"Footloose" has always been one of my favorite teen movies. All that happy dancing at the end with Kevin Bacon leading the way! Well, imagine my surprise to learn that the movie was inspired by a real incident that took place in Elmore, Oklahoma! Yup. Check out this April 16, 2010 Oklahoman article entitled "Elmore City re-creates prom that inspired 'Footloose' film: Okies say they weren’t as fancy free as ‘footloose’ characters." The city celebrated the 30th anniversary of the first prom on April 17. At the url above you can also watch a video featuring (to quote the NewsOK website) "Mary Ann Temple-Lee and Leonard Coffee (who) were high school sweethearts and junior class officers who campaigned for Elmore City High School’s first prom in 1980. They inspired the principal characters of the 1984 hit movie "Footloose.” They will be the guests of honor and parade marshals Saturday at an event celebrating the 30th anniversary of the first prom."
Great post, Jean! I've missed visiting your blog and talking to you. I've been so busy lately, but hopefully w/ two kids in school this fall I'll have more time. xoxo, jen
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