Overview
Dirty Dancing is a 2017 American television film directed by Wayne Blair and written by Jessica Sharzer. It is a remake of the 1987 film of the same name. The film stars Abigail Breslin, Colt Prattes, Debra Messing, Bruce Greenwood, Sarah Hyland, Nicole Scherzinger and Tony Roberts. It aired on May 24, 2017, on ABC. In its original broadcast, the film was seen by 6.61 million viewers with a 1.4 Nielsen rating in the 18-49 age demographic and a 5 share.
It received mixed to negative reviews from a majority of critics, and Nicole Scherzinger's performance was the only one to receive high praise.
Plot
The opening scene takes place in New York City 1975, with a grown-up Frances saying how she never forgot her relationship with Johnny. In late summer 1963, affluent, college-bound Frances visits Kellerman's resort with her family and falls in love with working-class dance instructor Johnny Castle. The film closely follows the plot of the original film; although there are notable changes:
Baby plans to study medicine, rather than economics.
The role of Marjorie Houseman is significantly expanded. Feeling alienated by Jake's lack of attention and affection, despite her active efforts to engage him, Marjorie contacts a divorce lawyer and suggests she and Jake live apart. As Kellerman's is where Marjorie and Jake met and fell in love, Jake romances Marjorie and they have sex, reconciling.
The role of Vivian Pressman is also expanded; now a divorcee who visits Kellerman's alone, she tells Marjorie of her intense loneliness at night. When Johnny is accused of theft, the stolen property is no longer Vivian's former husband's wallet, but instead his watch, which Johnny earlier rejected as a gift and which Vivian apparently planted among his belongings.
Lisa rejects Robbie much earlier in the film. She befriends a new character, Marco, the resort's African-American pianist. Over his boss Tito's objections, Marco teaches Lisa to play the ukulele and performs with her in the talent show. Tito and Max acknowledge that the world is changing for the better.
A frame story is added. In 1975, Frances attends "Dirty Dancing", a Broadway show choreographed by Johnny and inspired by a book Frances wrote. Frances' faith in Johnny gave him the confidence to pursue a career. Frances is married and has a daughter. Frances takes a weekly dance lesson; she and Johnny encourage each other to continue dancing.
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