June 16: Grease (1978)

Milestone Anniversary Years

• 45th Anniversary: June 16, 2023
• 50th Anniversary: June 16, 2028
• 55th Anniversary: June 16, 2033
• 60th Anniversary: June 16, 2038

Inspiration Behind the Movie

The film adapts the 1971 stage musical by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, directed by Randal Kleiser who drew on themes of teenage identity and nostalgia. The story was updated from its gritty Chicago origins to a sunnier suburban setting reflecting Kleiser’s own high school experience :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.

You Might Not Know

• Despite being set in Chicago, the movie was filmed in Los Angeles-area schools and streets :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
• It became the highest‑grossing musical ever at its time, earning nearly $396 million worldwide against a $6 million budget :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
• Frankie Valli sang the title track over the opening credits; the song was written by Barry Gibb specifically for the film :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• A kissing scene was cut in 1978 and exists now only in black‑and‑white; it re‑surfaced in the 40th‑anniversary release :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Pepsi-funded reshoots blurred Coca‑Cola references in Frosty Palace to honor product‑placement deals :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

Food Ideas

• Classic diner cheeseburgers with crinkle‑cut fries
• Milkshake bar—chocolate, strawberry, vanilla with sprinkles
• Pretzel dogs on buns, “Grease lightnin’” style
• Pink Lady cupcakes in honor of the Pink Ladies
• “Summer Nights” fruit punch with floating glow ice cubes

Ways to Celebrate

• Host a 1950s-themed costume party—greasers and Pink Ladies required!
• Set up a karaoke sing-along for “Grease”, “Summer Nights” and more
• Screen the sing-along version with cigarette removal for a fun twist
• Learn the hand‑jive dance together for a communal moment
• Drive‑in movie night or backyard screening with fairy‑light décor

Filming Locations

• Malibu’s Leo Carrillo State Beach – opening beach scene
• Venice High School – exterior school scenes and gym
• Huntington Park High School – interior school dance scenes
• Pickwick Drive-In in Burbank – drive-in theater sequence
• Los Angeles River (1st–7th Street Bridges) – drag race
• John Marshall High School – carnival finale