XANADU at HOLLYWOOD TEEN MOVIES

TITLE : Xanadu
YEAR OF RELEASE : 1980
CLASSIFICATION : PG
DIRECTOR : Robert Greenwald
STARRING : Olivia Newton-John,
Gene Kelly, Michael Beck, James Sloyan, Dimitra Arliss, Katie Hanley, Fred McCarren, Ren Woods, Sandahl Bergman, Lynn Latham, Melinda Phelps, Cherise Bates, Juliette Marshall, Marilyn Tokuda, Yvette Van Voorhees,
TAGLINES:
* A Fantasy, A Musical, A Place Where Dreams Come True.
* Where time stops and the magic never ends.

"Xanadu", "The place where nobody dared to go", was what the song stated and audiences listened as they stayed away in droves making it a critical and financial disaster. "Xanadu" is a weird and wonderful mix of fantasy, comedy, music and dance, you'll either love it or hate it, whatever the case may be, the ending at the roller disco is nevertheless spectacular to look at, even after all these years. With its well choreographed dance routines, fast editing and its excellent use of fashion, colour and sound Xanadu's ending is a predecessor of the MTV style music videos that would hit TV screens a few years later. The bizarre plotline sees Australia's girl-next door, Olivia Newton-John, playing a Greek muse called Kira, who is sent to earth to inspire artist Sonny Malone (Michael Beck) into achieving his dream of building the greatest roller disco rink on earth. Starring alongside Olivia is 1950's dance legend Gene Kelly who showed that at nearly 70 years of age he could still skate and dance with the best of them. Look fast and you might spot Arnold's "Conan The Barbarian" co-star Sandahl Bergman and of course Olivia's husband to be Matt Lantanzi as background dancers. One thing is for sure if the film's plotline doesn't grab you, the title song, "Xanadu" certainly will. It is a lively, catchy, tune that is sure to have you tapping your feet to the beat.

Xanadu [DVD](1980) DVD
Space age look at music of today with Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly. Music by Electric Light Orchestra. Roller skating, dancing and fun for the whole family in this updating of 1947's "Down to Earth." 96 min. Widescreen; Soundtrack: English; production notes; biographies; theatrical trailer; scene access.