roadtrip-2

The first time I watched this movie, I knew from the beginning's great vintage clips of local dance programs that this movie was going to convey the fun feel of the early 60's. The "In Crowd" must have been written by people who really grew up in early 60's Philadelphia. Instead of a generic Hollywood "retro" feel, I saw a more distinctive, local atmosphere to this film. Joe Pantoliano's "Perry Parker" character is a dead-on reference to Philly's own Jerry Blavat (a local radio legend) from his looks right down to his jive patter. The old Philly Dances (Mickey's Monkey, the Soul Street) are performed fantastically by the dancers to overlooked soul/dance classics that would be considered obscure anywhere else. Even the local "clash of classes" is well-represented in the characters' respective areas; Del and Gail from Cheltenham's conservative, upper-middle-class area, and the gritty, streetwise but lovable characters from the urban Philly areas (the tv station scenes were shot in and around Upper Darby's Tower Theatre). One of my favorite scenes is when Del is upstairs in his typical 60's teenage boy's room, attempting to pick up Philly's "WIBG Radio 99" on his little transistor radio. You can even hear classic dj Hy Lit's famous "Hyski O'Roonie McVoughty O'Zoot" jingle amidst the static. And what Philadelphia native doesn't remember the old Wildwood radio record hops "down the shore" in the 60's? And lots of kids snuck out of school early then, to try to get on the local dance programs. Ok, so this film may not have been Oscar material, but it truly makes me feel good every time I see it; it brings back so many good feelings from that era, and showcases great 60's Philly music.