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{{Short description|1982 US musical film directed by Patricia Birch}} {{short description|1982 film by Patricia Birch}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2015}}
{{Infobox film {{Infobox film
| name = Grease 2 | name = Grease 2
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| distributor = Paramount Pictures | distributor = Paramount Pictures
| released = {{Film date|1982|06|11}} | released = {{Film date|1982|06|11}}
| runtime = 114 minutes<!--Theatrical runtime: 114:14--><ref>{{cite web | url=https://bbfc.co.uk/releases/grease-2-1970-2 | title=''GREASE 2'' (A) | work=] | date=June 14, 1982 | access-date=September 26, 2015}}</ref> | runtime = 114 minutes<!--Theatrical runtime: 114:14--><ref>{{cite web | url=https://bbfc.co.uk/CVF034824 | title=''Grease 2'' (PG) | work=] | date=June 14, 1982 | access-date=September 26, 2015}}</ref>
| country = United States | country = United States
| language = English | language = English
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}} }}


'''''Grease 2''''' is a 1982 American ] ] film and the ] to the ], adapted from the 1971 ] by ] and ]. Originally titled ''More Grease'', the film was produced by ] and ], and directed and choreographed by ], who choreographed the original stage production and prior film. The plot returns to Rydell High School two years after the original film's ], with a largely new cast, led by ] and ] in her first starring role. '''''Grease 2''''' is a 1982 American ] ] film, and a ] to the ], adapted from the 1971 ] by ] and ]. Originally titled ''More Grease'', the film was produced by ] and ], and directed and choreographed by ], who choreographed the original stage production and prior film. The plot returns to Rydell High School two years after the original film's ], with a largely new cast, led by ] and ] in her first starring role.


The film was released in United States theaters on June 11, 1982, and grossed $15 million against a production budget of $11 million, a far cry from its predecessor's $132 million domestic box office. Despite breakout roles for Pfeiffer, ], and ], the film received mostly negative reviews from critics. Despite this, ''Grease 2'' maintains a devoted fan base decades after its release.<ref name="TODAY2021">{{cite web | title=Why 'Grease 2' scores with fans nearly 4 decades later | website=TODAY.com | date=2021-07-20 | url=https://www.today.com/popculture/grease-2-stars-maxwell-caulfield-lorna-luft-fans-today-t222079 | access-date=2022-08-09}}</ref> The film was released in United States theaters on June 11, 1982, and grossed $15 million against a production budget of $11 million, a far cry from its predecessor's $132 million domestic box office. Despite ]s for Pfeiffer, ], and ], the film received mostly negative reviews from critics; however, ''Grease 2'' maintains a devoted fan base decades after its release.<ref name="TODAY2021">{{cite web | title=Why 'Grease 2' scores with fans nearly 4 decades later | website=TODAY.com | date=2021-07-20 | url=https://www.today.com/popculture/grease-2-stars-maxwell-caulfield-lorna-luft-fans-today-t222079 | access-date=2022-08-09}}</ref>


==Plot== ==Plot==
It is 1961, two years after the events of ], and the first day of school has arrived ("Alma Mater" from ]). Principal McGee and her secretary, Blanche, react as the students—including the laid-back, ] T-Birds, and their trendy, “bad-girl” counterparts, the Pink Ladies—arrive at high school ("Back to School Again"). The Pink Ladies are now led by Stephanie Zinone, who feels she has "outgrown" her relationship with her ex-boyfriend Johnny Nogerelli, the arrogant, ] (and rather immature) leader of the ]-riding T-Birds. It is 1961, three years after the events of ], and the first day of school has arrived ("Alma Mater" from ]). Principal McGee and her secretary, Blanche, react as the students—including the laid-back, ] T-Birds, and their trendy, “bad-girl” counterparts, the Pink Ladies—arrive at high school ("Back to School Again"). The Pink Ladies are now led by Stephanie Zinone, who feels she has "outgrown" her relationship with her ex-boyfriend Johnny Nogerelli, the arrogant, ] (and rather immature) bully leader of the ]-riding T-Birds.


A new arrival comes in the form of clean-cut British student Michael Carrington (a cousin of Sandy Olsson from ]). He is introduced to the school atmosphere by former Pink Lady Frenchy, who agreed to help show Michael around. Frenchy has returned to Rydell to obtain her diploma so she can start her own cosmetics company (as preluded with “]” in the previous film). Michael eventually meets Stephanie, and quickly becomes smitten with her. A new arrival comes in the form of clean-cut British student Michael Carrington (a cousin of Sandy Olsson from ]). He is introduced to the school atmosphere by former Pink Lady Frenchy, who agreed to help show Michael around. Frenchy has returned to Rydell to obtain her diploma so she can start her own cosmetics company (as preluded with “]” in the previous film). Michael eventually meets Stephanie, and quickly becomes smitten with her.
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=== Principal cast === === Principal cast ===
==== Lead roles ====

⚫ * ] as Michael Carrington, a British ] and ]'s cousin.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thorp |first=Clare |date=10 August 2020 |title=Grease 2: The flop that became a surprise hit |url=https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20200805-grease-2-the-flop-that-became-a-surprise-hit |website=www.bbc.com}}</ref>
'''Leads'''
⚫ * ] as Michael Carrington, an English ] and ]'s cousin.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20200805-grease-2-the-flop-that-became-a-surprise-hit|title=Grease 2: The flop that became a surprise hit|first=Clare|last=Thorp|website=www.bbc.com}}</ref>
* ] as Stephanie Zinone, the leader of the Pink Ladies. * ] as Stephanie Zinone, the leader of the Pink Ladies.


⚫ ==== The T-Birds ====
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
⚫ '''The T-Birds'''
* ] as Johnny Nogerelli, the leader of The T-Birds * ] as Johnny Nogerelli, the leader of The T-Birds
* ] as Goose McKenzie * ] as Goose McKenzie
* ] as Louis DiMucci * ] as Louis DiMucci
* ] as Davey Jaworski * ] as Davey Jaworski

{{col-4}}
'''The Pink Ladies''' ==== The Pink Ladies ====
* ] as Sharon Cooper * ] as Sharon Cooper
* ] as Paulette Rebchuck * ] as Paulette Rebchuck
* Alison Price as Rhonda Ritter * Alison Price as Rhonda Ritter
* ] as Dolores Rebchuck * ] as Dolores Rebchuck
{{col-end}}


=== Reprising roles from '']'' === === Reprising roles from '']'' ===
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* ] and ] as the Sorority / Cheerleader Twins * ] and ] as the Sorority / Cheerleader Twins
* ] as Brad, one of the Prep-Tones * ] as Brad, one of the Prep-Tones
* ] as Girl Greaser (lead dancer)<ref> at millermarley.com, accessed 8 April 2018</ref> * ] as Girl Greaser (lead dancer)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Donna King |url=https://www.millermarley.com/MM/MMAlumniCommon.shtml?../Bios-Alumni/MM-Alumni-KingDonna.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116071138/https://www.millermarley.com/MM/MMAlumniCommon.shtml?../Bios-Alumni/MM-Alumni-KingDonna.shtml |archive-date=2014-01-16 |access-date=April 8, 2018 |website=Millar Marley School of Dance & Voice}}</ref>
* ] as Girl Greaser * ] as Girl Greaser
* ] as Girl Greaser 'Francine' * ] as Girl Greaser 'Francine'
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===Development=== ===Development===
''Grease'' co-producer ] had a deal with ] to be paid $5 million to produce a sequel, with production beginning within three years of the original film. Carr decided to hire ] as director for the sequel, as she had previously served as the choreographer for the stage and film versions of ''Grease''. Birch was initially hesitant to accept after learning that neither composers ] and ] nor ] and ] would be involved in the film.{{sfn|Hofler|2010|p=136}} ], the writer who adapted the original stage material for the original film, had died in 1980, and Canadian comic ] (who was also writing and directing '']'' at the same time) was tasked with penning a new script mostly from scratch. The total budget for the production was $11.2 million, almost double the budget of the original.{{sfn|Hofler|2010|p=144}} ''Grease'' co-producer ] had a deal with ] to be paid $5 million to produce a sequel, with production beginning within three years of the original film. Carr decided to hire ] as director for the sequel, as she had previously served as the choreographer for the stage and film versions of ''Grease''. Birch was initially hesitant to accept after learning that neither composers ] and ] nor ] and ] would be involved in the film.{{sfn|Hofler|2010|p=136}} ], the writer who adapted the original stage material for the original film, had died in 1980, and Canadian comic ] (who was also writing and directing '']'' at the same time) was tasked with penning a new script mostly from scratch. The total budget for the production was $11.2 million, almost double the budget of the original.{{sfn|Hofler|2010|p=144}} Birch's approach to the material was to hew closer to the original, grittier stage productions from which ''Grease'' came; she had resisted changes made to the original film (largely made at Newton-John's behest) but was overruled.<ref name=vanity>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2016/01/grease-movie-musical-john-travolta-olivia-newton-john|title=How ''Grease'' Beat the Odds and Became the Biggest Movie Musical of the 20th Century|magazine=Vanity Fair|author=Callahan, Michael|date=26 January 2016|access-date=4 June 2021}}</ref>


