"I carried a watermelon."
Or, A Seminal Movie That Somehow My Husband Never Saw
Welcome to a new series I’d like to call:
Movies I Can’t Believe My Husband (Who Has Seen Every Movie Ever) Somehow Has Never Seen
This category had a shocking amount of Patrick Swayze in it that we have slowly been remedying. Somehow he had missed both Roadhouse and Red Dawn!
Thankfully, at this point, I think it’s safe to say he is a fan of the Swayz.
Dirty Dancing
What: a romance/drama (teen adjacent) about dancing (no one ever says it’s dirty, though, for the record) and love at a family resort in the early 60’s.
When released: 1987
Who was involved: The Swayz, of course, Jennifer Grey, and Law & Order’s very own Jerry Orbach (I kid, he’s done more than that. Wikipedia says, in fact, that he’s been, “ described as "one of the last bona fide leading men of the Broadway musical". (!)), it also has the guy who plays Newman on Seinfeld (Wayne Knight) who every time I see in something I yell, “Newman!” Oh, and cranky grandma from Gilmore Girls!
First time I saw it: A year or so after it came out. 1988ish. I was def in the fifth grade, I remember that.
Impression it made:
This was definitely the first time I think I was exposed to the concept of abortion. I remember finding that whole part of the plot fairly confusing at the time. So, that was pretty significant.
I had BOTH soundtracks on cassette and listened to them obsessively on my Sony walkman. I’m pretty sure I saw this BEFORE Adventures in Babysitting, thus, it was my first exposure to the classic “Be My Baby.”
As a 10 year old-ish, I thought it was VERY romantic.
I was also totally uninterested in Jennifer Grey’s character (although I was intrigued by her in Red Dawn, I think because she was less awkward) - Patrick Swayze was all I cared about, thank you very much.
That summer we all practiced doing the lift in the pool.
Last time I saw it: Last weekend with my husband and our friends.
Impression it made: Honestly, I hadn’t seen it in years and years, despite having watched it at a billion sleepovers as a kid and on VHS and cable… and I had warned my husband that I didn’t know if it held up at all. I was guessing it would probably be pretty cheesy and dated and we’d all have a nice laugh.
I WAS WRONG.
You guys, it was SO good.
First, we all decided if this movie came out today it would be put out by A24 and Jennifer Grey would get nominated for an Oscar. Her performance is spectacular. Truly.
The chemistry between her and Swayze is unreal (apparently he requested her to play the part opposite him).
The dancing is so fun to watch.
The music has you bopping.
And what an ending!
I was truly shocked at how good this thing was.
Best part: What a difference 40 (cough) years make, but damn did I fall in love with Jennifer Grey’s character.
She is truly inspiring. Not only does she always do what is right, what is kind, but she does it even when it’s really hard, even when it could affect her negatively. She’s brave as hell, principled, and tells people how she feels. And yet, it’s not like she’s a robot, she’s clearly terrified to do ALL of these things. She’s scared, but she does it anyway.
Therefore, as is often the case when you watch a movie with me, I started randomly shouting things such as: “You guys, she’s so good.” “She’s amazing!” “What a character!”
Thankfully my husband and friends accept this about me and still let me watch movies with them (sometimes).
Second best part: Swayze. My God, what a star. I think I inadvertently exclaimed multiple times, “HOT!”
Third best part: her sister’s performance at the final show. IYKYK.
Worst part: Johnny’s cousin, the one who brought Baby to the staff party to begin with… I’m not sure if he is properly thanked for his role in the whole affair. I mean, without him everyone would really be miserable.
Lines to remember:
“Nobody puts Baby in a corner.” — I mean… who hasn’t said this a million times? It is truly fantastic when Johnny says it.
“I carried a watermelon.” — The first words Baby says to Johnny, which she instantly regrets for being lame.
“Where is my beige iridescent lipstick?” — Lisa says this and it is awesome.
“I think she gets this from me.” — Baby’s mom says this at the end when the whole family suddenly realizes Baby can dance.
Worth Watching Again (or for the first time)?: Oh yes.
I think it's one of the few movies from my youth that really holds up well. Lord Patrick of Swayze is very much missed.
Also, I wasn't aware that grown men over 40 who had never seen Roadhouse was a real thing. Amazing. Has he watched it yet?
I loved this article - since I love this movie! Now I must rewatch! I even have a piece of art hanging above my writing desk with a picture of a watermelon and the words "I carried a watermelon" written below it 😂