THE FANS' LOVE STORY: How The Movie 'DIRTY DANCING' Captured The Hearts Of Millions!

by Tabashnik, Sue

  You don’t think they will ever make it, or you think if they made it, the movie could never be a success—or both?

  I think their attempt at Havana Nights sucked. I guess I don’t understand why it was that, instead of following Baby and Johnny. I don’t know how that could be Dirty Dancing.

  Mallory then showed me the original Newsweek and Detroit Free Press articles that she is in and gave me a CD of them. I quickly scanned through the articles. I noticed that the Detroit Free Press article said that Mallory had lost almost 50lbs at that point in time—by going to the movie rather than sitting at home eating …

  I think you are going to like this one better.

  The Detroit Free Press?

  Yes.

  This was Thursday, January 7, 1988. WOW!

  It was just as it was going to video tape.

  I love this … The Detroit Free Press article refers to you as “the unofficial mascot of Dirty Dancing” … I love this: “Lesli Rotenberg of Vestron, producer of the movie and video, calls her telephone the ‘Patrick Swayze hotline.’” Then the article describes how you saw the movie several times in one day: “ … sitting through a morning show, coming back around six and returning again at midnight.”14

  Did you think they did a good job with the Detroit Free Press article? Are you happy with it?

  Yeah.

  Wow, you went from size 44 to size 16.

  Oh, my gosh, they called you to discuss a possible meeting between you and Patrick Swayze. Did the meeting ever happen?

  Good Morning America called me, and they were trying to get Patrick on their program, and they were going to bring me to New York, but instead he went to the Today Show. So it never happened.

  Have you ever met him?

  No.

  Do you want to meet him?

  I dream about meeting him, you know, about him seeing me and saying hi … you know meeting on the street.

  You mean literally … you know a lot of people say it is my dream to meet Patrick Swayze …

  No, no … I was actually dreaming. It happened a couple of times.

  I read from the Detroit Free Press article: “Longworth’s father has not quite understood it all. Years ago, he kept her from Elvis Presley movies because ‘anybody who could move like that had to be an evil influence on a young girl.’”

  Uh-huh.

  “‘My father thinks I’m crazy … My aunt thinks I’ve lost my mind. They’re probably right. But some people play golf, you know?’”14

  That is such a wonderful article.

  Again, I think the movie is a positive statement of possibilities.

  Are you in touch at the present time with other Dirty Dancing fans?

  No.

  Anything else you want to say about Dirty Dancing?

  Even today, twenty years later, it still holds its magical feeling for me.

  Does your son watch the movie?

  No. My son is the love of my love … he’s my heart, and he knows it.

  So he would be what—around thirty?

  Yes.

  He understands Mom’s thing for Dirty Dancing?

  Uh-huh.

  I think this is just an amazing story. If you hadn’t pursued getting that poster, I don’t know if any of the rest of that would have happened. That’s just so amazing.

  That was the first thing I had ever done like that … Nothing has gotten to me, the way Dirty Dancing had.

  Thank you.

  I am glad that you gave me this opportunity.

  Additional Demographic Information

  Marital status: Divorced

  Occupation/profession: Accountant, controller for a steel plant in Westland

  Official Patrick Swayze International Fan Club member: No. I helped start the first fan club. I got a picture from Patrick with a note from Patrick on the back.

  BARBARA PHIPPS

  Age 62. Lives in Waterford, Michigan.

  May 2008, July 2008, & July 2009 (telephone interviews/follow-up).

  Barbara’s son—Roy Helton (age 35) also did an interview.

  Has seen Dirty Dancing 101–500 times.

  What year did you first see Dirty Dancing, and how old were you?

  1987. I was about forty-one years old.

  Why do you like Dirty Dancing so much?

  It’s fun and sexual … My husband and I used to dance. It’s romantic to get to do dances together. It’s provocative and fun. It was a good, happy time in the ’50s—didn’t have the stress we have today.

  It’s very entertaining and it makes me feel good.

  How has Dirty Dancing impacted you personally?

  On the questionnaire, you wrote, “It shows our kids that good values do count.” Could you say anything more specific about this and other ways Dirty Dancing has influenced you?

  Baby went to her father to help Penny. Baby stood up for Johnny when it went against her Dad (and that was the worst thing for Baby) because she knew Johnny didn’t steal the billfold. Baby stood up for what is right.

  Americans are losing their morals. Americans need to get back to morals. We need some heroes and someone to look up to. We need kids to have that drive to work and become winners.

  Patrick Swayze was always on TV at my mother’s house. My mother is age eighty-two and lives in Kentucky. My mother would put the movie on when I got home from working long hours. It would calm me down. It was very soothing and it allowed me to get a good night’s sleep, and start again the next day.

  He (Patrick Swayze) has helped me through so many difficult times. The movie reminds me that there are good people. It keeps me having faith. The spirit of the movie gives you faith in mankind

  It’s the kind of ethics you want to instill in your kids. Johnny worked hard and had good ethics.

  It also shows that learning new things can be fun and don’t give up on your dreams.

  In addition to Dirty Dancing, are there movies you have seen multiple times, and if so, is Patrick in them?

