Dirty Dancing (1987)

A timeless coming-of-age romance where first love and the freedom of dance collide in the summer of 1963.

Dirty Dancing - Movie Information

  • Original Title: Dirty Dancing
  • Release Year: 1987
  • Directed by: Emile Ardolino
  • Type: Movie
  • Genres: Drama, Music, Romance
  • Age Rating (US): PG-13
  • Runtime: 1h 40m
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: English
  • Release Date (Theatrical): August 21, 1987 (United States - PG-13), February 6, 2011 (Canada - 14A), October 14, 1987 (United Kingdom - 12), October 6, 1987 (Germany - 12), December 23, 1987 (France - 12), January 7, 1988 (Australia - M), September 25, 1987 (Brazil - 12), November 13, 1987 (Italy - T), June 24, 1988 (Spain - APTA), January 1, 1988 (South Korea - 15)
  • Alternative Titles: Wirujący seks (PL), ダーティ・ダンシング:1987 (JP), İlk Aşk, İlk Dans (TR), Dança Comigo (PT), Ritmo Quente (BR)
  • Production Companies: Great American Films Limited Partnership, Vestron Pictures
  • Production Countries: United States of America

Dirty Dancing - Plot

Expecting the usual tedium that accompanies a summer in the Catskills with her family, 17-year-old Frances 'Baby' Houseman is surprised to find herself stepping into the shoes of a professional hoofer—and unexpectedly falling in love.

Dirty Dancing - Trailer

Watch the official trailer and relive the magic of this beloved classic:

First dance. First love. The time of your life.

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Dirty Dancing - Cast & Crew

Director(s)

  • Emile Ardolino

Main Cast

  • Jennifer Grey
  • Patrick Swayze
  • Cynthia Rhodes
  • Neal Jones
  • Jerry Orbach
  • Kelly Bishop
  • Jane Brucker
  • Max Cantor
  • Jack Weston
  • Lonny Price

Writers

  • Eleanor Bergstein

Producers

  • Linda Gottlieb

Dirty Dancing - FAQs

What is the famous lift scene in Dirty Dancing?

The iconic overhead lift at the film's climax, where Johnny lifts Baby during '(I've Had) The Time of My Life,' is one of cinema's most celebrated moments. The move was rehearsed extensively by Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze and became the defining image of the entire film.

Is Dirty Dancing based on a true story?

Yes, partially. Screenwriter Eleanor Bergstein drew heavily from her own childhood experiences at Catskills resorts during the early 1960s. She even shared the nickname 'Baby' with the protagonist. While the romance and specific plot events are fictional, the cultural setting and atmosphere are rooted in her real memories.

Where can you stream Dirty Dancing?

Dirty Dancing is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It is also available via MovieSphere+ Amazon Channel as a flatrate subscription option, and can be rented through FlixFling and Plex.

Who are the main actors in Dirty Dancing?

The film stars Jennifer Grey as Frances 'Baby' Houseman and Patrick Swayze as dance instructor Johnny Castle. The supporting cast includes Cynthia Rhodes, Jerry Orbach, Kelly Bishop, Jane Brucker, Max Cantor, Jack Weston, Lonny Price, and Neal Jones.

Did Dirty Dancing win any awards?

Yes. Dirty Dancing won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for '(I've Had) The Time of My Life' and also took home the Golden Globe for Best Original Song. The film was a massive commercial success, grossing over $214 million worldwide against a modest $6 million budget.

What is the age rating for Dirty Dancing?

Dirty Dancing is rated PG-13 in the United States. International ratings vary: it received a 12 certificate in the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, an M rating in Australia, and a 15 rating in South Korea. The film contains mature themes including teenage romance and references to abortion.

How long is Dirty Dancing?

Dirty Dancing has a runtime of 100 minutes, or 1 hour and 40 minutes. The film moves at a brisk pace, balancing its coming-of-age romance with memorable dance sequences and a richly evocative early-1960s Catskills resort setting.

What genre is Dirty Dancing?

Dirty Dancing is a Drama, Music, and Romance film. It blends a classic coming-of-age love story with vibrant dance sequences set to an iconic soundtrack, making it equally beloved as a musical experience and a heartfelt romantic drama rooted in 1960s American culture.

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