''Grease 2'' was intended to be the second film (and first sequel) in a proposed ''Grease'' franchise of four films and a television series. (The third and fourth films were to take place in the 1960s and during the ] era.) However, the projects were scrapped due to the underwhelming box office performance of ''Grease 2''.<ref name="G2 IMDB"> at the Internet Movie Database</ref> ] was unhappy with the film's "drab" title, and unsuccessfully lobbied to change it to ''Son of Grease''.<ref>{{cite journal|title=The Next Overnight Sensation|first=Cynthia|last=Heimel|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6OcCAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA45|date=March 22, 1983|access-date=August 19, 2013|page=45|journal=]}}</ref> ''Grease 2'' was intended to be the second film (and first sequel) in a proposed ''Grease'' franchise of four films and a television series. (The third and fourth films were to take place in the 1960s and during the ] era.) However, the projects were scrapped due to the underwhelming box office performance of ''Grease 2''.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=''Grease 2'' (1982) |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Catalog/moviedetails/56788 |access-date=August 6, 2023 |website=]}}</ref> ] was unhappy with the film's "drab" title, and unsuccessfully lobbied to change it to ''Son of Grease''.<ref>{{cite journal|title=The Next Overnight Sensation|first=Cynthia|last=Heimel|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6OcCAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA45|date=March 22, 1983|access-date=August 19, 2013|page=45|journal=]}}</ref>


===Casting=== ===Casting===
Birch proposed an idea to feature Travolta and Newton-John reprising their characters as a now married couple running a gas station near the end of the film, with Travolta to sing a new number "Gas Pump Jockey;"<ref name=greasefacts>{{Cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/grease-facts/story?id=36550893|title=7 'Grease' Facts You May Not Have Known|website=ABC News}}</ref> this did not come to fruition.{{sfn|Hofler|2010|p=136}} Paramount tried to get ] and ] from the first film to do cameos but this did not happen (Channing, by then 37 years old, had left Hollywood for a time in the early 1980s to focus on her stage career).<ref>{{Cite news|title='taxi' brings back jeff conaway|author=Beck, Marilyn|work=Chicago Tribune|date=Sep 8, 1981|page=a5}}</ref> Early plans for ''Grease 2'' had Conaway and Channing's characters, Kenickie and Rizzo, as main characters while they attended ].<ref name=greasefacts/> Birch proposed an idea to feature Travolta and Newton-John reprising their characters as a now married couple running a gas station near the end of the film, with Travolta to sing a new number "Gas Pump Jockey;"<ref name="greasefacts">{{Cite web |last=Messer |first=Lesley |date=January 28, 2016 |title=7 'Grease' Facts You May Not Have Known |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/grease-facts/story?id=36550893 |website=ABC News}}</ref> this did not come to fruition.{{sfn|Hofler|2010|p=136}} Newton John rejected the offer to return, as she was more interested in doing '']''.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.vogue.com/article/olivia-newton-john-obituary | title=Olivia Newton-John, Singer and 'Grease' Star, Dies at 73 | date=8 August 2022 }}</ref> Paramount tried to get ] and ] from the first film to do cameos but this did not happen (Channing, by then 37 years old, had left Hollywood for a time in the early 1980s to focus on her stage career).<ref>{{Cite news |author=Beck |first=Marilyn |date=Sep 8, 1981 |title=''Taxi'' brings back Jeff Conaway |page=a5 |work=Chicago Tribune}}</ref> Early plans for ''Grease 2'' had Conaway and Channing's characters, Kenickie and Rizzo, as main characters while they attended ],<ref name=greasefacts/> which would have culminated in the two getting married.<ref name=vanity/>


] was screen tested to play the male lead but this proved unsatisfactory.<ref>Holfer p 136</ref> At one stage ] was announced as the male lead,<ref>{{Cite news|title=Hollywood 'drug war' is mostly talk|author=Beck, Marilyn|work=Chicago Tribune|date=Mar 16, 1982|page=c12}}</ref> and Carr later claimed after ''Grease 2'' was released "Hutton came, sang, and danced in my living room. He had done Guys and Dolls in college, and that’s who I wanted and preferred. But they didn’t consider him sexy enough.”<ref>Holfer p 147</ref>
⚫ ] was announced as the male lead,<ref>{{Cite news|title=Hollywood 'drug war' is mostly talk|author=Beck, Marilyn|work=Chicago Tribune|date=Mar 16, 1982|page=c12}}</ref> but ] was cast after impressing producers off-Broadway in ''Entertaining Mister Sloane''. Caulfield had already made his ] debut with roles in '']'' and '']''. Having seen his performances, ] offered Caulfield the role of Michael over thousands of applicants.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.superiorpics.com/maxwell_caulfield/|title=The Maxwell Caulfield Picture Pages|website=www.superiorpics.com}}</ref> Unlike co-star Pfeiffer, Caulfield's career following ''Grease 2'' was damaged by the film's failure. He has been quoted as saying: "Before ''Grease 2'' came out, I was being hailed as the next ] or ]. However, when ''Grease 2'' flopped, nobody would touch me. It felt like a bucket of cold water had been thrown in my face. It took me 10 years to get over ''Grease 2''."<ref name="Maxwell Caulfield trivia">{{cite web |url=http://www.movietome.com/people/6176/maxwell-caulfield/trivia.html |title=Maxwell Caulfield Quotes and Trivia |website=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081011153913/http://www.movietome.com/people/6176/maxwell-caulfield/trivia.html |archive-date=October 11, 2008}}</ref>


] was cast after impressing producers off-Broadway in '']''. Having seen his performances, ] offered Caulfield the role of Michael over thousands of applicants.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Maxwell Caulfield Picture Pages |url=http://www.superiorpics.com/maxwell_caulfield/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120918010749/http://www.superiorpics.com/maxwell_caulfield/ |archive-date=2012-09-18 |website=www.superiorpics.com}}</ref>
⚫ With only a few television roles and small film appearances, ], then aged 23, was a relatively unknown actress when she attended the casting call audition for the role of Stephanie. Other actresses considered for the part included ], ], ], and singer ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pfeiffertheface.com/Bio_014.htm |title= |website=www.pfeiffertheface.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080725090604/http://www.pfeiffertheface.com/Bio_014.htm |archive-date=July 25, 2008}}</ref> Pfeiffer was a wild card choice, but according to Birch, she won the part because she "has a quirky quality you don't expect."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pfeiffertheface.com/Bio_013.htm |title= |website=www.pfeiffertheface.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100118134913/http://www.pfeiffertheface.com/Bio_013.htm |archive-date=January 18, 2010}}</ref> She later commented on being cast:


