On July 11, I published a post titled The Movie "Blow-Up" and Baby's White Jeans. That movie was released in the USA in December 1966, and it begins with the main character riding in a car and playing on his radio the song "Did You Ever Have to Make Up Your Mind?". That song, performed by The Lovin' Spoonful, was on their record album that had been released in April 1966.
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The song reached Number 2 on the American Billboard charts in June 1966, and so the movie audience recognized immediately that the movie's story was taking place in 1966.
The song is about a man who has fallen in love with two sisters but now must choose only one of them.
Here are the lyrics:
Did you ever have to make up your mind?
Pick up on one and leave the other one behind?
It's not often easy, and not often kind
Did you ever have to make up your mind?
Did you ever have to finally decide?
Say "yes" to one and let the other one ride?
There's so many changes, and tears you must hide!
Did you ever have to finally decide?
Sometimes there's one with deep blue eyes, cute as a bunny,
With hair down to here, and plenty of money.
And just when you think she's that one in the world
Your heart gets stolen by some mousy little girl!
Sometimes you really dig a girl the moment you kiss her,
And then you get distracted by her older sister.
When in walks her father and takes you in line
And says "Better go home, son, and make up your mind".
Here is a video of the song with photographs from the television show Petticoat Junction, about three sisters, which was broadcast from 1963 to 1970. I used to watch that show all the time.
Anyway, I suggest a Dirty Dancing sequel in which Johnny Castle falls in love with Lisa Houseman in New York City in about 1966. For Johnny, Lisa is a better romantic match than Baby is. Lisa is more artsy, romantic and fun-loving. Also, Lisa is a couple years closer in age to Johnny. Baby is too serious, brainy and young for Johnny.
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Aside from the drama of Johnny choosing Lisa over Baby, my proposed sequel would provide an opportunity to feature dance styles that are different from ballroom dancing.
In 1964 -- the year when the Beatles arrived in America -- the Judy Garland television show featured a sensational dance led by choreographer-dancer Bobby Banas.
(This video's title includes the year 1963. The song "Nitty Gritty" was released in 1963, but this Judy Garland television show was broadcast in 1964.)
Here are a few more YouTube videos featuring Bobby Banas.
Anyway, my proposed movie would involve Johnny (and Penny and Lisa) with Bobby Banas (or some other similar choreographer-dancer) in New York City in the time-frame of 1964-1967. The movie would portray the music, performance dancing and entertainment business in New York City in that time-frame.
An interview with Bobby Banas
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