| | | | Dirty Dancing
(1987) |
nquestionably king of the "slightly bigger budget" Dance movies from the decade of dance, Dirty Dancing is a rare case of a movie that warmly deserves it's runaway success.
Made for a relative pittance by independent studio Vestron, the true story of Dirty Dancing is one of persistence ...not least on the part of the lady on who's life the story is (loosely) based.
Eleanor Bergstein wrote Dirty Dancing as a warm recollection of her memories of trips with her parents to Catskills holiday camps just like "Kellerman's" in the movie.
To her dismay, it took many years of pushing before any of the studios got interested. She even resorted to making tapes of the music she envisioned accompanying the movie to help to drum up some interest. At the time, as if to add insult to injury, the tapes were much more popular with studio executives than the script!
Often derided by men as the Seminal UltraCheese(tm) teen romantic 'chick flick', Dirty Dancing is one of those movies that became a cliche in itself through its seemingly endless appeal to the fairer sex of all ages.
And the suprise here, guys, is that if you bother to watch it again, the movie really is a whole lot better than your memory of it.
The root of the story is, of course, a female orientated romantic fantasy involving a talented, intense and handsome summer camp dance instructor, played by Patrick Swayze.
Set in the summer of 1963, mollycoddled teenager 'Baby', played by Jennifer Grey, goes to a Catskills summer holiday camp with her parents, and life couldn't have been more boring -until she meet's the aforementioned rebellious dance teacher (Swayze).
What follows is a very warm and good hearted coming-of-age fantasy where Baby (what a hideous name), helps the older experienced character (Swayze) realise himself and his place in the world and vice versa.
Baby, in the process, tangles with and finally reconciles herself with her strong father, played admirably by Jerry Orbach.
For many 'Generation X' guys that were dating in the late 80's, this was one of the films that they loved to hate (many of them being forced to see the film many times over at the cinema and on the small screen on video and HBO).
The movie is, in some ways, a celluloid "Mills & Boon" that's also akin to a "Star Wars" for girls... --A big build up to a climactic ending. The viewer (especially the repeat viewer) knows that it's coming, but loves it anyway...
The magic lies in the sheer energy of the movie, the sincere way the characters are played and, of course, the musical score brimming with contemporary and period numbers. The morality is a bit heavy handed at times, but that is normal for an 80's teen movie..or any self-respecting fairy tale.
The characters have a nice, believable amount of eccentricity too.
A special 2 disc 20th Anniversary Edition DVD was released recently with an excellent new remastered anamorphic widescreen picture and 2nd disc of new extras. You can locate this special edition DVD, which is an absolute essential for fans of this movie, by using our search feature.
 Don't forget that Dirty Dancing is now available to order on Widescreen DVD using our special 80s Retro Assistant...
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One of the greatest dance movies ever made. Honest, true and made with much love, this film is one of the greatest ambassadors of the 80's.
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While filming Dirty Dancing Jennifer Grey was dating Matthew Broderick (now Sarah Jessica Parker's Hubby). In the last scene when Baby and Johnny dance at the talent show you can see him in the background folding chairs when everyone gets up to dance. He's wearing an orange shirt.  -Thanks to Bryanna
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Baby's character's real name was, of course, Frances Houseman. -Thanks to Jenna Jewelson
The movie was directed by Emile Ardolino, who went on to direct such films as "3 Men and a Little Lady" and "Sister Act" and sadly died of Aids in 1993.
In the scene where Johnny and Baby make love for the first time, the music they are smooching to is the same track Patrick Swayze smooched to in the film "Road House" - These Arms of Mine. -Thanks to Mike Donovan
Mrs. Houseman is played by Kelly Bishop, Emily Gilmore from the WB Series "Gilmore Girls" -Thanks to Sarah
"Nobody puts baby in the corner" and "Ditto" are the two lines that most women want Patrick Swayze to say when they first meet. (Swayze says this in the special feature section on the Ghost DVD) -Thanks to Lindsay Lindley
Patrick Swayze thought the line "Nobody puts Baby in a corner" was the dumbest line. It ended up being the most popular line from the film. -Thanks to Lindsey D.
Yes, Patrick Swayze appears in "Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights", even tossing in a reference to "I've Had The Time Of My Life". -Thanks to John Edward Kilduff
In real life Jennifer Grey is the daughter of famed choreographer Joel Grey of "Cabaret" fame. Patrick Swayze is also the son of a choreographer!