“They were all in love with Maxwell,” said Patricia Birch. “Robert and Allan saw him onstage without his clothes."<ref>Holfer p 137</ref>
⚫ <blockquote>That was really weird for me. I'd been taking singing lessons and I had taken dance, because I loved to dance, but I had never considered myself a professional at all. I went on this audition as a fluke, and somehow, through the process of going back and dancing, and then going back and singing, I ended up getting the part. I went crazy with that movie. I came to New York and the paparazzi were waiting at the hotel. I know the producers put them up to it. I am basically very private, and I'm really nervous about doing publicity. Every time I set up an interview, I say, "That's it, this is my last one. I'll do this because I committed to doing it, but I'm never doing another one." It was insane.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.interviewmagazine.com/film/new-again-michelle-pfeiffer/|title=New Again: Michelle Pfeiffer – Interview Magazine|date=May 9, 2012}}</ref></blockquote>


⚫ Unlike co-star Pfeiffer, Caulfield's career following ''Grease 2'' was damaged by the film's failure. He has been quoted as saying: "Before ''Grease 2'' came out, I was being hailed as the next ] or ]. However, when ''Grease 2'' flopped, nobody would touch me. It felt like a bucket of cold water had been thrown in my face. It took me 10 years to get over ''Grease 2''."<ref name="Maxwell Caulfield trivia">{{cite web |url=http://www.movietome.com/people/6176/maxwell-caulfield/trivia.html |title=Maxwell Caulfield Quotes and Trivia |website=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081011153913/http://www.movietome.com/people/6176/maxwell-caulfield/trivia.html |archive-date=October 11, 2008}}</ref>
⚫ ] was the last star cast.<ref>{{Cite news|title=LORNA LUFT'S ROAD GETS SMOOTHER: LORNA LUFT'S ROAD |author=Rosenfield, Paul|work=Los Angeles Times|date=Mar 7, 1982|page=m25}}</ref> The part played by ] was originally meant for ] but she was unable to appear because her schedule as ] spokeswoman<ref>{{cite web

⚫ With only a few television roles and small film appearances, ], then aged 23, was a relatively unknown actress when she attended the casting call audition for the role of Stephanie. Other actresses considered for the part included ], ], ], and singer ].<ref>{{cite web |title=Miss Perfection had begun |url=http://www.pfeiffertheface.com/Bio_014.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080725090604/http://www.pfeiffertheface.com/Bio_014.htm |archive-date=July 25, 2008 |website=www.pfeiffertheface.com |page=14}}</ref> Pfeiffer was a wild card choice, but according to Birch, she won the part because she "has a quirky quality you don't expect."<ref>{{cite web |title=Miss Perfection had begun |url=http://www.pfeiffertheface.com/Bio_013.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100118134913/http://www.pfeiffertheface.com/Bio_013.htm |archive-date=January 18, 2010 |website=www.pfeiffertheface.com |page=13}}</ref> She later commented on being cast:

⚫ <blockquote>That was really weird for me. I'd been taking singing lessons and I had taken dance, because I loved to dance, but I had never considered myself a professional at all. I went on this audition as a fluke, and somehow, through the process of going back and dancing, and then going back and singing, I ended up getting the part. I went crazy with that movie. I came to New York and the paparazzi were waiting at the hotel. I know the producers put them up to it. I am basically very private, and I'm really nervous about doing publicity. Every time I set up an interview, I say, "That's it, this is my last one. I'll do this because I committed to doing it, but I'm never doing another one." It was insane.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kelsey |first1=Colleen |last2=Stone |first2=Peter |date=May 9, 2012 |title=New Again: Michelle Pfeiffer |url=http://www.interviewmagazine.com/film/new-again-michelle-pfeiffer/ |website=]}}</ref></blockquote>

⚫ ] was the last star cast.<ref>{{Cite news |author=Rosenfield |first=Paul |date=Mar 7, 1982 |title=Lorna Luft's Road Gets Smoother |page=m25 |work=]}}</ref> The part played by ] was originally meant for ] but she was unable to appear because her schedule as ] spokeswoman<ref>{{cite web
|title=History of Skippy |title=History of Skippy
|publisher=Unilever |publisher=Unilever
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|archive-date=May 18, 2012 |archive-date=May 18, 2012
|url-status=dead |url-status=dead
}}</ref> did not allow her time to film the scene.<ref>{{Cite news|title=MOVIES: 'HEY, WHAT FLOOR AM I ON?!' A FRENETIC DAY IN CHICAGO FORA PRODUCER BORN TOO LATE|author=Popson, Tom|work=Chicago Tribune|date=June 20, 1982|page=f20}}</ref> }}</ref> did not allow her time to film the scene.<ref>{{Cite news |author=Popson |first=Tom |date=June 20, 1982 |title=MOVIES: 'Hey, What Floor Am I On?!' A Frenetic Day in Chicago for a Producer Born Too Late |page=f20 |work=Chicago Tribune}}</ref>


] had previously played the role of Danny Zuko in the stage version of '']'', a role he would later reprise in the 1990s.<ref name=serious>{{cite journal| url= http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20085303,00.html| journal= ] | date= June 20, 1983 |volume= 19 |number= 24 |title= T.j. Hooker's Adrian Zmed Looks to a Serious Future Beyond Beefcake and Bad Boys| first= Suzanne |last= Adelson| access-date= August 31, 2016}}</ref> ] had previously played the role of Danny Zuko in the stage version of '']'', a role he would later reprise in the 1990s.<ref name="serious">{{cite journal |last=Adelson |first=Suzanne |date=June 20, 1983 |title=T.j. Hooker's Adrian Zmed Looks to a Serious Future Beyond Beefcake and Bad Boys |url=http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20085303,00.html |url-status=dead |journal=] |volume=19 |issue=24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110109221955/http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20085303,00.html |archive-date=January 9, 2011 |access-date=August 31, 2016}}</ref>


===Filming=== ===Filming===
Scenes at Rydell High School were filmed at ], a recently closed high school in ].{{sfn|Hofler|2010|p=144}} Filming took place throughout a 58-day shooting schedule during the autumn of 1981.<ref name="G2 IMDB" /> According to director Birch, the script was still incomplete when filming commenced.<ref name="G2 IMDB" /> Sequences that were filmed but cut during post-production include scenes in which Frenchy helps Michael become a motorcycle rider, and a sequence at the end of the film showing Michael and Stephanie flying off into the sky on a motorcycle.<ref name="G2 IMDB" /> Scenes at Rydell High School were filmed at ], a recently closed high school in ].{{sfn|Hofler|2010|p=144}} Filming took place throughout a 58-day shooting schedule during the autumn of 1981.<ref name=":0" /> According to director Birch, the script was still incomplete when filming commenced.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 11, 2022 |title='Grease 2' turns 40: Why the 'more fun, female-forward' sequel is better than the original |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/movies/2022/06/11/grease-2-40th-anniversary-musical-sequel/7570805001/ |access-date=2023-08-06 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}</ref> Sequences that were filmed but cut during post-production include scenes in which Frenchy helps Michael become a motorcycle rider, and a sequence at the end of the film showing Michael and Stephanie flying off into the sky on a motorcycle.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-08-09 |title=Why Frenchy Disappears Halfway Through Grease 2 |url=https://screenrant.com/grease-2-movie-frenchy-disappears-why/ |access-date=2023-08-06 |website=] |language=en}}</ref>


In the film, after Stephanie wins the contest, it goes on to show the stakeout in the final scene. Originally, there were a few minutes dedicated to a scene in which Michael (believed to be dead in his alter ego, by Stephanie) comes out on stage as Stephanie is exiting the stage, unbeknownst to her that he is the cool rider and he is alive. He attempts to ask her what's wrong and she storms past him and runs off crying, then it cuts to the stakeout. There was a scene within the "Who's that Guy?" number in which Goose accidentally smashes Rhonda's nose at the Bowl-A-Rama door. None of these scenes have been shown since the film's release. In the film, after Stephanie wins the contest, it goes on to show the luau in the final scene. Originally, there were a few minutes dedicated to a scene in which Michael (believed to be dead in his alter ego, by Stephanie) comes out on stage as Stephanie is exiting the stage, unbeknownst to her that he is the cool rider and he is alive. He attempts to ask her what's wrong and she storms past him and runs off crying, then it cuts to the luau. There was a scene within the "Who's that Guy?" number in which Goose accidentally smashes Rhonda's nose at the Bowl-A-Rama door. None of these scenes have been shown since the film's release.