  I watch Road House a lot.

  Have you ever met Patrick or anyone else from the cast?

  No, I have not but my son, Roy met Patrick at a restaurant in Detroit after the Complexions event. I have a picture on my computer of my son and his friend hugging Patrick.

  Will you continue to watch Dirty Dancing?

  Sure, I always will.

  What do you think about Dirty Dancing, the movie being made into a stage production, and do you plan to see the stage production?

  Yes, I would go see it. I would love it.

  What do you think about a movie Dirty Dancing sequel?

  I don’t know if they could do it again—no, it can’t be done. It would be hard for people who love the movie to accept a new cast.

  Do you watch Dirty Dancing with your grandchildren?

  Yes, I watch Dirty Dancing with my thirteen and ten year old granddaughters for the last three to four years. Rachel, the thirteen year old, loves it.

  Anything else that you want to say about Dirty Dancing?

  The movie brings back the first time you fall for a boy and the things you do. It also brings back memories of a sock hop. It was a big deal to get asked to dance.

  The tango and merengue are back in now.

  The line “Nobody puts Baby in the corner” is so pervasive and so great.

  The cast made that movie—made it into a very endearing movie. I loved the dad. The mother was a perfect mother. The sister was identical to what a sister is.

  The story line was beautiful. It was like a Grace Livingston Hill story.

  What are Grace Livngston Hill stories like?

  She wrote love stories. The good guy wins and overcomes obstacles.

  Additional Demographic Information

  Marital status: Divorced

  Education: College degree & culinary degree

  Occupation/Profession: Retired. I’ve done everything—skilled trades, management/administration, training, and development.

  Official Pa
trick Swayze International Fan Club member: No. Didn’t know there is a fan club.

  Barbara states she is a three-time cancer survivor.

  EVELYN SERIAN

  Evelyn passed away on May 27, 2009 while at the Hinds Hospice. I think that she would have wanted this interview to run because I know that she had a huge connection to Dirty Dancing and to Mr. Swayze. So I respectfully share the interview.

  Evelyn lived in Fresno, California.

  The interviews were in February 2008 (telephone interview) & April 2008 (e-mail interview).

  Saw Dirty Dancing 51–100 times.

  What year did you first see Dirty Dancing, and how old were you?

  2007. Age seventy-three. The first movie I saw with Patrick Swayze was Ghost (years ago) and I liked it a lot, but it wasn’t until I happened upon Road House that everything about him clicked for me. I told a gal at Blockbuster about enjoying him on film, and she suggested I rent Dirty Dancing—so I did. I do not know where I was when the film first came out, but have certainly made up for what I missed.

  Why do you like Dirty Dancing so much?

  It has everything in it. I just think Patrick Swayze is absolutely adorable.

  He’s such a perfectionist. He does everything so perfect.

  The music, the dancing … everything about it. It’s a fun movie.

  I just love that scene when Billy opens the door and you see all of the Dirty Dancers.

  How has Dirty Dancing impacted you personally?

  I was at kind of a low period and Dirty Dancing upped my spirit and mood.

  It sort of invigorated me and lifted my spirit.

  In addition to Dirty Dancing, are there movies that you have you seen multiple times? And if so, is Patrick in them?

  Ghost. North and South. I didn’t see North and South when it came out twenty years ago, but now I own the movie and book. City of Joy. I have seen quite a lot of Patrick Swayze movies.

  Have you ever met Patrick Swayze or anyone from the cast?

  No.

  Will you continue to watch Dirty Dancing?

  Oh sure. Now and then.

  What do you think about Dirty Dancing, the movie being made into the stage production, and do you plan on going to see it?

  I would like to see the stage production. It is hard to visualize it because so many scenes were outside. Also, some parts were just so beautiful and charming, so I wonder how they could capture that in the stage version.

  What do you think about a Dirty Dancing movie sequel?

  I think there are a lot of people out there who would enjoy the movie even if Patrick is not starring in it. The story line is good, the music and dancing, and with the right actors, I think it would be a success.

  After all, there have been so many remakes of wonderful movies from the past and there is always a new crop of viewers that would enjoy it. I, for one, could not see it. However, that doesn’t mean squat. With all of the bad movies that are being produced today, it would be refreshing for some to see a new version. The only other thing is that it is still being shown on TV on Demand and some other channels, so I do not think it would be the proper time to make the movie and show it. I don’t think it would show the proper respect to the original one.

  You wrote that you honestly feel like you know Patrick through the roles he has chosen. What is your impression of Patrick?

  I think he selects roles to extend his own philosophy and values. He plays the characters very convincingly. He is a person with scruples and values. He is sensitive. He plays a person of quality and he is a man of quality. He has a cute personality. He can be a real rascal and cut-up. The wife he has chosen shows his character.

  He is just the type of person you would want to have as a friend. He is just a very, very dear man with a good heart. And he is no push-over.

  Do you see similarities between Patrick and the character of Johnny?

  When he is trying to teach her to dance. He has the same movements in some of his other movies.

  Anything else that you want to say?

