GREASE DAY USA (TV)
Summary
This musical/interview special celebrates the star-studded Hollywood premiere of the highly anticipated musical romantic comedy film "Grease" (1978), based on the 1971 stage show of the same name.
Pandemonium ensues at the famous Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles as fans clamor to see the movie's stars, John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, and Mayor Tom Bradley officially declares June 9 to be "Grease Day." A clip is shown from the movie's "Summer Lovin' " scene, and actress Jodie Foster introduces singer Frankie Valli, who performs the title song. Leif Garrett introduces Debby Boone, who sings "God Knows," after which Adam Rich introduces Andy Gibb, who sings "Shadow Dancing." John Byner shares memories and cracks jokes about the 1950s, in which the film's story is set. Allan Carr interviews Travolta about his early acting career and his determination to land the lead role of Danny Zuko upon seeing the Broadway production of "Grease."
After a clip from the film featuring Travolta singing "Sandy," Alice Cooper introduces Yvonne Elliman, who performs "Savannah." Elayne Boosler offers a few jokes before Rip Taylor introduces Linda Clifford, who sings "If My Friends Could See Me Now." The O'Jays perform "Use Ta Be My Girl," and Robert Stigwood interviews fellow Aussie Newton-John about seeing the stage show in London, her similarities to her "naïve" character, her own musical tastes and the "frightening" experience of viewing the film alongside hundreds of excited fans. A variety of other famous guests, including Barry Manilow, Lynda Carter, Penny Marshall, Lily Tomlin, Billy Crystal, Ed McMahon and others, arrive for the premiere, and Dody Goodman and Eve Arden discuss "the Grease Hustle," as performed by a group of dancers to the movie's song "You're the One That I Want." Finally, Chevy Chase stops by to promote his own film, "Foul Play" (1978). Commercials deleted.
Details
- NETWORK: WPIX
- DATE: 8:00 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 0:48:24
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: 131373
- GENRE: Specials
- SUBJECT HEADING: Specials; Talk/Interview; Music; Hollywood; Musical films
- SERIES RUN: WPIX - TV, 1978
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Bob Booker … Producer, Writer
- George Foster … Producer, Writer
- Milt Hoffman … Associate Producer
- Glen Swanson … Director
- Patricia Birch … Choreographer
- Tom Bradley … Guest
- Jodie Foster … Guest
- Leif Garrett … Guest
- Alice Cooper (see also: Vincent Furnier) … Guest
- Rip Taylor … Guest
- Dody Goodman … Guest
- Eve Arden … Guest
- Chevy Chase … Guest
- Adam Rich … Guest
- Frank Valli … Guest, Performer
- Debby Boone … Guest, Performer
- Andy Gibb … Guest, Performer
- John Byner … Guest, Performer
- Elayne Boosler … Guest, Performer
- Yvonne Elliman … Guest, Performer
- Linda Clifford … Guest, Performer
- O'Jays, The … Guest, Performer
- Allan Carr … Interviewer
- Robert Stigwood … Interviewer
- John Travolta … Interviewee
- Olivia Newton-John … Interviewee
- Lynda Carter
- Billy Crystal
- Barry Manilow
- Penny Marshall
- Ed McMahon
- Lily Tomlin