==Music== ==Music==
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| genre = | genre =
| length = 32:28 | length = 32:28
| label = ] (Original issue)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.discogs.com/Various-Grease-2-Original-Soundtrack-Recording/master/143686 | title=Various - Grease 2 (Original Soundtrack Recording) | website=] }}</ref> <br /> ] (Re-issue)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.discogs.com/Various-Grease-2-Original-Soundtrack-Recording/release/1802763 | title=Various - Grease 2 (Original Soundtrack Recording) | website=] }}</ref> | label = ] (Original issue)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.discogs.com/Various-Grease-2-Original-Soundtrack-Recording/master/143686 | title=Various - Grease 2 (Original Soundtrack Recording) | website=] | year=1996 }}</ref> <br /> ] (Re-issue)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.discogs.com/Various-Grease-2-Original-Soundtrack-Recording/release/1802763 | title=Various - Grease 2 (Original Soundtrack Recording) | website=] | date=February 27, 1996 }}</ref>
| producer = | producer =
| chronology = | chronology =
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| next_year = | next_year =
}} }}
{{Album ratings {{Music ratings
| rev1 = ] | rev1 = ]
| rev1Score = {{Rating|2|5}} | rev1Score = {{Rating|2|5}}
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Featured as background music at the bowling alley: Featured as background music at the bowling alley:
# "Our Day Will Come" – ] (''Grease 2'' takes place in 1961–62 and "Our Day Will Come" did not come out until 1963) # "]" – ] (''Grease 2'' takes place in 1961–62 and "Our Day Will Come" did not come out until 1963)
# "Rebel Walk" – ] (this was the B-side of his biggest hit "]") # "Rebel Walk" – ] (this was the B-side of his biggest hit "]")


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===Box office=== ===Box office===
The sequel took in just over $15 million after coming at fifth on opening weekend behind '']'', '']'', '']'', and '']''.<ref name=mojo>{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=grease2.htm|title=Grease 2 (1982) |website= Box Office Mojo }}</ref> The sequel took in just over $15 million after coming at fifth on opening weekend behind '']'', '']'', '']'', and '']''.<ref name=mojo>{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=grease2.htm|title=Grease 2 (1982) |website= Box Office Mojo }}</ref>

Caulfield said "basically we just got blown off the map by that little movie by Spielberg."<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Craig|last=Edwards|magazine=Psychtronic Video|url=https://archive.org/details/Psychotronic_Video_35/page/n57/mode/1up?|year=2001|number=35|page=57|title=Maxwell Caulfield}}</ref>


===Critical response=== ===Critical response===
{{As of|2022|07}}, on ], the film had an approval rating of 35% based on 43 reviews, with an average rating of 4.3/10. The site's consensus read: "''Grease 2'' is undeniably stocked with solid songs and well-choreographed dance sequences, but there's no getting around the fact that it's a blatant retread of its far more entertaining predecessor."<ref>{{cite web |title=Grease 2 (1982) |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/grease_2/ |website=] |access-date=2021-11-10 }}</ref> {{As of|2020|10}}, on ] it had a score of 52% based on reviews from 11 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".<ref>{{cite web |title=Grease 2 |url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/grease-2 |website=] |access-date=2020-10-18 }}</ref> {{As of|2022|07}}, on ], the film had an approval rating of 35% based on 43 reviews, with an average rating of 4.3/10. The site's consensus read: "''Grease 2'' is undeniably stocked with solid songs and well-choreographed dance sequences, but there's no getting around the fact that it's a blatant retread of its far more entertaining predecessor."<ref>{{cite web |title=Grease 2 (1982) |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/grease_2/ |website=] |access-date=2021-11-10 }}</ref> {{As of|2020|10}}, on ] it had a score of 52% based on reviews from 11 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".<ref>{{cite web |title=Grease 2 |url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/grease-2 |website=] |access-date=2020-10-18 }}</ref>


] of '']'' condemned the film as "dizzy and slight, with an even more negligible plot than its predecessor had. This time the story can't even masquerade as an excuse for stringing the songs together. Songs? What songs? The numbers in ''Grease&nbsp;2'' are so hopelessly insubstantial that the cast is forced to burst into melody about pastimes like bowling."<ref name="New York Times Review">Maslin, Janet. , '']'', 11 June 1982. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131008025145/http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9d02efdb143bf932a25755c0a964948260 |date=October 8, 2013 }}</ref> ] of '']'' condemned the film as "dizzy and slight, with an even more negligible plot than its predecessor had. This time the story can't even masquerade as an excuse for stringing the songs together. Songs? What songs? The numbers in ''Grease&nbsp;2'' are so hopelessly insubstantial that the cast is forced to burst into melody about pastimes like bowling."<ref name="New York Times Review">{{Cite news |last=Maslin |first=Janet |date=June 11, 1982 |title=More Grease |work=] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/06/11/movies/more-grease.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131008025145/http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9d02efdb143bf932a25755c0a964948260 |archive-date=2013-10-08}}</ref>


'']'' commended the staging of the musical numbers, writing that ] has come up with some unusual settings (a bowling alley, a bomb shelter) for some of the scenes, and employs some sharp montage to give most of the songs and dances a fair amount of punch."<ref name="Variety Review">{{cite web |author=Variety Staff |title=Grease 2 |url=https://www.variety.com/review/VE1117791335 |website=Variety |date=1 January 1982 }}</ref> '']'' commended the staging of the musical numbers, writing that ] has come up with some unusual settings (a bowling alley, a bomb shelter) for some of the scenes, and employs some sharp montage to give most of the songs and dances a fair amount of punch."<ref name="Variety Review">{{cite web |author= |date=1 January 1982 |title=Grease 2 |url=https://variety.com/1981/film/reviews/grease-2-1200425203/ |website=Variety}}</ref>


] of the '']'' gave the film 2 stars out of 4, saying: "This movie just recycles '']'', without the stars, without the energy, without the freshness and without the grease."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/grease-2-1982 |last=Ebert |first=Roger |work=] | title=Grease 2}}</ref> ] of the '']'' gave the film 2 stars out of 4, saying: "This movie just recycles '']'', without the stars, without the energy, without the freshness and without the grease."<ref>{{cite news |last=Ebert |first=Roger |date=1982-01-01 |title=Grease 2 |work=] |url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/grease-2-1982}}</ref>


Pfeiffer received positive notices for her first major role. ''The New York Times'' review cited her performance as the "one improvement" on the original film: "Miss Pfeiffer is as gorgeous as any ], and she has a sullen quality that's more fitting to a ''Grease'' character than ]'s sunniness was."<ref name="New York Times Review" /> '']'' wrote that she was "all anyone could ask for in the looks department, and she fills Olivia Newton-John's shoes and tight pants very well."<ref name="Variety Review" /> Pfeiffer told the '']'' three years later: Pfeiffer received positive notices for her first major role. ''The New York Times'' review cited her performance as the "one improvement" on the original film: "Miss Pfeiffer is as gorgeous as any ], and she has a sullen quality that's more fitting to a ''Grease'' character than ]'s sunniness was."<ref name="New York Times Review" /> '']'' wrote that she was "all anyone could ask for in the looks department, and she fills Olivia Newton-John's shoes and tight pants very well."<ref name="Variety Review" /> Pfeiffer told the '']'' three years later:


{{blockquote|That film was a good experience for me. It taught me a valuable lesson. Before it even came out the hype had started. Maxwell and I were being thrust down the public's throat in huge full page advertisements. There was no way we could live up to any of that and we didn't. So the crash was very loud. But it did teach me not to have expectations.<ref>{{Cite news|title=MOVIES: PFEIFFER'S GOT A CULT OF HER OWN|author=Mann, Roderick|newspaper= Los Angeles Times|date=Mar 3, 1985|page=u21}}</ref>}} {{blockquote|That film was a good experience for me. It taught me a valuable lesson. Before it even came out the hype had started. Maxwell and I were being thrust down the public's throat in huge full page advertisements. There was no way we could live up to any of that and we didn't. So the crash was very loud. But it did teach me not to have expectations.<ref>{{Cite news|title=MOVIES: Pfeiffer's Got a Cult of Her Own|last=Mann |first=Roderick|newspaper= Los Angeles Times|date=Mar 3, 1985|page=u21}}</ref>}}


