SFFS Film in the Fog Presents: Grease Sing-along September 26, 2009

The San Francisco Film Society and the Presidio Trust kick off their fall seasons with the much-anticipated eighth annual Film in the Fog at 5:00 pm, Saturday, September 26, on the lawn of the Main Post Theatre, 99 Moraga Avenue at Montgomery Street in the Presidio. The free, family-friendly picnic, comedy show and film screening will feature Grease (USA 1978) Sing-Along, the imaginative, nostalgic fantasy of teenage angst in the rock ‘n’ roll 1950s directed by Randal Kleiser; a short film; and a classic cartoon. The film will be the Rockin’ Rydell version, which presents the lyrics to songs sung as subtitles to help people sing along. Before the sun goes down the audience will be entertained by PI: The Physical Comedy Troupe and treated to free popcorn.

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 sing along to 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. Written by Bronte Woodard. Photographed by Bill Butler. With John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, Stockard Channing, Jeff Conaway, Didi Conn. Rated PG. 110 min.

The film program begins at sunset (approximately 7:00 pm) with a short film and an antic-filled classic cartoon, prior to the main feature. Dress warmly, it’s summer.

The spacious lawn of the Main Post Theatre has plenty of room for low lawn chairs and blankets, and the public is encouraged to arrive early to select a prime picnic spot. PI: The Physical Comedy Troupe, a seven-clown ensemble that uses elements of mime technique, acrobatics, juggling, eccentric dance, live music, improvisation, puppetry and feats of incredible strength to create short vignettes about universal themes, will perform beginning at 5:00 pm. There will be a raffle for prizes donated by the Film Society. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

Official Website: http://www.sffs.org/content.aspx?pageid=1245