Upon its release in theaters on Aug. 8, 1980 – 35 years ago this week – the disco musical Xanadu was met with negative reviews and middling box office returns. That didn't stop it, however, and this hyper color fantasy has persisted, becoming a cult favorite in spite of its inauspicious beginnings. While I don't see it very often on, when it is, I always watch it! And you couldn't tell me when I went to a roller rink I wasn't Kira.
Did you know the 1947 film, Down to Earth, that features Rita Hayworth as a muse who descends to the realm of humans and falls for a Broadway producer almost had the same story? That's not exactly the plot of Xanadu, but doesn't it sound like a '40s version of the same basic story that Xanadu tells? It should: the latter is a loose remake of the former. This was also Gene Kelly's final movie. Kelly himself choreographed his dance number with Newton-John, and the dance moves they perform are extremely similar to ones he'd performed when he danced with Judy Garland in the 1942 film For Me and My Gal.
And my two favorite scenes? Not surprisly both 40's inspired
Can you believe it has been 35 years?
I was a mere babe-in-arms.... Ha ha ha ha ha ha!
ReplyDeleteI always hated this line in the song:
"Xanadu your neon lights will shine
For you Xanadu"
Shame we can all remember every line, even to this day... Jx
"A million lights are dancing
DeleteAnd there you are, a shooting star
An everlasting world
And you're here with me, eternally
Xanadu, Xanadu"
I saw this movie once; once was enough. except for this dance scene; I could watch that for gene kelly over and over (minus the crap music).
ReplyDelete* goes off to look for receipt to return Christmas gift*
DeleteI remember taking my kids to see this.....they insisted! Not bad, but had Gene Kelly not been it, I wouldn't have known any of them except Newton John. I loved the two of them dancing together in that scene.
ReplyDeleteXanadu was my favorite movie growing up! And these are some of my favorite parts of the movie too.
ReplyDeleteThank you, I now feel old.
ReplyDeleteAnd to think, all you needed was a mirror.
DeleteThe muses never age! :)
ReplyDeleteNot one of my favorite musicals, but not bad either.Gene Kelly and Olivia Newton-John was a magical moment that not many have seen. Gene Kelly showed in this film his talents had not dimmed and he remained a legendary dancer in his later years. Bravo!
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteI also read that Gene Kelly designed the entire choreography based exactly on what she could do. They filmed this after the rest of the film was a wrap, and he would only do it if it was done his way. She's so damn graceful and elegant and he brought that out. Gene Kelly was 68 years old here.....and you can't take your eyes off him......his grace was unparalled
Good thing he was there, she sure wasn't known to be a dancer.
DeleteLooking back, I though Michael Beck was sexy as hell.who doesn't like a man in tubes socks and roller skates.
ReplyDeleteLove these clips even tho the smug critics hated the movie. And the scene where the muses come to life and the music sets in still gives me chills.
ReplyDeleteOkay ... cue the catcalls ... I have never seen Xanadu and, well, really don't want to.
ReplyDeleteDoes that make me Bad Gay????
rut row, someone dressed in black will appear at your door and take away your membership in the gay club!
DeleteBob, we all get a free pass. If you recall, I not a big fan of Judy Garland.
DeleteMore appreciated now than when it first came out. It has some awesome music though.
ReplyDeleteGirls and movies like this don't exist anymore. God I miss the 80's
ReplyDeleteNot to mention shoulder pads and big entrance ensemb
DeleteXanadu is one of those awful time capsules that somehow only gets better with time because it actually mirrors the pop culture of that time - what we all thought looked cool. I am amazed how much more I love it as the years pass. Suddenly, it's ridiculously, adorably precious.
ReplyDelete"it's ridiculously, adorably precious" I wouldn't go that far. What in hell were you on when watching this?
DeleteNope. I can't do it either.
ReplyDeleteI liked this movie when I came out. I haven't seen it in years, but if it's available for rental I just might rent it tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteI was two and a half when my aunt took me to see Xanadu in the movie theaters. I can still remember how glamorous and fabulous I thought Olivia-Newton John was. I was in awe as a kid with her. I tried to watch the movie a year or so ago, and just couldn't. It was fabulous then, but not so much for me today. I can't believe it's been 35 years.
ReplyDeleteGuess so. Btw, I like your blog.
ReplyDeleteSo, now you're on my "Blogs I'm following" list. :)