It was 25 years ago this week that Dirty Dancing's Johnny Castle strutted his way into moviegoers' hearts. Patrick Swayze's performance as the dancer who takes the infatuated Frances "Baby" Houseman (Jennifer Grey) under his wing secured his status as one of the most lusted-after pin-ups of the 1980s.
Thanks to a combination of Swayze and Grey's leading roles, a great supporting cast, 1960s nostalgia, that soundtrack and Eleanor Bergstein's deft screenwriting, the film was a huge box-office hit, earning back more than 35 times its paltry budget of $6m.
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The soundtrack may have won numerous awards, but the film itself has never been a critical darling. It has, however, retained a huge cult appeal, and its influence can be felt in the innumerable dance films that have followed. Plus, it's spawned countless spoofs, comedy sketches and a musical.
Even today this baby refuses to be put in the corner – take a look at Emily Barr's take on why it's "the perfect chardonnay-and-chocolates movie", and Melissa McEwan on why it's a "feminist masterpiece".
So, what you think of Dirty Dancing? What's behind it's longevity? Is it the Solomon Burke shuffle? The immortal lines? That triumphant lift?
Or perhaps you're a naysayer? Love it or hate it, tell us what you think about Dirty Dancing in the thread below …
