# Grease

> 1978 film directed by Randal Kleiser

**Wikidata**: [Q267721](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q267721)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grease_(film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/grease

## Summary
Grease is a 1978 musical film directed by Randal Kleiser, known for its blend of music, dance, and 1950s nostalgia. Starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, it became a cultural phenomenon and one of the highest-grossing films of its time. The movie is preserved in the National Film Registry and remains a landmark in American cinema.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date**: June 13, 1978 (Los Angeles), September 28, 1978 (U.S.).
- **Director**: Randal Kleiser.
- **Starring**: John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, Stockard Channing, and Jeff Conaway.
- **Genre**: Musical, Romantic Comedy, Teen Film.
- **Production Companies**: Paramount Pictures, RSO Records.
- **Country of Origin**: United States, United Kingdom.
- **Box Office**: $205 million (worldwide).
- **Awards**: Selected for preservation in the National Film Registry (2006).
- **Soundtrack**: Features hits like "You're the One That I Want" and "Summer Nights."
- **Based On**: The 1971 musical *Grease* by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey.
- **Followed By**: *Grease 2* (1982).
- **Wikipedia Sitelinks**: 47 language editions.
- **IMDb ID**: tt0077631.
- **Rotten Tomatoes Score**: 66% (Critics), 70/100 (Metacritic).
- **Budget**: $6 million.
- **Runtime**: 110 minutes.
- **Language**: English.
- **Filming Locations**: Los Angeles, California.
- **Cinematography**: Lee Harwood.
- **Music**: Barry Gibb, John Farrar, and others.
- **Choreography**: Patricia Birch.
- **Awards and Nominations**: Golden Globe nomination for Olivia Newton-John.
- **Cultural Impact**: Revived 1950s fashion and slang, influenced subsequent musical films.

## FAQs
**What is Grease about?**  
Grease tells the story of Danny Zuko and Sandy Olsson, who fall in love over the summer but face challenges when they reunite at Rydell High, exploring themes of identity, peer pressure, and young love in the 1950s.

**Who created Grease?**  
The film is directed by Randal Kleiser, based on the 1971 stage musical by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey. The screenplay was adapted by Bronte Woodard.

**Why is Grease culturally significant?**  
Grease revitalized the musical film genre, popularized 1950s nostalgia, and launched the careers of its stars. Its soundtrack became a commercial success, and its fashion and choreography influenced pop culture.

**What awards and recognitions has Grease received?**  
Grease was selected for the National Film Registry in 2006 and received a Golden Globe nomination for Olivia Newton-John. It has been ranked among the greatest musical films by various publications.

**How was Grease received commercially?**  
Despite a modest $6 million budget, Grease grossed over $205 million worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing musical film of its time and one of the top-grossing films of 1978.

## Why It Matters
Grease matters as a pivotal film that revitalized the musical genre and left a lasting imprint on pop culture. Its blend of music, dance, and 1950s nostalgia resonated globally, making it a timeless classic. The film’s success demonstrated the commercial viability of musicals in the late 20th century, paving the way for future projects. Its soundtrack and fashion influenced subsequent generations, and its preservation in the National Film Registry underscores its historical importance. Grease also played a role in launching the careers of John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, cementing their status as cultural icons.

## Notable For
- **Cultural Revival**: Sparked a resurgence of 1950s fashion and music in the late 1970s.
- **Box Office Success**: Highest-grossing musical film of 1978 and one of the top 10 films of the year.
- **Soundtrack Impact**: Sold over 38 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling soundtracks.
- **Preservation**: Added to the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in 2006.
- **Influence on Media**: Inspired countless parodies, references, and adaptations in TV, film, and theater.
- **Star-Making Vehicle**: Launched John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John into international stardom.
- **Choreography**: Iconic dance sequences, such as the "Greased Lightning" number, remain widely recognized.
- **Fashion Legacy**: Popularized leather jackets, poodle skirts, and 1950s-style clothing.
- **Sequel and Spin-offs**: Led to the creation of *Grease 2* and a 2016 live television production.

## Body

### Production and Release
Grease was directed by Randal Kleiser and produced by Robert Stigwood and Allan Carr. Filming took place in Los Angeles, California, with a budget of $6 million. The film premiered in Los Angeles on June 13, 1978, and was released nationally in the U.S. on September 28, 1978. It was distributed by Paramount Pictures and became a massive commercial success, grossing $205 million worldwide.

### Cast and Crew
The film stars John Travolta as Danny Zuko and Olivia Newton-John as Sandy Olsson, alongside Stockard Channing, Jeff Conaway, and Sid Caesar. The screenplay was adapted by Bronte Woodard from the 1971 stage musical. Barry Gibb and John Farrar contributed to the soundtrack, which featured hits like "Grease" and "Hopelessly Devoted to You." Patricia Birch choreographed the film’s iconic dance sequences.

### Musical and Cultural Impact
Grease’s soundtrack was a critical and commercial success, selling over 38 million copies worldwide. The film’s blend of 1950s rock and roll and pop music helped revive interest in the genre. The movie’s fashion, including leather jackets, poodle skirts, and greased-back hair, influenced 1970s and 1980s fashion trends. The film’s dialogue and slang also popularized 1950s vernacular among younger audiences.

### Legacy and Preservation
In 2006, Grease was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress, recognizing its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance. The film has been ranked among the greatest musicals of all time by publications like *Entertainment Weekly* and *The Guardian*. Its influence can be seen in later musical films and TV shows, such as *Glee* and *La La Land*.

### Related Works and Adaptations
Grease spawned a sequel, *Grease 2*, in 1982, starring Maxwell Caulfield and Michelle Pfeiffer. A live television production, *Grease: Live*, aired in 2016, featuring Vanessa Hudgens and Carly Rae Jepsen. The original stage musical continues to be performed globally, with numerous revivals and adaptations.

### Technical Specifications
- **Runtime**: 110 minutes.
- **Language**: English.
- **Cinematography**: Lee Harwood.
- **Editing**: John F. Burnett.
- **Sound**: Mono, Stereo (re-releases).
- **Aspect Ratio**: 1.85:1.
- **Film Stock**: Eastman Color.

### Awards and Nominations
- **Golden Globe Nomination**: Olivia Newton-John for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.
- **BAFTA Nomination**: Best Soundtrack.
- **Satellite Award**: Ranked #13 on the American Film Institute’s "Greatest Movie Musicals" list.

### Historical Context
Released during a resurgence of nostalgia for the 1950s, Grease capitalized on the era’s music and fashion. The film’s portrayal of teenage life in the 1950s reflected both the optimism and rebellion of the decade, resonating with 1970s audiences seeking escapism from contemporary issues like the Vietnam War and economic stagnation.

### Academic and Critical Analysis
Grease has been studied for its portrayal of gender roles, adolescent identity, and cultural nostalgia. Critics have praised its energy, performances, and musical numbers, while some have critiqued its simplistic narrative and romanticization of 1950s America. The film’s success has been analyzed in the context of 1970s Hollywood’s shift toward blockbuster filmmaking.

## References

1. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
2. Letterboxd
3. The Movie Database
4. [Source](https://www.loc.gov/programs/national-film-preservation-board/film-registry/complete-national-film-registry-listing/)
5. Grease. Rotten Tomatoes
6. Freebase Data Dumps
7. [IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0077631/releaseinfo)
8. [Source](https://www.fsk.de/asp/fskkarte.asp?pvid=573719)
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11. Grease
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13. terjesztesre_kerulo_filmalkotasok_nyilvantartasa.xlsx
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