You wouldn’t think that anyone would make a nostalgic ’50s musical in 1978 at the height of the slick disco era, but then there’s Grease, which became for a time the third-highest-grossing film of all time behind Jaws and Star Wars. Fortunately, the film doesn’t take itself seriously for one split second. Two teens meet during summer vacation, fall in love, then unexpectedly rekindle that love during a senior year punctuated by juvenile delinquency, hot rodding, pep rallies, cheerleading, teen pregnancy, slumber parties, beauty school and a carnival. Timeless! Hot on the heels of Saturday Night Fever, John Travolta plays the lovable macho hot rod boy and Olivia Newton-John the pink-sweatered pompom playgirl, the odd couple that fall madly in love, unleashing an explosion of joyous song and dance, with a sharp-tongued Stockard Channing nearly stealing the show. This version of Grease is a sing-along, with the lyrics to the music subtitled karaoke style. So, bring a blanket, some cheese, perhaps some wine, and be prepared to belt out some catchy Oscar-nominated tunes that you will never, ever be able to get out of your head, no matter how hard you try. Look for appearances by real ’50s icons Eve Arden, Sid Caesar, Frankie Avalon and Edd Byrnes. (110 min)

The spacious lawn of the Main Post Theatre has ample room for low lawn chairs and blankets, and the public is encouraged to arrive early to select a picnic spot. Beginning at 5:00 pm, there will be preshow entertainment, as well as food and beverages for sale. The film program begins at sunset (approximately 7:00 pm) with the short film Sing Along San Francisco directed by George Corzine and an antic-filled classic cartoon, prior to the main feature. Dress warmly, it’s summer.


Written by Bronte Woodard. Photographed by Bill Butler. With John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, Stockard Channing, Jeff Conaway, Didi Conn.
Free admission.