Cynthia Rhodes does not act anymore, and is a full time mom to her kids with Richard Marxx. She lives near Chicago. -Thanks to evilash
Cynthia Rhodes filled in as a lead singer for the pop group Animotion in the late 80s. -Thanks to Lindy
Renowned New York D.J 'Cousin Brucie' Morrow played the magician in the film.
Baby's father Jerry Orbach, unbelievably enough, also did the voice of "Lumiere" in Disney's hit animated movie "Beauty and the Beast". He sadly died on December 28th, 2004, at the age of 69. -Thanks to Jenna Jewelson
I recall hearing somewhere that 'Cousin Brucie' Morrow was actually up for Jerry Orbach's part in the movie. For a reason that escapes me, he took the smaller role of the magician as noted.
During the "will you still love me tomorrow" scene, Jennifer got stung by a wasp on her arm. When they are lying down, Patrick is covering it, but when he stands up, he moves his arm and you can see a red spot. Jennifer says, "Yeah, it got red and swollen, and it was a nice touch." -Thanks to Alicia
Cynthia Rhodes (who played Penny) also starred in "Stayin Alive" ,"Xanadu" and dancer Tina Tech in "Flashdance". -Thanks to Megan Sandberg, Alicia J. Dixon And Leanne Bromley
Cynthia Rhodes is married to singer Richard Marx and appeared in his video for "Don't Mean Nothing". -Thanks to Sharon Serano
Jennifer Grey (Baby) also appeared on "Friends" as Mindy, Barry's fiance, but she was almost unrecognisable due to her nose job. -Thanks to Lianne
Jennifer Grey also co-starred in the 80'S classic "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" and Patrick Swayze also starred in the excellent film "Road House". -Thanks to Grainne
Patrick Swayze graduated Harkness Ballet School and Joffrey Ballet School. He started his career in Broadway, playing in the musical "Grease". -Thanks to Ania Stryja
Cynthia Rhodes is the dancer in the music video "Rosanna" by Toto. -Thanks to Melissa And Lydia
A re-make of the movie had been rumored for years. Casting rumors included Ricky Martin and Natalie Portman. The re-make of Dirty Dancing was finally released in 2004, but failed to reach anywhere near the profile of the original. Titled "Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights", it had a different story set in a different locale to the 1987 classic. Like the original movie, it deliberately starred relatively unknown actors in the major parts, with Diego Luna as the leading man and Romola Garai as his love interest. The movie is set in 1959 Cuba, the story follows a 17-year-old girl who moves with her family to Cuba. There, she defies her family's wishes when she falls in love with a slick young Cuban dancer, who liberates her and presumably teaches her some mambo maneuvers. Patrick and Jennifer were not cast for any main roles but the movie's creator, on whose life it is also based, JoAnn Jansen ensured that Patrick Swayze, whose career took off after he appeared in "Dirty Dancing," did play a cameo role as a dance instructor, and he and Ms. Jansen briefly dance together, doing a side lift that was copied from the last film. "It's a sweet little homage," she said. -Thanks to Loryn, Cassandra & Katie C
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Find much more great trivia in the filmmaker's commentary on the Dirty Dancing DVD.
Rediscover your favorites! If you like
Dirty Dancing or 80's Dance / Musical classics, then be sure to
check out this list: ..... Pink Floyd: The Wall ..... Breakin' ..... Footloose ..... Xanadu ..... Stop Making Sense ..... Times Square ..... Fame ..... Pennies From Heaven ..... Earth Girls Are Easy ..... Breakin' 2 Electric Boogaloo ..... Purple Rain ..... Girls Just Want to Have Fun ..... Best Little Wh*rehouse In Texas ..... Back To The Beach ..... One From The Heart .....[More]
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The "giggle" scene is so priceless, because it was very real. During filming, Jennifer was laughing and Patrick really was frustrated with her. Thankfully the filmmakers had the sense of fun to leave it in to add this wonderful moment. -Thanks to Monique
Patrick Swayze, when he made the film Dirty Dancing was really 35, he was supposed to be 25. Jennifer Grey was really 27 years old! -Thanks to Alicia
Jennifer and Patrick actually bumped heads when shooting one of the dance sequences; it wasn't scripted but they liked it so much they left it in. -Thanks to Michelle
Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze worked on "Dirty Dancing" immediately after finishing "Red Dawn". They had not got on during the making of that movie and had to be pursuaded to work together again.
