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".

---

Plot Keywords:

teenage rebellion | small town | high school dance | church | cowboy boots | 

---

Taglines:

The music is on his side.

---

Genres:

Drama | Music | Romance

---

Certificate:

PG

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, 19 February 1984

Gross USA:

$80,035,402

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paramount Pictures, Phoenix Pictures, IndieProd Company Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

107 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The character of Willard Hewitt (not even called by that name in the original script) was specifically re-written by Screenwriter Dean Pitchford with Chris Penn in mind.

---

Goofs

When Ariel is going from the car to truck, the stereo in the back window of the truck disappears and reappears between shots.

---

Quotes

Rusty: What is wrong about getting a little psyched over Ren? He's *cute*! He's from out of town, and *don't* tell me that doesn't curl your toes, Ariel, I know you too well. You want out of here so bad you probably memorize bus schedules.

---

Alternate Versions

The UK cinema version was cut by 2 minutes 48 secs by the BBFC to receive a PG certificate with heavy edits to the fight scenes and Ariel's beating by her boyfriend, some cuts to raunchy dialogue (including Ariel's line "I'm not a virgin") and the entire removal of the scene showing Ren being offered a marijuana joint. The cuts were fully restored in all 15-rated video and DVD releases.

---

Connections

Spoofed in Family Guy: Baby Got Black (2014)

---

Soundtracks

Dancing in the Sheets
Music by Bill Wolfer
Lyrics by Dean Pitchford
Performed by Shalamar

User Reviews

Great musical of the 1980's!!

This drama/musical tells the story of young man who moves into a very religious community . The young man is played by Kevin Bacon. He finds out that the local preacher does not allow any music, dancing , fun in his town. Eventually with the help of some friends, he manages to talk the citizens to allow the teens to have a dance. This movie also stars John Lithgow from 3rd Rock from the Sun!!Footloose has awesome sound track , is full of great songs!!!This is one great musical along with Grease in the 1970's!!