Filled with music of the late 50’s and early 60’s and scenes of life at the summer resorts of the Catskills, Dirty Dancing evokes nostalgic feelings even in those who never lived that life.
The story of Frances Houseman, known as Baby, and her foray into the rowdy rock world of the resort staff is so much more than just a nostalgic look at a time long past. It is more than a love story, although it weaves the story of the shy innocent girl falling in love with the tough experienced dance instructor Johnny Castle well. It combines both of these elements together into one seamless visually and aurally stunning movie.
Baby Houseman is played brilliantly by Jennifer Grey. Watching her evolve from the perfect daughter and idealist to a more mature woman who realizes that life is not as cut and dried as she originally thought is a treat.
Johnny Castle is played by Patrick Swayze. His dance background is showcased in this movie, and his more gritty character depicts the sometime helpless feelings of the ordinary person struggling to make it while mingling with the rich.
The supporting cast is wonderful, particularly Jerry Orbach as Dr. Houseman, Baby’s father and Cynthia Rhodes as Penny, Johnny’s old friend and dance partner, and Jane Brucker as Baby’s stuck up sister Lisa.
There are many memorable scenes in the movie, most revolving around dance. My favorite is the ’’Love is Strange’’ scene where Baby and Johnny tease each other while dancing to the Mickey and Sylvia classic.
Dirty Dancing is an excellent movie - love story, nostalgic look at the late fifties and early sixties before the British Invasion hit the US. I highly recommend it to all.