Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Jennifer Grey | ... | Baby Houseman | |
Patrick Swayze | ... | Johnny Castle | |
Jerry Orbach | ... | Jake Houseman | |
Cynthia Rhodes | ... | Penny Johnson | |
Jack Weston | ... | Max Kellerman | |
Jane Brucker | ... | Lisa Houseman | |
Kelly Bishop | ... | Marjorie Houseman | |
Lonny Price | ... | Neil Kellerman | |
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Max Cantor | ... | Robbie Gould |
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Charles 'Honi' Coles | ... | Tito Suarez (as Charles Honi Coles) |
Neal Jones | ... | Billy Kostecki | |
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'Cousin Brucie' Morrow | ... | Magician |
Wayne Knight | ... | Stan | |
Paula Trueman | ... | Mrs. Schumacher | |
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Alvin Myerovich | ... | Mr. Schumacher |
In 1963, Frances "Baby" Houseman, a sweet daddy's girl, goes with her family to a resort in upstate New York's Catskill Mountains. Baby has grown up in privileged surroundings and all expect her to go on to college, join the Peace Corps and save the world before marrying a doctor, just like her father. Unexpectedly, Baby becomes infatuated with the camp's dance instructor, Johnny Castle, a man whose background is vastly different from her own. Baby lies to her father to get money to pay for an illegal abortion for Johnny's dance partner. She then fills in as Johnny's dance partner and it is as he is teaching her the dance routine that they fall in love. It all comes apart when Johnny's friend falls seriously ill after her abortion and Baby gets her father, who saves the girl's life. He then learns what Baby has been up to, who with and worse, that he funded the illegal abortion. He bans his daughter from any further association with "those people". In the first deliberately willful ... Written by Amanda W, amended by Linda C.
Dirty Dancing is a classic film that is so memorable that it is hard to say anything negative about it.
It has a reasonable plot but is accompanied by an immortal soundtrack and moments that make this film remarkable. Herein lies it's value as it can be revisited for positive memories and a soundtrack second to none. While many will argue Schindler's list or 12 Years A Slave is a superior film not many will agree you can revisit or watch it over again. The songs featured in this classic will be included on our iPod's and play on the radios for years to come. We will never forget when Patrick Swayze hoisted Jennifer Grey up for the dance sequence at the end, timeless moments that keep this film alive and memorable.
Dirty Dancing in its essence is a film about letting go of strict societal norms and letting the music embrace you. You dance and feel the beat as opposed to observing rules and steps, the music dictates the rhythm and mood. Perhaps this iconic film was significant in the departure from traditional dancing as fewer people know dancing. Dancing as we see in modern movies or real life is people moving to the music without any defined steps, perhaps started by this iconic film.
This film is a must see and should be on your bucket list. It is easy to understand and easy to get lost in this great soundtrack.