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‘Dirty Dancing’ Remake: Will It Work Without Jennifer Grey And Patrick Swayze? Four Facts About The 1987 Original And Charlie Vs. Swayze Viral Video

By Merry Strong
Published on: 13:26 PST, Aug 10, 2016

As recently reported by the Inquisitr, ABC is bringing back Dirty Dancing in the form of a three-hour musical. Many fans are wondering if the remake will work without Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey. At this point, only time will tell.

Jennifer Grey has confirmed that she declined when asked to take on a role in the upcoming Dirty Dancing broadcast. In the same interview, she also revealed that she was not offered her original role of Frances “Baby” Houseman. Apparently, Jennifer’s decision to bow out of the production was based on the fact that the part she was offered didn’t feel appropriate to her.

When you watch the original 1987 version of Dirty Dancing, it’s hard not to notice the on-screen chemistry between Baby and Johnny Castle. So much so that scores of fans are wondering if Abigail Breslin and Colt Prattes will live up to that same level of connection.

Now, for a bit of trivia. As with most well-loved film classics, there seems to be great interest in learning about fun and interesting facts related to Dirty Dancing. What follows is just a few of them. (Can’t get enough? Read more trivia here).

Inspirational Resort Burns to the Ground

It was a sad day for locals and countless Dirty Dancing fans when Gothamist reported that the resort that was the inspiration for the movie burned to the ground. Somewhere along the way, Brown’s Hotel was remodeled, resulting in a 396-unit condominium complex. Seven out of nine buildings were destroyed.

Clearasil’s Stance Against Abortion

According to Moviefone, Clearasil was ready to join forces with the film by way of a major sponsorship deal. The powers that be thought it would be an excellent opportunity to get the brand’s message out to scores of teens who were dealing with acne. However, the company backed out because writer/producer Eleanor Bergstein refused to cut out the movie’s abortion subplot.

20th Anniversary Dirty Dancing Merchandise

A line of Dirty Dancing merchandise was introduced in 2007. This marketing strategy correlated with the movie’s 20-year anniversary. The merchandise included but was not limited to onesies and other baby items with the “Nobody puts Baby in a corner” slogan.

If you’re curious about currently available merchandise and collectibles, eBay has a wide variety of items listed. Remember, it’s never a bad time to pick up a Johnny Castle teddy bear or a Dirty Dancing costume.

Dr. Ruth and Dirty Dancing

Eleanor Bergstein was personal friends with sex therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer. Bergstein offered to cast her friend in the role of Mrs. Schumacher, the purse snatcher. Westheimer refused because she didn’t want to play the part of a thief.

Annual Dirty Dancing Festival

Many of the iconic scenes in Dirty Dancing were filmed in Lake Lure, N.C. In fact, the majority (if not all) of the outdoor shots were filmed at a camp there.

If you’re in the area, why not take part in the 2016 Dirty Dancing Festival? This year’s festivities take place on August 19 and 20 and include an appearance by young Charlie, who is showcased in the video below. Why not take a few minutes to watch him in action? Patrick Swayze would be proud, don’t you think?

The Dirty Dancing Festival is jam-packed with activities and events for the entire family. Everything from dance contests to live bands to great food and more.

Are you a big Dirty Dancing fan? If so, what are your thoughts about the upcoming remake? Are you planning to tune in? Or, do you prefer to watch Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze at their best? Feel free to leave feedback about Dirty Dancing below.

[Image via Vestron Pictures]

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