] of Paramount said that the film "on no level is as good as the first. The quality isn't there."<ref>{{Cite news|title=Hollywood Sequels Are Just the Ticket: Superman VII? Maybe. But studios risk going to the well once too often. Hollywood Sequels: Just the Ticket |author=LESLIE WAYNE|date=July 18, 1982|work=New York Times|page=F1}}</ref> ] of Paramount said that the film "on no level is as good as the first. The quality isn't there."<ref>{{Cite news |author=Wayne |first=Leslie |date=July 18, 1982 |title=Hollywood Sequels Are Just the Ticket |page=F1 |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/07/18/business/hollywood-sequels-are-just-the-ticket.html |url-status=live |access-date=August 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150524110156/https://www.nytimes.com/1982/07/18/business/hollywood-sequels-are-just-the-ticket.html |archive-date=2015-05-24}}</ref>


] described it at the time as "awful ... the pits."<ref>{{cite news|title=Playwright a hit at Taft High: 'Grease'-er revisits scene of his teens|author=Clifford, Terry|work=Chicago Tribune|date=Apr 12, 1983|page=d1}}</ref> In an interview 27 years later, Jacobs noted that ''Grease 2'' "still brings a brief frown to his face."<ref>{{cite news|title=Bring back our own, original R-rated 'Grease'|url=http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/the_theater_loop/2009/01/bring-back-our.html|access-date=28 June 2015|date=8 January 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131117163229/http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/the_theater_loop/2009/01/bring-back-our.html|archive-date=17 November 2013}}</ref> ] described it at the time as "awful ... the pits."<ref>{{cite news|title=Playwright a hit at Taft High: 'Grease'-er revisits scene of his teens|author=Clifford, Terry|work=Chicago Tribune|date=Apr 12, 1983|page=d1}}</ref> In an interview 27 years later, Jacobs noted that ''Grease 2'' "still brings a brief frown to his face."<ref>{{cite news |date=8 January 2009 |title=Bring back our own, original R-rated 'Grease' |work=Chicago Tribune |url=http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/the_theater_loop/2009/01/bring-back-our.html |access-date=28 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131117163229/http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/the_theater_loop/2009/01/bring-back-our.html |archive-date=17 November 2013}}</ref>


During his appearance on '']'' to promote the film '']'', British actor ] cited the film as one of his five favorite musicals, calling it "great".<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJpxVLep5xQ |archive-date=2022-02-07 |url-status=live|title=Andrew Garfield's 5 Favorite Movie Musicals |via=Youtube.com}}{{cbignore}}</ref> During an appearance for '']'' to promote the film '']'', actor ] cited the film as one of his five favorite musicals, calling it "great".<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJpxVLep5xQ |title=Andrew Garfield's 5 Favorite Movie Musicals |date=February 7, 2022 |publisher=] |via=YouTube.com}}{{cbignore}}</ref>


===Accolades=== ===Accolades===
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==Plans for a third film== ==Plans for a third film==
In 2003, Olivia Newton-John confirmed that a second sequel was being developed. "They're writing it, and we'll see what happens. If the script looks good, I'll do it. But I haven't seen the script, and it has to be cleverly done."<ref>{{cite web|author1=Scott Holleran|title=Olivia Newton-John: Grease Goddess|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/features/?id=1247&p=.htm|website=Box Office Mojo|publisher=IMDb|access-date=5 May 2018|date=9 September 2003}}</ref> Newton-John died in 2022 before any such script was completed.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bernstein |first=Adam |date=8 August 2022 |title=Olivia Newton-John, pop singer and 'Grease' star, dies at 73 |language=en-US |newspaper=] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/obituaries/2022/08/08/olivia-newton-john-grease-singer-dies/ |url-status=live |access-date=8 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808203957/https://www.washingtonpost.com/obituaries/2022/08/08/olivia-newton-john-grease-singer-dies/ |archive-date=8 August 2022 |issn=0190-8286}}</ref> In 2003, ] confirmed that a second sequel was being developed. "They're writing it, and we'll see what happens. If the script looks good, I'll do it. But I haven't seen the script, and it has to be cleverly done."<ref>{{cite web |author1=Holleran |first=Scott |date=9 September 2003 |title=Olivia Newton-John: Grease Goddess |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/features/?id=1247&p=.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040812060328/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/features/?id=1247&p=.htm |archive-date=August 12, 2004 |access-date=5 May 2018 |website=Box Office Mojo |publisher=IMDb}}</ref> Newton-John died in 2022 before any such script was completed.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bernstein |first=Adam |date=8 August 2022 |title=Olivia Newton-John, pop singer and 'Grease' star, dies at 73 |language=en-US |newspaper=] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/obituaries/2022/08/08/olivia-newton-john-grease-singer-dies/ |url-status=live |access-date=8 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808194311/https://www.washingtonpost.com/obituaries/2022/08/08/olivia-newton-john-grease-singer-dies/ |archive-date=8 August 2022 |issn=0190-8286}}</ref>


In 2008, it was reported that Paramount was planning a new sequel to ''Grease'' that would debut ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.slashfilm.com/2008/08/21/mean-girls-2-naked-gun-4-road-trip-2-grease-3|title=Mean Girls 2? Naked Gun 4? Road Trip 2? Grease 3?|last=Sciretta|first=Peter|work=Slash Film|date=August 21, 2008|access-date=August 16, 2010}}</ref> However, the project never came to fruition. In 2008, it was reported that Paramount was planning a new sequel to ''Grease'' that would debut ].<ref>{{cite web |last=Sciretta |first=Peter |date=August 21, 2008 |title=Mean Girls 2? Naked Gun 4? Road Trip 2? Grease 3? |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/500369/mean-girls-2-naked-gun-4-road-trip-2-grease-3/ |access-date=August 16, 2010 |work=]}}</ref> However, the project never came to fruition.


In 2019, it was announced that a prequel to the original film entitled ''Summer Lovin''' with ] attached to write the screenplay was in the works at Paramount.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/grease-prequel-summer-loving-works-1200358|title='Grease' Prequel 'Summer Loving' in the Works With John August Writing (Exclusive)|first=Borys|last=Kit|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=April 9, 2019|access-date=April 9, 2019}}</ref> In 2019, it was announced that a prequel to the original film entitled ''Summer Lovin''' with ] attached to write the screenplay was in the works at Paramount.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/grease-prequel-summer-loving-works-1200358|title='Grease' Prequel 'Summer Loving' in the Works With John August Writing (Exclusive)|first=Borys|last=Kit|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=April 9, 2019|access-date=April 9, 2019}}</ref>


==Stage musical== ==Stage musical==
The film was later adapted into a musical, '']'', with the script re-written and modified for the stage.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.broadway.com/buzz/174501/cool-rider-the-stage-adaptation-of-cult-sequel-grease-2-to-return-to-the-west-end/|title=Cool Rider! The Stage Adaptation of Cult Sequel Grease 2 to Return to the West End|website=Broadway.com}}</ref> The film was later adapted into a musical, '']'', with the script re-written and modified for the stage.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-02-11 |title=Cool Rider! The Stage Adaptation of Cult Sequel Grease 2 to Return to the West End |url=https://www.broadway.com/buzz/174501/cool-rider-the-stage-adaptation-of-cult-sequel-grease-2-to-return-to-the-west-end/ |website=Broadway.com}}</ref>


==References== ==References==
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==External links== ==External links==
{{wikiquote}} {{wikiquote}}
* {{IMDb title|0084021|Grease 2}} * {{IMDb title}}
* {{Mojo title|grease2|Grease 2}} * {{Mojo title}}
* {{AFI film}}
* {{TCMDb title}}


{{Grease}} {{Grease}}
{{Ken Finkleman}} {{Ken Finkleman}}

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Latest revision as of 22:31, 21 December 2024

1982 film by Patricia Birch
Grease 2
Theatrical release poster
Directed byPatricia Birch
Written byKen Finkleman
Based onGrease
by Jim Jacobs
Warren Casey
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyFrank Stanley
Edited byJohn F. Burnett
Music byLouis St. Louis
Production
company		Paramount Pictures
Distributed byParamount Pictures
Release date
  • June 11, 1982 (1982-06-11)
Running time114 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$11.2 million
Box office$15.2 million

Grease 2 is a 1982 American musical romantic comedy film, and a standalone sequel to the 1978 film Grease, adapted from the 1971 musical of the same name by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey. Originally titled More Grease, the film was produced by Allan Carr and Robert Stigwood, and directed and choreographed by Patricia Birch, who choreographed the original stage production and prior film. The plot returns to Rydell High School two years after the original film's graduation, with a largely new cast, led by Maxwell Caulfield and Michelle Pfeiffer in her first starring role.