  I just love that scene when Robby says to Johnny, “Do you think you can remember that—what you can and cannot do?” and Johnny says, “Just put the pickle on the plate and leave the hard stuff to me.”

  Since I have been watching Patrick in movies, I’ve been broadened. For example, I have read the City of Joy book and the North and South book (from which I learned about the Civil War).

  I feel like seeing Patrick in movies has been a positive force in my life.

  Additional Demographic Information

  Marital status: Divorced

  Education: BA in Liberal Studies

  Occupation/Profession: Retired. Retail. Horticulture. Manager for Customer Relations.

  Official Patrick Swayze International Fan Club member: Yes, for about one year.

  DOREEN HEIGHT

  Age 75. Lives in Derby, England.

  Has seen Dirty Dancing 51–100 times.

  July 2008 (written interview) and December 2007 (letter).

  What year did you first see Dirty Dancing? Did someone tell you about the movie or did you just happen to hear about it?

  1995. I have never seen Dirty Dancing on the cinema screen. I wish I had. My son bought me the video for my birthday. I watched it so many times that I wore it out and had to buy another one.

  Why do you like Dirty Dancing so much?

  I think it is a film that makes you feel good. I love it.

  How has Dirty Dancing impacted you personally? Doreen wrote this letter to me on December 16, 2007:

  I will always be a fan of Patrick’s. It might sound fanciful but in a way being a fan saved my life. I was very overweight in 1995 when I saw Dirty Dancing. I was an instant fan. I thought that one day I might meet Patrick so I would not want to meet him looking so fat, so I dieted and lost 2 stone in weight. Then a few months later, I had a heart attack. If I had not lost that weight, I might have died. So I will always be a fan of Patrick’s.

  Until I saw Dirty Dancing, I did not know about Patrick. I had seen him in North and South on TV—did not know his name then.

  In addition to Dirty Dancing, what are the names of movies that you have seen multiple times, and is Patrick in them?

  I have all of Patrick’s films and TV series on DVD and watch them time after time.

  Have you ever met Patrick or anyone from the cast?

  I have never met him. I wish I had.

  Will you continue to watch Dirty Dancing?

  Yes.

  What do you think about Dirty Dancing, the movie being made into the stage production, and do you plan on seeing it?

  I will not see it. It is on in London, not where I live.

  Do you think a good sequel to the movie could be made?

  No. Nothing would be right. I agree with Patrick. He says it can’t be done.

  Do you know other people your age who watch the movie?

  Yes, lots of friends and family. Also, my pen friend Elenore, who I met through the fan club.

  Anything else you want to say about Dirty Dancing?

  It is a great film. It makes you happy to see it and the music is fantastic.

  Additional Demographic Information

  Marital status: Married

  Education: Secondary modern

  Occupation: Retired

  Official Patrick Swayze International Fan Club member: Yes, 1995

  ROBERTA TESKA

  Age 83. Lives in Lake Worth, Florida.

  March 18, 2009 (telephone interview).

  Has seen Dirty Dancing approximately 51–100 times.

  What year did you first see Dirty Dancing?

  1988.

  How old were you?

  Sixty-three.

  How did you hear about Dirty Dancing? Did someone tell you about the movie?

  I think I that I was visiting up north-my son … Whether it came on TV or they had the video, I don’t remember, but that’s the first time I saw it. I had never ever seen N
orth and South. I didn’t really know Patrick at that point in time.

  How many times have you seen Dirty Dancing?

  It is so hard to say, I’ll just go with the middle, 51–100 times. Honestly, it is impossible to give that answer. The only time I saw it up on the big screen was when I went for the Swayze reunion … To this day, almost every day, you’ll see it somewhere on TV. It’s still being shown constantly. It just never died.

  Why do you like Dirty Dancing so much?

  It’s Patrick’s dancing. In all honesty, it wasn’t the story, which may not be what you want to hear … What blew my mind was Patrick’s dancing. I have seen Russian ballet dancers … I have never seen anyone move the way he does in that movie when he is dancing. Every single little itsy bitsy part of him moves … if you really look, especially that scene when she goes with him to that gig.

  At the Sheldrake?

  Yes, it shows up so plainly. Also, it was him like when she was carrying the watermelon. He comes over with this finger crooking … beckoning with one finger, and the look on his face and the body language. Just everything about that was so unique. He used that in some other movie. I can’t remember what movie that was … Everything about him in that movie. I happen to be very big on body language in acting. Peter Coyote, we’ve became very dear friends, ever since 1991 … He is a remarkable actor. He is a chameleon. He absolutely becomes another person … there are not too many actors that do that. What grabbed me very much with Patrick was his body language in that role. He was very good … What got me was Patrick, himself, his dancing in particular and especially when he was dancing with Penny. That first time when he comes in … when the two of them are dancing … They were supposed to be doing their job as instructors … When they first start—the two of them—down an aisle between people and just the way they are moving in toward each other—sort of a walking dance … Just everything about the way he dances—his body language and in the acting in the movie itself. It was excellent … It was really, really good. I’ve never seen anyone move like that … and it is particularly evident at The Sheldrake—although it also shows up in that final dance scene—when he comes off the stage. It’s gorgeous. That was beautifully done.