While in production Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey often fought behind the scences, but when the cameras began filming they put aside their anger and pretended to be lovers. -Thanks to Jenna Jewelson
Several hot and heavy dance sequences were left out to get a PG-13 rating.
During the scene where Baby and her sister are trying on wigs, you will notice that no one will walk on the pathway that is directly behind them. This is probably because it was just a thin layer of sand that covered the grass and, if disturbed, the grass would show through.
When rehearsing the scene where Baby and Johnny were dancing on the tree limb, Patrick fell off and his knee swelled up but he had it drained and the next day he was dancing again. -Thanks to Erin Wittig And Alex
Patrick Swayze, being the son of a choreographer, was already well-tuned into dancing. During the final dance scene filming, he twisted his ankle. He would only dance once again on the big screen, in the appropriately titled movie "One last dance" with his real life wife Lisa Niemi. He did, however, dance on Saturday Night Live alongside Chris Farley when they had a dance off trying out for the Chip n Dales. -Thanks to Ryan
The "Sylvia and Mickie" scene, where Johnny and Baby are lip-synching with a song, was actual a real occurence. To warm up, the director put on that song, and Jennifer and Patrick were just fooling around and improvising. The director liked what he saw, filmed it, and kept it in the final cut of the movie. -Thanks to Megan
The movie Dirty Dancing took a while to film and fall came early. Since the movie was set in the summer of 1963, they couldn't film the trees colors of orange and brown. Patrick Swayze says, "It was the wierdest thing in the world to see guys going out with spray cans painting brown leaves green again."
The temperatures soon nose-dived. The water lift scene was a very important part of the movie and couldn't be left out. So Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey went out in the water when the temperature outside was about 40 degrees. Jennifer Grey remembered: "I remember people standing all around filming us dressed in coats with their hoods up and gloves, and we had to go in the water wearing only jeans and a shirt."
The breaking the car window scene when Patrick loses the keys to his car in the rain, had to be shot numerous times. The car was owned by a local tow truck company owner. They had to teach him how to break the window in the old car the correct way. It finally worked. After the tow truck driver hung around for a while, Patrick took the "girl dancers" (extras) for a joy ride in the tow truck. They hung off the back of the bars. -Thanks to Holly Smith
The scene where Baby and Johnny are practicing the foot movements and Baby trips, was a genuine goof. It was really late at night and they just had to get the shot done. Jennifer was so tired that she accidently tripped while trying to dance and they left it in there. -Thanks to Annalisa
When the family first arrive at Kellerman's they attend a group dance class being given by Penny. Note the studio microphone visible at the top of the screen.
When Johnny is teaching Baby to balance by walking on the log over the river, they're talking and Johnny sits down, legs straddling the log, you can see the rocky river bed below. When Johnny goes to pull himself back up to standing position, if you're really quick, you can see, not the river bed but a big red inflatable stunt bag. As a former dancer myself, the movie will always be close to my heart. -Thanks to Catrina Higgins
There are a couple of continuity mistakes in the film. Eg: when Johnny jumps over the railing to hit Robbie, his belt buckle comes undone then when he throws him down to the ground it is buckled again.
When Baby is painting the tree for the musical there is no actual paint on the paint brush. -Thanks to Ashleigh
When Johnny, Baby and Billy go to fetch Penny from the kitchen where Baby saw her crying when she was with Neil, the three of them all crowd to the same chain link in the barrier. That's because it has been lowered so that it is easier for them to step over. Quite obvious when you're watching, if you know that is the case.
When Johnny and Baby are leaving the resort it's raining but when he turns to break the window you can see in the back that it's actually very sunny and not raining. -Thanks to Dana Palmer And Brittanie And Many Others!
