If there’s anything that Paramount loves to do is unleash “Grease” at any given opportunity. They consistently re-release it on physical media, and in theaters. And while it sounds like I’m complaining (I kind of am), the re-release of “Grease” was only inevitable since Paramount is now streaming “Rise of the Pink Ladies,” the prequel series to “Grease.” With “Grease” being a bonafide childhood favorite, and set to be put in to theaters once again on May 14th and 17th for its 45th Anniversary, I ran down my five favorite numbers from the classic film. I never could figure out why Danny drives away with Kenickie’s hot rod in the end. I love the movie. Honest.
What’s your favorite “Grease” number?
5. Hopelessly Devoted To You
John Travolta and Olivia Newton John Have two solo numbers in “Grease” and the latter’s “Hopelessly Devoted” is infinitely better than the former’s. Still basically in love with Danny after his dickish attitude toward her, she belts out a wonderful tune about being in love with him and still pretty much devoted to him. It’s a great, emotional aside with the late great Olivia Newton John.
4. Greased Lightnin’
There’s a sad history behind this number, as it was originally meant for Kenickie, but Travolta demanded he be allowed to sing it instead. Allegedly after falling from the engine during the middle of the song, Jeff Conaway was injured and became addicted to pain killers. That sad note aside, “Greased Lightnin’” is still a fun raucous number with the T-Birds… well celebrating how much babes they’re going to get with Kenickie’s new hot rod. There’s a ton of innuendo, and double entendres in the lyrics.
The penultimate number of “Grease” sees Danny and Sandy re-united and basically playing a flirtatious game with one another. It’s a song basically about compromise where they both give something of themselves to stay with each other. The lyrics are great, the performances are dynamite, and the song is so goddamn catchy. If you’ve seen “Grease” as much as I have, I dare you not to break in to song when you hear the words “I got chills…!”
2. Born to Hand Jive
The Hand Jive musical number from Sha Na Na is one of the most raucous, exciting, and high energy numbers of the entire movie. The centerpiece of “Grease” is the big televised school prom, and there’s a big turn of events with Danny be snatched up by his old girlfriend Cha Cha, and Kenickie fighting over Rizzo. In the midst of all the drama there are just excellent dance scenes, paired with fantastic editing that really enhances the film with high energy.
A lot of fans prefer “You’re the One that I Want” or “Hopelessly Devoted” but my favorite number is “Summer Nights.” Not only does it kick off the whole film, but it really does indicate what kind of excitement and fun that we’re in store for. It also gives us a lot of crucial information about the intensity of Danny and Sandy’s summer fling, and their feelings toward each other. And we, as the audience, are left knowing that they’re both in the same school, at the same time, and can only imagine what’s going to happen when they finally cross paths.