglines:

The music is on his side.

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Genres:

Drama | Music | Romance

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Certificate:

PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

The high school in this film is located in Payson, Utah, 23 miles away from Lehi Roller Mills where Ren works.

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Goofs

In the opening sequence, Ariel transfers from the car to the pickup, the passenger side mirror is on the truck. Later at the drive inn, the mirror is missing. It appears and disappears at various intervals throughout the movie, most likely so as to not block the shot of the actors.

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Quotes

Ariel: I'm no saint you know. I'm not even a virgin.
Reverend Shaw Moore: Don't you talk like that here!
Ariel: Why not? Isn't this where I'm supposed to come to confess my sins to my preacher? In CHURCH! I ask to be forgiven! Am I?

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Alternate Versions

U.S. release was originally rated "R", but edited down to earn a "PG" rating instead. It was shorn of the male frontal nudity, and the phrase "go fuck yourself" was altered to "go flack yourself".

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Connections

Referenced in My Name Is Earl: Monkeys in Space (2006)

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Soundtracks

Holding Out for a Hero
Performed by Bonnie Tyler
Written by Jim Steinman and Dean Pitchford
Produced by Jim Steinman

User Reviews

Pure 80's Teenage Fun

I loved it when I first saw it as a teen in 1984 amd felt the same watching it now as an adult all these years later. Great simple story that showcases new kid in town, the rebellion of youth, lust and how gooooood dancing makes you feel and what you'll do to get that feeling.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

17 February 1984 (USA)

Also Known As:

Footloose

Filming Locations:

American Fork Community Presbyterian Church - 75 North 100 East, American Fork, Utah, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$8,200,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$8,556,935, 20 February 1984

Gross USA:

$80,035,402

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$80,039,064

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paramount Pictures, Phoenix Pictures, IndieProd Company Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

107 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1