When Johnny Castle has to break into his car window... He uses the pole to completely bust out his window. But the next car scene, there is a perfect hole instead of a completely busted out window. -Thanks to Martina Palatto and Renee
When Johnny and Baby are in the car driving back from their performance at the Sheldrake hotel the trees outside the car window are moving in the wrong direction. If this were actually happening, the couple would be moving backwards! -Thanks to Jennie
You can tell they ran the last dance sequence loads of times as you can see the knees of Johnny's trousers are shiny due to the parts when he slides on his knees. They wouldn't be that worn if he'd only done it once. It's seen just as he arrives at the back of the hall to meet the other dancers. -Thanks to Deirdre Easton
You can also tell that the last scene of the movie was taped several times because Johnnys hair is wet in one shot and dry in another several times. -Thanks to Keisha Hovis
When Patrick Swayze jumps off the stage at the end dance scene, he is not sweating. He then spins around, stops, and is dripping with sweat within less than 2 seconds! -Thanks to Chrissy Simpson
In the scene where Neil comes up to the dance studio, just after they have done the dance to "Love Is Strange", and Neil upsets Johnny by mixing his ideas for the last dance, Johnny puts the same records away twice. -Thanks to Jools
In the last scene when Baby and Johnny are about to do the dance, you see Johnny taking off his jacket and then the camera zooms up to watch billy put the record on and Johnny has his jacket on again; then takes it off again. -Thanks to Kate, Jennifer And Lynsay
Neil interrupts a heated dance moment between Baby and Johnny, in which Neil suggests that Johnny use the Pachenga as the final dance number. You see the mirrored image of Johnny in the background putting away a stack of records in anger. The camera then cuts to Baby, and then back to Patrick in the background slamming down the same stack of records.
Also, when Baby goes to Johnny's cabin before the heated dance/make-out, count how many times they say the word "great" in conversation. Try another adjective! -Thanks to Chris
At the final dance, at one point Max says "Have you got sheet music on this stuff" notice how he is just standing saying it. The very next scene, in the right hand side, he is already dancing with a woman. -Thanks to Matt
When Baby is sitting with her sister, upset before the last scene, you see her putting stockings on but you can see clearly that she is not wearing them when she is on the stage. -Thanks to Crystal Hames
When Baby and Johnny are in bed the first time they were supposed to have just finished making love, but if you pay close attention you can see as she rolls over that she has underwear on! [Thanks to Michelle Cutter] Patrick Swayze was supposed to get out of bed on the other side. (Which is why you see her underwear) They were going to refilm it, but the tension or feel of the filming was just right, so they kept it in. -Thanks to Lisa Kerbes
When Lisa goes to Robby's room and catches him with another woman, notice that when she opens the door, the hand towel is there and then when she closes it, the towel is not there -Thanks to Jacque
When Johnny and Baby are on their way home from the Mambo act, they are driving but the car's gearstick is in the park position. -Thanks to Crystal Godet
There is a shot from behind Baby's car just arriving up to kellerman's front walk. You see the original actress that was to play the mother in the front seat. Notice mother has blond hair and the actress that ended up playing the mother had brown hair.
When baby askes Jonny 'have you had many women?' when he gets out of bed in anger, he gets his trousers on really fast which suggests he doesn't put any boxers on!
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|  |  |  | | Dirty Dancing
Locations |
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 Featured Movie Location: "Kellerman's" Resort
Wanna see the real life filming location used for "Kellerman's" Resort in the movie? These scenes were actually shot at Mountain Lake Hotel, located in Mountain Lake, Virginia. [New! Show Google Map]
The movie used the Fairfield Inn and the scenic areas of Lake Lure, North Carolina as well as the Mountain Lake Resort near Roanoke, Virginia, USA. [see links]
During the making of the movie, Patrick Swayze stayed in room 232 at Mountain Lake; Jennifer Grey and her family stayed in the Virginia cottage.
Many scenes were filmed in our Mountain Lake Hotel dining room and the gazebo by the lake where many weddings are held now in the summer. The scene when Baby finds Penny crying in the kitchen was also the kitchen here at Mountain Lake. When Johnny and Baby practiced lifts in our lake, it was autumn in Virginia and was very cold. Our lake is spring fed reaches a maximum of 72 degrees! [Thanks to Sherry Nicolai -Director of Sales at Mountain Lake Hotel]
The log scene was filmed in nearby Tryon, NC. It is not really known where exactly, but it was located there. The trees were spray-painted green as the outside shots were done in autumn and they even had to stick some leaves back on!![Thanks to Debbie]
Rumor has it that the balance log in "dirty dancing" was at the Highland Lake Inn resort in Flat Rock, NC, and the log is still there. [Thanks to Bob The Builder]
The cabins that the staff lived in at Kellermans were at the Lake Lure site in NC. Those were demolished not very long after the movie was released, but 'Johnny's' cabin remained at least until the summer of 1988.
The Lake Lure site was the former Camp Chimney Rock for Boys and Girls. It was a coed summer camp in which I was a counselor. They used the Gym for both the ballroom scenes and the staff "dirty dancing". They used the dining hall kitchen for dance instruction studio and where the old couple dropped the stolen wallets.
The Boys CIT cabin was Patrick Swazye's cabin. The Lake by the boat house was where the overhead lift shot was filmed between Johnny and Baby. [Thanks to Jim Hunter]
Unfortunately, the ballroom used for both Kellermans and the alternate Sheldrake, {both were used with different set dressings}, burned several years ago. I had seen this also in 1988 and was NOTHING like it looked in the movie. It was very cavernous, like an old barn. They really made that place look good. [Thanks to Jeff]
Lake Lure is one of the most breathtaking places on earth and the friendliest. 7 yrs ago, we went to the old boys camp to look around. Part of the set was still there. An elderly woman had baught the camp and had already had the cabins torn down. Yes, the club house had burnt down but the ballroom which was the camp cafeteria and gym was still there although all was condemned. It was still all worth the trip. Several other movies were filmed at Lake Lure,Chimney Rock. We plan to go back. [Thanks to Clo-Ella Steele]
The bridge that Patrick Swayze taught Baby to dance on was located in Lake Lure, North Carolina. The bridge was there until several years ago when it was demolished by fans. I guess everyone wanted a "piece of the pie!" But, it is still interesting. The steps above the bridge are STILL THERE AFTER ALL THESE YEARS. I walked up them!! HOW COOL!! The light posts along the steps are gone, not surprising. That happened 5-10 years ago. Water still flows where the bridge was. I go there every chance I get and just stand back in awe of the whole place. It is a beautiful location. [Thanks to Wade]
The scenes with the "employee's/dancer's" small cabins were shot in the mountains of North Carolina next to a resort area. They were torn down after the filming. After the release and popularity of the film, people wanted to rent these "cabins" (especially Patrick's). They were angry to hear that the land and resort owner had them removed. Bet they lost some money! [Thanks to Holly Smith]
let's set the record straight!!The majority of the film was shot in Giles County Virginia at Mountain Lake....[Thanks to R Steweart]
I just came back from a visit to North Carolina and was able to take a tour of Lake Lure. Our tour guide advised us that the property on the lakefront where the cabins were (they are all gone now...nothing but land) is owned by Universal Studios and has a price tag of 6 million. A gentleman attempted to buy it several years ago because he was going to do a whole "Dirty Dancing" theme resort but the town said no more commerical property could be built on the lakefront and as such, whoever would purchase the property could only build a private residence....if they could afford it after plopping down 6 mil for the land. [Thanks to sandy]
Featured Link: The real "Kellerman's" where DD was filmed!
Can you help? Do you know any of the Virginia (or any other) filming locations used for Dirty Dancing, particularly The locations in Lake Lure, the stream with the log for balance practise, the lake.? [Please send them in]
|  | | | | ![[16:9 -Widescreen Enhanced]](16_9.gif) | ![[5.1 CH SURROUND]](dd5.gif) | Trailer, Commentary, Featurette, OutTakes |
| Our
Comments: 2 disc 20th Anniversary Edition |
| | | | Trailer, Commentary, Featurette, OutTakes |
| Our
Comments: 2 disc 20th Anniversary Edition |
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The soundtrack includes the massive hit "(Now I've had the) Time of my life" and has always been readily available on CD. A second CD called "More Dirty Dancing" has been available too with more of the 60's tracks on it.
Recently though, a special remastered 2 CD collectors edition has been released with loads more music including both of the above CD's, the score and a never heard before full length version of "Time of my life" which is fantastic and nearly 8 minutes long.
An absolute essential for fans of this movie, you can find it using our search feature.
Sylvia Robinson who wrote and performed the song "Love is Strange" from the soundtrack is, in fact, 'Sylvia' of Mickey and Sylvia fame, the founder of the 'Sugarhill' record label - her label went on to produce the likes of Grandmaster Flash, Melle Mel and the Sugarhill Gang in the early '80s (a bit different to her outing with Mickey!) -Thanks to Becky Parsons
Patrick Swayze actually wrote the song "She's Like the Wind" for "Grandview USA" in which he starred with Jamie Lee Curtis and C. Thomas Howell. -Thanks to Erica
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