‘Footloose’ is a 1984 cult dance film that became a box office smash hit by earning more than ten times it’s $8M budget with it’s catchy music, energetic dance scenes and ‘rebel without a cause’ plot line.
While there was quite the casting battle for the male lead – which included Tom Cruise and Rob Lowe – the part was won by Kevin Bacon, who received wide acclaim for his performance. Unfortunately the film also led to many years of typecasting for Bacon, who subsequently suffered a career slump that lasted well into the early 90s.
Madonna and Darryl Hannah auditioned for the female lead, but the role went to Lori Singer; and it would kick-start her career.
Like many of my favourite musicals, the dramatic scenes are nothing to write home about – but the dance scenes are spectacular.
In accordance with studio policy of those days, it was originally publicised that Bacon had performed all of his own dancing (despite Bacon’s protestations), but was later revealed that he had had a dance double, stunt double and gymnastic double.
If this film was a time of day it would be a lazy Sunday afternoon with a bowl of popcorn.
Check out this snippet from the movie – it’s sure to get your feet tapping along!
And a little surprise something from a recent appearance on the Tonight Show:
