"Dance Scene" John Travolta and Finola Hughes in Staying Alive 1983 I don't understand why critics always scorn this film. But it wasnt the size that mattered. Forty five years ago, John Travolta strutted down a Brooklyn sidewalk and into movie history in the iconic opening sequence of Saturday Night Fever. However, in an unexpected and rather embarassing twist, it failed to reach the reserve price of 200,000 ($260k). The movie has come to represent the disco era, and has made "Stayin' Alive" one of the songs most associated with disco. As with so many other television properties, Travolta could have elected to play his first movie safely. Lizzo wows in skimpy bikini as . We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. So what went into this iconic clothing moment that clearly affected so many viewers? The streetwalking, shoe-comparing scene is backed by a strong disco song called, appropriately, Staying Alive. The title and lyrics make sense because Saturday Night Fever isnt just a happy-go-lucky dancing movie. Does it get any more timeless than that? BAMF Style aims to explore interesting and iconic mens style in movies, TV, and real life. The Making of Saturday Night Fever: John Travolta and the Cast's Five years later, Tony Manero's Saturday Night Fever is still burning. But I cant argue with the overwhelming majority of folks who insist that they arent distracted in the least. Tony is at the center of the frame in both shots, but this sudden shift in angle has a galvanizing effect that moving the camera in real time from the first position to the second couldnt possibly achieve. Would it have been effective that way? John Travolta dances with Karen Lynn Gorney in Saturday Night Fever (1977). Travolta holds up his own shoes to the store window as it to compare. In the early 1980s he purchased the white suit that John Travolta wore in the film. Everybody whos ever seen Saturday Night Fever (along with most people who havent) remembers Travoltas Tony Manero strutting his stuff hereits the most iconic moment in the movie, with Tony literally strutting to Stayin Alive in the opening credits taking a very distant second. The auction also sold other classic parts of cinematic history, from costumes to props that have become defining features of the movies they appeared in. Im really enjoying your blog. We may earn a commission from links on this page. The white suit Travolta wears for the films climactic dance contest instantly became iconic, as did many of the movies shots and set pieces. Now he's strutting toward his biggest challenge yet: succeeding as a dancer on the Broadway stage. His boots are better. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. Now he's strutting toward his biggest challenge yet: succeeding as a dancer on the Broadway stage. This beer is an inspired choice for the Faces, as this group of Bay Ridge boys would certainly appreciate a Brooklyn brew like Schaefer. Photo by Towpilot CC by 3.0. Though no self respecting mod would be found dead in the a white polyester suit. Thanks for that kind, thoughtful comment I appreciate it, and Im glad that this post could resonate with someone for whom this movie carries so much meaning! She had a great feel for it, recalled Pape. Within seconds were brought into the small business-lined streets of Brooklyn, which look very much like our own Lincoln Avenue, between Diversey Parkway and Foster Avenue. After a disappointing night at 2001, the Faces hit the road in Bobbys busted 64 Impala with cans ofSchaefer for all. All Of John Travolta's Best Dancing Scenes - Wide Open Country 2 Dancing Dudes Perform Viral 'Stayin' Alive' Routine In life, Tony is a peasant; on the disco dance floor, he's a king. In the 80s, as evidenced by John Travolta's character in the 1983 drama Staying Alive, it was all about flared pants, bold colours, three-piece suits, and wide lapels. He enjoys mid-century furniture, photography, vintage movie posters and people with a good story to share. Five years ago, I rewatchedSaturday Night Fever and was disgusted by the misogyny and racism of the characters, perhaps out of embarrassment that these were characters with whom I was once able to identify without recognizing these awful traits. Get an email every time I do something new. The Bee Gees had been singing in a high-falsetto style since their 1975 . But thats all that Stephanie wants. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Look no further than the classic three-piece white suit worn by John Travolta in his Academy Award-nominated role in the 1977 disco blockbuster Saturday Night Feverwhich sold for $260,000 at Julien's Auction April 23. Saturday Night Fever's most iconic scene demonstrates the power of editing I am grateful that our hero, John Travolta, and our producers also came to see it in this way. Until I revisited it just now, however, Id forgotten that the early dance routine is bracketed by Bobby C. (Barry Miller) pestering Tonys older brother, Frank (Martin Shakar), whos a priest, about getting a papal dispensation for his girlfriends abortion. ), How to Style Trench Coats (13+ Outfits Ideas to Try Including Shoes! Even at the height of Fevers euphoria, grim reality keeps intruding, which is the films plan of attack in a nutshell. Hollywood costume designer Deborah Nadoolman, guest curator of the V&As exhibit, offered an explanation of the suits appeal to the Daily Mail prior to the opening of the exhibit: Saturday Night Fever was actually a very dark little movie, and this suit, made of completely gross polyester, was the shining light, the symbol of aspiration and hope that shone in the film in that heart-stopping moment when it all comes together, the music, the lights, the suit, and Travolta dances in it It took me totally by surprise. Accessories included black lace up leather shoes, a black belt with a silver buckle, and of course, his signature black wayfarer sunglasses. She thinks because her son is a priest thats gonna score her some points in heaven, Tony explains. Which brings us to Tonys shirt. NBC edited just 30 seconds from this film for its 1987 network television premiere. Parents should be aware of the fact that, despite the films R rating (persons under 17 not admitted unless accompanied by a parent or adult guardian), it will be the rare theater owner, I predict, who, faced with long lines, will demand to see identification from his potential audience. 2023 Active Interest Media All rights reserved. See production, box office & company info, At the Movies: National Lampoon's Vacation/Class/Staying Alive/Krull/A Star Is Born, Philharmonic Auditorium - 427 West 5th Street and South Olive Street, Downtown, Los Angeles, California, USA. Fashion history is a big interest of mine, particularly in how it relates to film. The disco era won't die, it just keeps "Stayin' Alive.". Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The film is far from perfect, commented Roger Ebert in his four-star review, which itself masterfully explores what givesSaturday Night Fever such appeal seemingly despite itself. At the same time, though, the dance is not a single unbroken take, though it plays like one. In 2010, the Library of Congress deemed Saturday Night Fever as being culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant and the film was preserved and archived in the U.S. National Film Registry. This included Iron Mans Mark III helmet, as worn by Robert Downey Jr in 2016s Captain America: Civil War which went for $127,000 (102,000). The most electrifying moment in Travoltas dance, to my mind, occurs on the cut from shot seven to shot eight. John Travolta's 'Saturday Night Fever' suit up for auction And, at the very beginning of the film, Travolta seemingly puts on a false, guttural deese, dem, and dose accent that smacks of Marlon Brando in On The Waterfront. The accent disappears in later scenes, and Travolta told the Tribune that he had a cold on the day they shot that opening dialog scene. All rights reserved. In that moment, director John Badham cleverly tightens his focus on Tony and Stephanie. The trousers rise high with the beltless waistband, which was reported to be a size 28 in V&As release (as posted on Dazeen). According to the organisers, only two versions of the suit were made for the movie. Best Answer. As an Amazon Associate, Kutoku affiliate, Partnerize affiliate, and ShopStyle Collective affiliate, I may receive commissions from qualifying purchases made through links in these posts. Fast forward from 1977 to 1983. For all intents and purposes, BAMF=Badass Mens Fashion until a more thoughtful retcon can emerge. Moving to Manhattan and taking night classes, Stephanie is trying to better herself and it is very much to the credit of [Norman] Wexlers script that shes stumbling every step of the way. In the 80s, as evidenced by John Travoltas character in the 1983 drama Staying Alive, it was all about flared pants, bold colours, three-piece suits, and wide lapels. 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InScenic Routes, Mike DAngelo looks at key movie scenes, explaining how they work and what they mean. John Travolta in the iconic . For the despondent Tonys subway ride at the end to Stephanies apartment, he flips up his lapels to reveal a pure white fabric under his collar. "More Than A Woman" by the Bee Gees. Throughout the entire movie, Travoltas character is seen wearing some iteration of the same outfit: a button-up shirt, jeans, and a cowboy hat. Travolta's suit is one of only two known to exist that was used during production of Saturday Night Fever. The iconic white suit that was worn by John Travolta in the popular 1977 film "Saturday Night Fever" can be yours, but you'll definitely need some deep pockets. Cowboy chic is how we would describe pretty much every outfit John Travolta wore in Urban Cowboy. Songfacts: This plays over the opening credits of the 1977 movie Saturday Night Fever while John Travolta struts through the streets of New York City. What cinema can do that theater cant is juxtapose two images in a way that creates a feeling neither image alone could inspire. The iconic white flared disco suit, worn by John Travolta in his role as Tony Manero in the 1977 film . Princess Diana's "Travolta Dress" Unexpectedly FAILS to Sell at Auction Von Brandenstein found the all-polyester white suit and knew that she had her armor for the newly enlightened Tony Manero though she could have hardly anticipated its full impact. John Travolta wears the jacket, and the jewelry, to nail mobster role Saturday Night Fever Stayin' Alive. | Paramount Pictures. Theres an apocryphal story in the movie business about the wise old producer who used to applaud at the end of every movie because he knew how hard it was to make even a bad movie. Actually, the reality on the dance floor is pretty grim, too. In adittion we can also listen to the beautiful song \"I'm Never Gonna Give You Up\", performed by Cynthia and Frank Stallone.\r\r\rSong:\r\rI'm never gonna give you up (Cynthia Rhodes and Frank Stallone)\r\r\rI need to know someone\rWhose warmer than the sunshine\rCould be that you're the one for me\r\rOhh, you touch me deeper darling\rAll my emotions started\rCome to me now and you will see\r\rAnd I'm never gonna give you up for someone else's love\rNever gonna let you go and lose the one I love\rAhh tonight, tonight\r\rSome people never know the\rTrue magic of the moonlight\rYou give me everything I need\r\rWoman, you really know me\rAnticipation's growing\rCome to me now so you will see\r\rThat I'm never gonna give you up for someone else's love\rNever gonna let you go and lose the one I love\rAhh tonight, tonight\r\rOhhh, ahhh, ohhh\rOhh Forever will, together strong\rWoah, together here, forever here in love\r\rNever gonna give you up for someone else's love\rNever gonna let you go and lose the one I love\rNever gonna give you up for someone else's love\rNever gonna let you go\rNo one else's love\rNever, never, never\rNo one else's love\rnever, never, never\rNo one else's love\r\r[fading]\rNever gonna give you up for someone else's love\rNever gonna let you go and lose the one I love Of course, John Travoltas Tony Manero would need something special for the films climax, a major dance number with Stephanie (Karen Lynn Gorney) set to the Bee Gees More Than a Woman. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Hes wearing some pointy-toed mid-calf boots and hes pumping his way down the street. There are straight pockets along each side seam and the two jetted back pockets each close through a single button. The white suit that John Travolta wore in "Saturday Night Fever" (alongside Karen Lynn Gorney) belonged for a time to Chicago film critic Gene Siskel. Titanic: David Warners Tweed Norfolk Jacket as Lawrence Beesley, The Professional: Belmondos Blue Leather Jacket, Roger Moores Ivory Dinner Jacket in Octopussy, Single-breasted 2-button jacket with wide peak lapels, patch breast pocket, patch hip pockets, 4-button cuffs, and long double vents, Single-breasted 5-button vest with two slim-welted pockets and notched bottom, Flat front high-rise beltless trousers with straight side pockets, button-through jetted back pockets, and flared plain-hemmed bottoms, Black polyester shirt with white-stitched broken stripes, point collar, plain front, and mitred adjustable-button cuffs, Black-and-gray leather 5-eyelet wingtip brogue half-boots with stacked heels, Gold short necklace with saint pendant and Italian cornicello pendant, Thick gold ring with dark set-in rectangular stone. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. 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'Saturday Night Fever' at 45: John Travolta says that 'Stayin' Alive The shorter but thicker necklace has both a round saint-embossed pendant and a gold cornicello (or corno), a horn-shaped amulet traditionally worn by Italians to protect themselves from bad luck. After Siskel died in 1999, Roger Ebert concluded his updated review ofSaturday Night Fever: I asked Gene if hed ever tried it on. We may earn a commission from links on this page. Cutting is frequently perceived as lazy at best, crass and obnoxious at worstand it can be, just as any other technique can be when poorly applied. 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Eberts review mentions that he once had the opportunity to inspect theSaturday Night Fever suit that Siskel had in his possession and he noticed that it came with a shirt that buttoned under the crotch, so it would still look neat after a night on the dance floor. The Christies auction listing elaborates on this device, explaining that the shirt was attached to the waistband of the trousers with an elastic fabric; this allowed Mr. Travolta the freedom to dance and strike his now legendary poses.. She works as a secretary in a talent agency. See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. In the film itself, Gorney wore a white dress rather than the red of the poster. Having grown up in a household that was totally taken over by 80s music and fashion its only natural that May lives and breathes the 80s! Budgetary reasons led to director John Badham requesting that all film costumes be purchased off-the-rack rather than created for the film, which heightened the degree of authenticity. Finally, wide lapels are also trendy again, though not yet as common as the other trends that we can take from Staying Alive. Suddenly theres John Travolta (Vinnie Barbarino of Welcome Back, Kotter TV fame) striding toward the camera. Makes complete sense, particularly with the swaggering, self regarding walk at the beginning of the film. I fell completely in love with him, as everyone who sees the movie does. The white three-piece suit worn by Travolta's character, Tony Manero, in the disco film classic is a cultural costume and a hit at Julien's Auctions. Travolta wears the button at the top of the point collar unbuttoned as well as the two buttons under it, exposinghis gold jewelry and chest hair. Derisively referred to as the quintessential wedding drink by bartender Patrick Williams in a Thrillist article, this highball was particularly popular during the 70s as its two ingredients Seagrams 7 whiskey and 7 Up lemon-lime soda were each considerably popular on their own during the decade. They have to practice dancing together. Thanks so much for writing it. Could this sequence have been captured in a single three-minute take? He looks at the boots in the window. The 64-year-old's hair, such as it is, looked similar to Tony Manero's, except for its grey hue. In addition to providing a dazzling sound and light show, each Saturday Night Fever dancing scene contains a new story element. John Travolta's celebrated solo dance routine in Saturday Night Fever is a perfect example. Staying Alive - Final dance - Act III - YouTube "Staying Alive." The title and lyrics make sense because "Saturday Night Fever" isn't just a happy . He was the ultimate cool guy, with his killer voice, epic dance moves, and of course, his effortless fashion sense. But Saturday Night Fever, a very good new movie, makes a sucker out of that old producer because Saturday Night Fever makes good moviemaking seem easy. To add to its authenticity, a certificate from film creators Paramount Studios and John Travolta himself was provided. . Als u uw keuzes wilt aanpassen, klik dan op 'Privacyinstellingen beheren'. (You Should Be Dancing figures prominently in The Search, Michel Hazanavicius dismal follow-up to The Artist. The movie ends on a note of hesitant uncertainty. The films theme, Stayin Alive by the Bee Gees, is the anthem most associated with this film (and often wrongly with this scene), but it was the more romantic More Than a Woman that scored Tony and Stephanies award-winning dance at 2001 Odyssey. Staying alive - John Travolta & Cynthia Rhodes - YouTube Reach him at PKennedy@aimmedia.com. I first sawSaturday Night Fever, and for better or worse I was able to identify with Tony and his pals who shielded their insecurities with macho swagger and who strove for no greater ambition than to land a date for the night. When choosing what goes in to such a major dance costume, I paid attention to the usual factors of cut, danceability, and maintenance, and I thought about the character of Tony Manero, commented Von Brandenstein in V&As press release. One would be remiss to discussSaturday Night Fever without exploring its best-selling soundtrack, anchored by the Bee Gees but also featuring tracks from KC and the Sunshine Band, Kool and the Gang, The Trammps, Yvonne Elliman, and more. 'Ten Commandments' Robe Sells for $447,000, 'Wizard of Oz' Hourglass Sells for Nearly $500,000, Marilyn Monroe Signed Love Photo to Joe DiMaggio Sells for $300,000. For the affair, Travolta donned a classic black tux with a bow tie. Forty-two years ago, moviegoers watched John Travolta strut down a Brooklyn sidewalk and into movie history to the tune of "Staying Alive.". Burnsreview continues to ably summarize the film and set the scene for its final act: The slender thread of a plot follows Tonys attempts to woo Stephanie into being his partner in a local dance contest, but shes outgrown guys like him. Nadoolman wasnt the only one falling in love, as Tonys final dance with Stephanie seems to finally win her affection at least for the moment. My response was that continuity editing, done skillfully, is practically invisible, and thatfor me, at leastnot cutting actually calls more attention to the filmmaking process than cutting would. Dance Scene John Travolta and Finola Hughes Staying Alive - YouTube The primary rebuttal in the comments was that conventional editing would have dissipated the sense of helplessness that overwhelms the scenethat a cut, in essence, lets the viewer off the hook to some degree. Tony and his crew illustrate this point with their single-breasted suit jackets with wide peak lapels and straight shoulders with roped sleeveheads. Heroes from Sir Lancelot to Tom Mix wore white in the great contests to express purity and single-minded devotion to the task at hand," she explained ahead of the auction. Saturday Night Fever catapulted Travolta into movie stardom. Paul Kennedy is Editorial Director of the Collectibles Group at AIM Media. John Travolta's iconic white suit from Saturday Night Fever has been sold at auction for a phenomenal $260,000 (208,000). And after such an invigorating dance? The movie's 2001 Odyssey Disco was a real club located at 802 64th Street. Within a year, Siskel purchased the suit at a charity auction for $2,000, and it would be one of his most prized possessions until 1995 when it sold to an anonymous bidder at a Christies auction in 1995. Tony is remarkably cruel to Connie (played by the young Fran Drescher, with comparatively mild accent and nasal delivery), who comes on way too strong but doesnt necessarily deserve to be openly insulted.
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