John Travolta and Olivia-Newton-John lead a terrific ensemble cast. Some critics called the sets "cheap" and the story "childish" but the movie-going public knew better. Severely cleaned up from the Broadway Musical Version, it boasts several songs custom-written for ONJ by her favorite tunesmith, John Farrar. Great personalities from the old 1950's include Eve Arden, Sid Caesar, Edd Byrnes, Frankie Avalon, and Joan Blondell. "Title opening song sung by Frankie Vallie. The Greasers and their gals were not as clean-cut in real life as they are portrayed in this film. I remember "rumbles" with knives, but in those days, nobody ever brought guns to school. A stinging parody of "American Grandstand and Dick Clark" tops off the program with "Sha-Na-Na" singing their hearts out on glorious black and white TV. The "graduation carnival" ending is really well-done. Yes, OLJ was sewed "into her pants" when she "comes out as a Greaser" in the song "You'll the One That I Want". The songs "I'm Sandra Dee", "Greased Lightnin" and "Hand Jive" are often edited for content and lyrics on broadcast TV and cable. Everything looks "real" to me, even the "chessy" food commercials at the drive-in. Some outstanding choreography in the dance numbers. The fantasy ending is fun, also. The yearbook cover doesn't match the closing titles! Otherwise, it's pure joy after 40+ years! Unsurpassed!
