By Emily-Rose Toohey
One of the biggest, most successful films of the 70s that’s had an enduring legacy is Grease, starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John as Danny and Sandy. The 1978 release was based on the titular 1971 musical and the film’s success has survived over the decades, making it one of the most iconic high school and musical movies of all time.
Star Olivia Newton-John’s recent passing has prompted a look back at the film, whether it holds up and an examination of how exactly Grease became a cultural phenomenon. The film follows Australian teenager Sandy (fun fact: Newton-John was unable to do an American accent, so they decided to make her character Aussie instead) who moves to the US and spends a whirl-wind summer with Danny. After a heartfelt goodbye, the two don’t realise that they will actually be completing their senior year together at the same high school. But Danny isn’t who he appears with Sandy and is instead a notorious bad-boy who’s embarrassed to act like himself in front of his friends. This causes some drama between the two as Sandy forms a friendship with the Pink Ladies, which includes Rizzo (portrayed by Stockard Channing). After many ups and downs, a lengthy dance battle and a flying car ending the film, Grease owns its campiness led by two massive movie stars who shine on screen.
But perhaps what’s been the key driver of the film’s success is the songs, which are upbeat, catchy and timeless. Whether it’s Summer Nights, Greased Lightnin’ or You’re the One that I Want, the songs have taken on a life of their own and even if a person hasn’t seen Grease, it’s likely they’ve heard at least one of these tunes.
Despite Grease’s success, one of the film’s biggest criticisms is that the supposed teenagers are portrayed by 30-year-olds. However, Grease is certainly not the first film to do this. In fact, Hollywood is notorious for never casting actual teenagers – the 1978 film is just a particularly notable (and more obvious) example.
From a 2022 lens, the film holds up quite well but there are still some notable cringe moments. Perhaps the biggest is depicting the two protagonists trying to change themselves for the other (even temporarily). Danny is particularly insensitive and unkind to Sandy, yet she’s determined to win him back. Her final transformation into Danny’s ‘ideal woman’ is a bit infuriating narratively, albeit iconic as it still proves to be one of the film’s best sequences.
Olivia Newton-John was an interesting performer who pivoted mostly to music, with hits like 1981’s Physical. But it’s undeniable that her role as Sandy in Grease was her most notable role and is a key part of her Hollywood legacy – a role that’s sure to make it into a Musical Hall of Fame.
