Still the One That We Want: 'Grease’ 1978

"Grease" from 1978 is still the word for fun movie musicals, 45 years later! 

The film version of Grease—the original High School Musical—came out June 15 in 1978, the summer after I graduated from Manistique High School in Upper MI. Grease is also set mostly in 1959, the year I was born. The '50s nostalgia boom was in full bloom, plus thanks to Mom, I was very familiar with the music and stars of that era.

Olivia Newton-John & Travolta as Sandy & Danny, opposites who attract, "Grease."

The film version of Grease reminded me of TV's pseudo '50s smash Happy Days, without the musical numbers. At the time, I found Grease lightweight fun, and especially enjoyed the singing and dancing. Having seen it twice since its release 45 years ago, I'm a bit more critical and in general agreement with the critics of the era: Grease feels a bit generic, most of the cast are obviously in their early '30s, the production is a bit sloppy, and the humor sitcom-ish. BUT, there are many reasons Grease is still a popular film favorite: the cast is winning, songs are memorable, dancing energetic, and attitude good-natured. PLUS, the two stars are most appealing. Olivia Newton John is fresh-faced, wholesome, and has the perfect ingénue spirit, especially when singing, if not acting. AND John Travolta is the best reason to watch Grease: his comedic tough guy is caricatured, but charming and charismatic, and with real feeling when called for. He's no Elvis vocally, but he has a pleasant way of putting a song over, and his dancing is energetic, excellent, and often electrifying.

Olivia Newton-John as Sandy, surrounded by the Pink Ladies, in 1978's "Grease."

Producer Allan Carr used the old casting trick that similar schlock-meisters Aaron Spelling and Ross Hunter utilized: Mix promising newcomers with beloved veteran stars. The focus is on relative youngsters Travolta, Olivia, Stockard Channing, Jeff Conaway, Didi Conn, and Dinah Manoff; and it is great fun to see Eve Arden, Dody Goodman, Joan Blondell, Alice Ghostley, Sid Caesar, and more have their moments, too. Not to mention Grease era heartthrobs like Frankie Avalon and Edd Byrnes in cameos, and the title song sung by Frankie Valli.

The T-Birds of "Grease," with Jeff Conaway far left, & John Travolta, far right.

Aside from her age, Stockard Channing did well enough as Rizzo, but I felt she was doing a Bette Midler shtick most of the time. Still, Channing's a good contrast to Olivia's blonde Bambi, and Stockard was a strong vocalist. I read that Carrie Fisher was considered for Sandy, but it occurred to me that Fisher would have been a great Rizzo and a dozen years younger than 30-something Channing. And did you know that Maude's Adrienne Barbeau originated the role of Rizzo on Broadway? 

Stockard Channing as the lead Pink Lady, Rizzo, in 1978's "Grease."

Jeff Conaway once played in the stage version of Grease, as did Travolta. He's great as Kenickie and loved him as Bobby on Taxi. Sure, he had to set his ego aside to play second lead in the film Grease, especially when his character's “Greased Lightning” went to John Travolta's Danny, but it made movie star sense. 

Jeff Conaway as Kenickie in "Grease." Conaway & Travolta were TV heart throbs!

The Broadway show of Grease was more rough-edged than the film and took place in Chicago. The movie version is supposed to take place somewhere less urban, but it sure looks like California! Watching Grease today, a reunion at Rydell High may seem like pure fluff, but it's still fun fluff. Your feet will be tapping along from the first musical number, "Summer Nights." It’s so great to see Olivia lovely and singing like a bird, John Travolta in his talented peacock prime, adorable Jeff Conaway, wise-cracking Stockard Channing, and Didi Conn so endearing as Frenchy.

Eve Arden was perfect casting as the principal in 1978's "Grease!"

Grease was John Travolta's biggest-grossing movie ever, which snowballed from the success of Saturday Night Fever. Plus the soundtrack, the mix of the show and the new tunes, made for a 30 million selling double album.

John Travolta in his considerable 1978 prime, in the "Greased Lightning" number.

I think Travolta, the soundtrack, the nostalgia for the ‘50s, and the stars of the film version sell this movie, after all these years. This movie is the ‘70s equivalent of Viva Las Vegas: cheesy but good natured fun, with iconic stars that have stayed in our hearts. So, enjoy a 45^th reunion with the Pink Ladies and T-Birds!

Olivia Newton-John spiced up her image when Sandy got a sexy makeover, "Grease!"