The film was released in United States theaters on June 11, 1982, and grossed $15 million against a production budget of $11 million, a far cry from its predecessor's $132 million domestic box office. Despite breakthrough roles for Pfeiffer, Adrian Zmed, and Christopher McDonald, the film received mostly negative reviews from critics; however, Grease 2 maintains a devoted fan base decades after its release.

Plot

It is 1961, three years after the events of the prior film, and the first day of school has arrived ("Alma Mater" from the original stage musical). Principal McGee and her secretary, Blanche, react as the students—including the laid-back, ruffian T-Birds, and their trendy, “bad-girl” counterparts, the Pink Ladies—arrive at high school ("Back to School Again"). The Pink Ladies are now led by Stephanie Zinone, who feels she has "outgrown" her relationship with her ex-boyfriend Johnny Nogerelli, the arrogant, chauvinistic (and rather immature) bully leader of the motorcycle-riding T-Birds.

A new arrival comes in the form of clean-cut British student Michael Carrington (a cousin of Sandy Olsson from the previous film). He is introduced to the school atmosphere by former Pink Lady Frenchy, who agreed to help show Michael around. Frenchy has returned to Rydell to obtain her diploma so she can start her own cosmetics company (as preluded with “Beauty School Dropout” in the previous film). Michael eventually meets Stephanie, and quickly becomes smitten with her.

At the local bowling alley, a game ("Score Tonight") turns sour from the animosity between Johnny and Stephanie. Stephanie retaliates by kissing the next man who walks in the door, who happens to be Michael. Bemused by this unexpected kiss, Michael falls in love with Stephanie. He asks her out, but learns she has a very specific vision of her ideal man ("Cool Rider"). After realizing how he can win her affection, Michael gets to work on acquiring a motorcycle. Michael begins to covertly accept payments from the T-Birds to write their term papers and uses the cash to buy a motorcycle. Substitute teacher Mr. Stuart leads a rousing biology lesson ("Reproduction").

A rival gang called the Cycle Lords (including members of the defunct Scorpions), led by Leo Balmudo, surprises the T-Birds at the bowling alley. Before a fight ensues, a lone, mysterious “Cool Rider” biker appears (actually Michael, in disguise), defeats the enemy gang, and disappears into the night ("Who's That Guy?"). Stephanie is fascinated with this stranger. Meanwhile, T-Bird Louis attempts to trick his sweetheart, Pink Lady Sharon, into losing her virginity to him by taking her to a fallout shelter and faking a nuclear attack ("Let's Do It for Our Country").

The next evening while working at a gas station/auto garage, Stephanie is surprised again by the Cool Rider, and they enjoy a romantic twilight motorcycle ride, which includes a kiss. Just as Michael is about to reveal his identity, they are interrupted by the arrival of the T-Birds and Pink Ladies. Before Michael departs, he tells Stephanie that he will see her at the school talent show. Johnny, enraged by Stephanie's new romance, threatens to fight the Cool Rider if he sees him with her again. The Pink Ladies walk away haughtily, but this has little effect on the T-Birds' self-confidence ("Prowlin'").

At school, Stephanie's poor grades in English lead her to accept Michael's offer of help. Johnny, upon seeing them together in a discussion, demands that Stephanie quit the Pink Ladies to preserve his honor. Although still enchanted by the mysterious Cool Rider, interactions with Michael reveal that she has become romantically interested in him now, as well. Michael ponders over the continuing charade he is putting on for Stephanie ("Charades").

At the talent show, Stephanie and the Cool Rider meet up but are abruptly ambushed by the T-Birds, who pursue Michael on their respective motorcycles, with Stephanie, Sharon, Paulette, and Rhonda following in a car. They chase him to a construction site which conceals a deadly drop, and the biker's absence suggests that he has gone over the edge and perished, leaving Stephanie heartbroken and inconsolable. Johnny and his T-Birds remove the competing Preptones – preppie boys – by tying them to a shower pole in the boys' locker room and drenching them. During the Pink Ladies' performance in the talent show ("Girl for All Seasons"), Stephanie enters a dreamlike, fantasy world, where she is reunited with her mystery biker ("(Love Will) Turn Back the Hands of Time"). She is named winner of the contest, and crowned the Queen of the upcoming graduation luau; likewise, Johnny is hailed as King for his performance of "Prowlin'", along with his fellow T-Birds.

The school year ends with the luau ("Rock-a-Hula Luau (Summer Is Coming)"), during which the Cycle Lords appear and begin to disrupt the celebration. The Cool Rider then reappears, defeats the Cycle Lords again, and reveals his true identity as Michael. Initially shocked, Johnny gives him a T-Birds jacket, officially welcoming him into the gang, and Stephanie is delighted that she can now be with him. Michael and Stephanie share a passionate kiss, and he whispers that he loves her. All the couples pair-off happily, as the graduating class sings ("We'll Be Together"). The credits start rolling in yearbook-style, as in the original film ("Back to School Again").

Cast

Principal cast

Lead roles

The T-Birds

The Pink Ladies

Reprising roles from Grease

  • Didi Conn as Frenchy
  • Eve Arden as Principal McGee (Arden's final film role)
  • Sid Caesar as Coach Vince Calhoun
  • Dody Goodman as Secretary Blanche Hodel
  • Eddie Deezen as Eugene Felsnick
  • Dennis C. Stewart as Leo Balmudo (Craterface), leader of the Cycle Lords (appeared as the gang leader of the Scorpions in the previous film)
  • Dick Patterson as Mr. Spears (appeared as Mr. Rudie in the previous film)

Supporting cast

  • Tab Hunter as Mr. Stuart
  • Connie Stevens as Miss Yvette Mason
  • Jean and Liz Sagal as the Sorority / Cheerleader Twins
  • Matt Lattanzi as Brad, one of the Prep-Tones
  • Donna King as Girl Greaser (lead dancer)
  • Lucinda Dickey as Girl Greaser
  • Ivy Austin as Girl Greaser 'Francine'
  • Andy Tennant as Boy Greaser 'Artie' (Arnold in Grease)
  • Bernard Hiller as Boy Greaser
  • Tom Villard as Boy Greaser 'Willie' (performs "Cry" at the talent show)
  • Vernon Scott as Henry Dickey, one of the Prep-Tones
  • Tom Willett as bowling alley manager (uncredited)
  • Janet Jones as the girl who missed her last two periods (uncredited)
  • William N. Clark as Cycle Salvage Yard Manager (uncredited) – also was a cameraman
  • Aurelio Padrón as Boy Greaser
  • John Robert Garrett as Boy Greaser (Bubba in Grease)
  • Helena Andreyko as Girl Greaser (Trix in Grease)
  • Dennis Daniels as Boy Greaser (Bart in Grease)
  • Vicki Hunter as Girl Greaser
  • Sandra Gray as Girl Greaser (Big G. in Grease)
  • John Allee as student with basketball (Calhoun: "We'll put high-heels on your sneakers and we'll make you a center!")
  • Michael David Eilert as Boy Greaser (uncredited)
  • Bill Baker as High School Student (uncredited)

Production

Development

Grease co-producer Allan Carr had a deal with Paramount Pictures to be paid $5 million to produce a sequel, with production beginning within three years of the original film. Carr decided to hire Patricia Birch as director for the sequel, as she had previously served as the choreographer for the stage and film versions of Grease. Birch was initially hesitant to accept after learning that neither composers Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey nor John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John would be involved in the film. Bronte Woodard, the writer who adapted the original stage material for the original film, had died in 1980, and Canadian comic Ken Finkleman (who was also writing and directing Airplane II at the same time) was tasked with penning a new script mostly from scratch. The total budget for the production was $11.2 million, almost double the budget of the original. Birch's approach to the material was to hew closer to the original, grittier stage productions from which Grease came; she had resisted changes made to the original film (largely made at Newton-John's behest) but was overruled.

Grease 2 was intended to be the second film (and first sequel) in a proposed Grease franchise of four films and a television series. (The third and fourth films were to take place in the 1960s and during the counterculture era.) However, the projects were scrapped due to the underwhelming box office performance of Grease 2. Maxwell Caulfield was unhappy with the film's "drab" title, and unsuccessfully lobbied to change it to Son of Grease.

Casting

Birch proposed an idea to feature Travolta and Newton-John reprising their characters as a now married couple running a gas station near the end of the film, with Travolta to sing a new number "Gas Pump Jockey;" this did not come to fruition. Newton John rejected the offer to return, as she was more interested in doing Xanadu. Paramount tried to get Jeff Conaway and Stockard Channing from the first film to do cameos but this did not happen (Channing, by then 37 years old, had left Hollywood for a time in the early 1980s to focus on her stage career). Early plans for Grease 2 had Conaway and Channing's characters, Kenickie and Rizzo, as main characters while they attended summer school, which would have culminated in the two getting married.

Andy Gibb was screen tested to play the male lead but this proved unsatisfactory. At one stage Timothy Hutton was announced as the male lead, and Carr later claimed after Grease 2 was released "Hutton came, sang, and danced in my living room. He had done Guys and Dolls in college, and that’s who I wanted and preferred. But they didn’t consider him sexy enough.”

Maxwell Caulfield was cast after impressing producers off-Broadway in Entertaining Mr. Sloane. Having seen his performances, Allan Carr offered Caulfield the role of Michael over thousands of applicants.

“They were all in love with Maxwell,” said Patricia Birch. “Robert and Allan saw him onstage without his clothes."

Unlike co-star Pfeiffer, Caulfield's career following Grease 2 was damaged by the film's failure. He has been quoted as saying: "Before Grease 2 came out, I was being hailed as the next Richard Gere or John Travolta. However, when Grease 2 flopped, nobody would touch me. It felt like a bucket of cold water had been thrown in my face. It took me 10 years to get over Grease 2."

With only a few television roles and small film appearances, Michelle Pfeiffer, then aged 23, was a relatively unknown actress when she attended the casting call audition for the role of Stephanie. Other actresses considered for the part included Lisa Hartman, Kristy McNichol, Andrea McArdle, and singer Pat Benatar. Pfeiffer was a wild card choice, but according to Birch, she won the part because she "has a quirky quality you don't expect." She later commented on being cast:

That was really weird for me. I'd been taking singing lessons and I had taken dance, because I loved to dance, but I had never considered myself a professional at all. I went on this audition as a fluke, and somehow, through the process of going back and dancing, and then going back and singing, I ended up getting the part. I went crazy with that movie. I came to New York and the paparazzi were waiting at the hotel. I know the producers put them up to it. I am basically very private, and I'm really nervous about doing publicity. Every time I set up an interview, I say, "That's it, this is my last one. I'll do this because I committed to doing it, but I'm never doing another one." It was insane.

Lorna Luft was the last star cast. The part played by Connie Stevens was originally meant for Annette Funicello but she was unable to appear because her schedule as Skippy peanut butter spokeswoman did not allow her time to film the scene.

Adrian Zmed had previously played the role of Danny Zuko in the stage version of Grease, a role he would later reprise in the 1990s.

Filming

Scenes at Rydell High School were filmed at Excelsior High School, a recently closed high school in Norwalk, California. Filming took place throughout a 58-day shooting schedule during the autumn of 1981. According to director Birch, the script was still incomplete when filming commenced. Sequences that were filmed but cut during post-production include scenes in which Frenchy helps Michael become a motorcycle rider, and a sequence at the end of the film showing Michael and Stephanie flying off into the sky on a motorcycle.

In the film, after Stephanie wins the contest, it goes on to show the luau in the final scene. Originally, there were a few minutes dedicated to a scene in which Michael (believed to be dead in his alter ego, by Stephanie) comes out on stage as Stephanie is exiting the stage, unbeknownst to her that he is the cool rider and he is alive. He attempts to ask her what's wrong and she storms past him and runs off crying, then it cuts to the luau. There was a scene within the "Who's that Guy?" number in which Goose accidentally smashes Rhonda's nose at the Bowl-A-Rama door. None of these scenes have been shown since the film's release.

Music

Main article: Grease 2 (soundtrack)
Grease 2
Soundtrack album
Released1982
Recorded1981
Length32:28
LabelRSO (Original issue)
Polydor (Re-issue)
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic link
  1. "Back to School Again" – Cast and The Four Tops (verses by the Pink Ladies are absent from the soundtrack)
  2. "Score Tonight" – T-Birds, Pink Ladies, Cast
  3. "Brad" – Noreen and Doreen
  4. "Cool Rider" – Stephanie
  5. "Reproduction" – Mr. Stuart and Students
  6. "Who's That Guy?" – Michael, T-Birds, Pink Ladies, Cycle Lords, and Cast
  7. "Do It for Our Country" – Louis and Sharon (Sharon's part is absent from the soundtrack)
  8. "Prowlin'" – Johnny and T-Birds
  9. "Charades" – Michael
  10. "Girl for All Seasons" – Sharon, Paulette, Rhonda, and Stephanie
  11. "(Love Will) Turn Back the Hands of Time" – Stephanie and Michael
  12. "Rock-a-Hula Luau (Summer Is Coming)" – Cast
  13. "We'll Be Together" – Michael, Stephanie, Johnny, Paulette, and Cast

Featured as background music at Rydell Sport Field:

  1. "Moon River" (The Spirit of Troy- University of Southern California Marching Band)

Featured as background music at the bowling alley:

  1. "Our Day Will Come" – Ruby & The Romantics (Grease 2 takes place in 1961–62 and "Our Day Will Come" did not come out until 1963)
  2. "Rebel Walk" – Duane Eddy (this was the B-side of his biggest hit "Because They're Young")

Featured at the beginning:

  1. "Alma Mater" – Instrumental (this song was played at the beginning when Principal McGee and Blanche put up the 1961 Rydell flag)

Release

Box office

The sequel took in just over $15 million after coming at fifth on opening weekend behind E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Rocky III, and Poltergeist.

Caulfield said "basically we just got blown off the map by that little movie by Spielberg."

Critical response

As of July 2022, on Rotten Tomatoes, the film had an approval rating of 35% based on 43 reviews, with an average rating of 4.3/10. The site's consensus read: "Grease 2 is undeniably stocked with solid songs and well-choreographed dance sequences, but there's no getting around the fact that it's a blatant retread of its far more entertaining predecessor." As of October 2020, on Metacritic it had a score of 52% based on reviews from 11 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".

Janet Maslin of The New York Times condemned the film as "dizzy and slight, with an even more negligible plot than its predecessor had. This time the story can't even masquerade as an excuse for stringing the songs together. Songs? What songs? The numbers in Grease 2 are so hopelessly insubstantial that the cast is forced to burst into melody about pastimes like bowling."

Variety commended the staging of the musical numbers, writing that Patricia Birch has come up with some unusual settings (a bowling alley, a bomb shelter) for some of the scenes, and employs some sharp montage to give most of the songs and dances a fair amount of punch."

Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times gave the film 2 stars out of 4, saying: "This movie just recycles Grease, without the stars, without the energy, without the freshness and without the grease."

Pfeiffer received positive notices for her first major role. The New York Times review cited her performance as the "one improvement" on the original film: "Miss Pfeiffer is as gorgeous as any cover girl, and she has a sullen quality that's more fitting to a Grease character than Miss Newton-John's sunniness was." Variety wrote that she was "all anyone could ask for in the looks department, and she fills Olivia Newton-John's shoes and tight pants very well." Pfeiffer told the Los Angeles Times three years later:

That film was a good experience for me. It taught me a valuable lesson. Before it even came out the hype had started. Maxwell and I were being thrust down the public's throat in huge full page advertisements. There was no way we could live up to any of that and we didn't. So the crash was very loud. But it did teach me not to have expectations.

Barry Diller of Paramount said that the film "on no level is as good as the first. The quality isn't there."

Jim Jacobs described it at the time as "awful ... the pits." In an interview 27 years later, Jacobs noted that Grease 2 "still brings a brief frown to his face."

During an appearance for Rotten Tomatoes to promote the film Tick, Tick... Boom!, actor Andrew Garfield cited the film as one of his five favorite musicals, calling it "great".

Accolades

Pfeiffer was nominated for a 1983 Young Artist Award in the category of Best Young Motion Picture Actress.

The film was nominated for a Stinkers Bad Movie Awards for Worst Picture. Later on, the Stinkers would unveil their picks for the 100 worst films of the 20th century with their "100 Years, 100 Stinkers" list. Grease 2 ranked in the listed bottom 20 at #13.

The film was given a special screening at the 2021 online TCM Festival.

Remakes

The film's screenplay was adapted in the Kannada (South India) feature film Premaloka, starring Ravichandran and Juhi Chawla, released in 1987, which went on to become a blockbuster.

Plans for a third film

In 2003, Olivia Newton-John confirmed that a second sequel was being developed. "They're writing it, and we'll see what happens. If the script looks good, I'll do it. But I haven't seen the script, and it has to be cleverly done." Newton-John died in 2022 before any such script was completed.

In 2008, it was reported that Paramount was planning a new sequel to Grease that would debut straight to DVD. However, the project never came to fruition.

In 2019, it was announced that a prequel to the original film entitled Summer Lovin' with John August attached to write the screenplay was in the works at Paramount.

Stage musical

The film was later adapted into a musical, Cool Rider, with the script re-written and modified for the stage.

References

  1. "Grease 2 (PG)". British Board of Film Classification. June 14, 1982. Retrieved September 26, 2015.
  2. ^ "Grease 2 (1982)". Box Office Mojo.
  3. "Why 'Grease 2' scores with fans nearly 4 decades later". TODAY.com. 2021-07-20. Retrieved 2022-08-09.
  4. Thorp, Clare (10 August 2020). "Grease 2: The flop that became a surprise hit". www.bbc.com.
  5. "Donna King". Millar Marley School of Dance & Voice. Archived from the original on 2014-01-16. Retrieved April 8, 2018.
  6. ^ Hofler 2010, p. 136.
  7. ^ Hofler 2010, p. 144.
  8. ^ Callahan, Michael (26 January 2016). "How Grease Beat the Odds and Became the Biggest Movie Musical of the 20th Century". Vanity Fair. Retrieved 4 June 2021.
  9. ^ "Grease 2 (1982)". AFI Catalog of Feature Films. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
  10. Heimel, Cynthia (March 22, 1983). "The Next Overnight Sensation". New York: 45. Retrieved August 19, 2013.
  11. ^ Messer, Lesley (January 28, 2016). "7 'Grease' Facts You May Not Have Known". ABC News.
  12. "Olivia Newton-John, Singer and 'Grease' Star, Dies at 73". 8 August 2022.
  13. Beck, Marilyn (Sep 8, 1981). "Taxi brings back Jeff Conaway". Chicago Tribune. p. a5.
  14. Holfer p 136
  15. Beck, Marilyn (Mar 16, 1982). "Hollywood 'drug war' is mostly talk". Chicago Tribune. p. c12.
  16. Holfer p 147
  17. "The Maxwell Caulfield Picture Pages". www.superiorpics.com. Archived from the original on 2012-09-18.
  18. Holfer p 137
  19. "Maxwell Caulfield Quotes and Trivia". MovieTome. Archived from the original on October 11, 2008.
  20. "Miss Perfection had begun". www.pfeiffertheface.com. p. 14. Archived from the original on July 25, 2008.
  21. "Miss Perfection had begun". www.pfeiffertheface.com. p. 13. Archived from the original on January 18, 2010.
  22. Kelsey, Colleen; Stone, Peter (May 9, 2012). "New Again: Michelle Pfeiffer". Interview.
  23. Rosenfield, Paul (Mar 7, 1982). "Lorna Luft's Road Gets Smoother". Los Angeles Times. p. m25.
  24. "History of Skippy". Unilever. 2012. Archived from the original on May 18, 2012. Retrieved April 10, 2013.
  25. Popson, Tom (June 20, 1982). "MOVIES: 'Hey, What Floor Am I On?!' A Frenetic Day in Chicago for a Producer Born Too Late". Chicago Tribune. p. f20.
  26. Adelson, Suzanne (June 20, 1983). "T.j. Hooker's Adrian Zmed Looks to a Serious Future Beyond Beefcake and Bad Boys". People. 19 (24). Archived from the original on January 9, 2011. Retrieved August 31, 2016.
  27. "'Grease 2' turns 40: Why the 'more fun, female-forward' sequel is better than the original". USA TODAY. June 11, 2022. Retrieved 2023-08-06.
  28. "Why Frenchy Disappears Halfway Through Grease 2". Screen Rant. 2020-08-09. Retrieved 2023-08-06.
  29. "Various - Grease 2 (Original Soundtrack Recording)". Discogs. 1996.
  30. "Various - Grease 2 (Original Soundtrack Recording)". Discogs. February 27, 1996.
  31. Edwards, Craig (2001). "Maxwell Caulfield". Psychtronic Video. No. 35. p. 57.
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  33. "Grease 2". Metacritic. Retrieved 2020-10-18.
  34. ^ Maslin, Janet (June 11, 1982). "More Grease". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 2013-10-08.
  35. ^ "Grease 2". Variety. 1 January 1982.
  36. Ebert, Roger (1982-01-01). "Grease 2". Chicago Sun-Times.
  37. Mann, Roderick (Mar 3, 1985). "MOVIES: Pfeiffer's Got a Cult of Her Own". Los Angeles Times. p. u21.
  38. Wayne, Leslie (July 18, 1982). "Hollywood Sequels Are Just the Ticket". The New York Times. p. F1. Archived from the original on 2015-05-24. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
  39. Clifford, Terry (Apr 12, 1983). "Playwright a hit at Taft High: 'Grease'-er revisits scene of his teens". Chicago Tribune. p. d1.
  40. "Bring back our own, original R-rated 'Grease'". Chicago Tribune. 8 January 2009. Archived from the original on 17 November 2013. Retrieved 28 June 2015.
  41. Andrew Garfield's 5 Favorite Movie Musicals. Rotten Tomatoes. February 7, 2022 – via YouTube.com.
  42. "1982 5th Hastings Bad Cinema Society Stinkers Awards". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on August 15, 2007. Retrieved April 2, 2013.
  43. "The 100 Worst Films of the 20th Century". The Stinkers. Archived from the original on 4 June 2002. Retrieved 2 October 2019.
  44. "The Top Ten [sic] Worst Films of All-Time". The Stinkers. Archived from the original on 7 June 2002. Retrieved 2 October 2019.
  45. Holleran, Scott (9 September 2003). "Olivia Newton-John: Grease Goddess". Box Office Mojo. IMDb. Archived from the original on August 12, 2004. Retrieved 5 May 2018.
  46. Bernstein, Adam (8 August 2022). "Olivia Newton-John, pop singer and 'Grease' star, dies at 73". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Archived from the original on 8 August 2022. Retrieved 8 August 2022.
  47. Sciretta, Peter (August 21, 2008). "Mean Girls 2? Naked Gun 4? Road Trip 2? Grease 3?". Slash Film. Retrieved August 16, 2010.
  48. Kit, Borys (April 9, 2019). "'Grease' Prequel 'Summer Loving' in the Works With John August Writing (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved April 9, 2019.
  49. "Cool Rider! The Stage Adaptation of Cult Sequel Grease 2 to Return to the West End". Broadway.com. 2014-02-11.

Bibliography

External links

Grease
Musicals
Film adaptations
Television series
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Ken Finkleman
Television series
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