Is Footloose Based on a True Story? Plot and Ending Explained
by Mathelene
Updated May 03, 2023
Footloose (1984)
The 1984 film "Footloose" is a musical drama directed by Herbert Ross and written by Dean Pitchford. The movie tells the story of a teenager named Ren McCormack, played by Kevin Bacon, who moves to a small town where dancing and rock music have been banned by the local religious authorities.
Ren soon falls for the minister's daughter, played by Lori Singer, and together with his friends, they rebel against the ban on dancing and music, leading to a climactic dance sequence at the end of the film. "Footloose" was a commercial and critical success, grossing over $80 million at the box office and receiving positive reviews for its music and choreography.
The film's title song, "Footloose," performed by Kenny Loggins, became a hit and a cultural phenomenon.
Is Footloose Based on a True Story?
Yes, "Footloose," released in 1984 and starring Kevin Bacon, was partially inspired by a true story that took place in Elmore City, Oklahoma, in 1979. Since the town's founding in 1898, dancing had been outlawed to prevent alcohol consumption and rowdiness.
In 1979, senior students at Elmore High School challenged the ordinance to hold a prom, but the city council, led by a local minister who saw dancing as Satanic, opposed the idea. The school board eventually broke the tie with a vote in favor of the students. Interestingly, over 40 years later, Elmore City is now known for its dance tradition.
A similar ordinance banning dancing where alcohol is served was passed in Lynden, WA, in 1981, Dean Pitchford, the writer of the film, took inspiration from actual incidents and added several new elements to make the story more palatable to the general audience. Which also gained national attention and some believed may have inspired "Footloose."
Footloose Plot
The 1984 movie "Footloose" tells the story of Ren McCormack, a teenager who moves from Chicago to the small town of Bomont, where dancing and rock music have been banned following a tragic accident involving some local teenagers. Ren struggles to adjust to the conservative lifestyle of the town, where he is shunned by the locals for his love of music and dancing.
He befriends Willard Hewitt, a local teenager who teaches him about the town's history and the reasons behind the ban on dancing. Ren also falls for Ariel Moore, the rebellious daughter of Reverend Shaw Moore, the town's religious leader who is responsible for enforcing the ban on dancing. Despite opposition from the town's leaders, Ren, and his friends decide to organize a prom, where they plan to dance and have a good time.
The town authorities try to shut down the prom, leading to a confrontation between the rebellious teenagers and the town's leaders. However, the prom ultimately goes ahead, with Ren and Ariel performing a memorable dance routine. The movie ends with the town's authorities lifting the ban on dancing and the townspeople celebrating their newfound freedom to dance and enjoy music.
Throughout the movie, the characters deal with themes of teenage rebellion, love, and the clash of cultures between a small town and the outside world. The film is known for its energetic dance sequences and catchy soundtrack, which includes the hit song "Footloose" by Kenny Loggins.
Footloose summary
"Footloose" is a 1984 musical drama film directed by Herbert Ross and written by Dean Pitchford. The movie is set in the small town of Bomont, where dancing and rock music have been banned following a tragic accident that claimed the lives of five teenagers. When Ren McCormack, a teenage boy from Chicago, moves to Bomont, he struggles to adjust to the conservative lifestyle of the town, where he is shunned for his love of music and dancing.
Ren befriends Willard, a local teenager who helps him understand the town's history and the reasons behind the ban on dancing. Ren also falls for Ariel Moore, the rebellious daughter of the town's religious leader, Reverend Shaw Moore, who is responsible for enforcing the ban on dancing.
"Footloose" is known for its energetic dance sequences and catchy soundtrack, which includes the hit song "Footloose" by Kenny Loggins. The movie was a commercial and critical success, grossing over $80 million at the box office and receiving positive reviews for its music and choreography.
Footloose Review
"Footloose" is a classic 80s film that continues to be popular today due to its energetic dance sequences and catchy soundtrack. The movie deals with themes of teenage rebellion, love, and the clash of cultures between a small town and the outside world. Kevin Bacon gives an excellent performance as Ren McCormack, a young man from Chicago who moves to the small town of Bomont and struggles to fit in with the locals.
He has great chemistry with Lori Singer, who plays Ariel Moore, the rebellious daughter of the town's religious leader. The film's standout moments are undoubtedly its dance sequences, which are choreographed to perfection and set to a fantastic soundtrack.
The title song "Footloose" by Kenny Loggins is an iconic piece of 80s pop music that perfectly captures the film's rebellious spirit. While the movie is undoubtedly a fun and entertaining ride, it does have its flaws. Some of the characters are underdeveloped, and the film's portrayal of the religious community in Bomont is somewhat stereotypical.
However, these issues do not detract from the film's overall enjoyment factor. "Footloose" is a classic 80s film that is sure to get your toes tapping and put a smile on your face. Its timeless message of the power of music and dance to bring people together continues to resonate with audiences today.
Footloose Ending Explained
The ending of "Footloose" sees the small town of Bomont finally lifting the ban on dancing and rock music that had been in place since a tragic accident involving some local teenagers. This is thanks in large part to the efforts of Ren McCormack and his friends, who organized a prom where they danced and celebrated their freedom to enjoy music and movement.
In the climactic scene of the movie, Ren and Ariel perform a memorable dance routine together, which showcases their talents and the joy they feel at being able to dance without fear of punishment. The performance is a powerful moment that signifies the triumph of youth over authority and the power of music to unite people from different backgrounds.
The film's ending is a testament to the rebellious spirit of the teenage characters and their determination to challenge the status quo. It also suggests that the adults in the town have learned an important lesson about the importance of allowing young people to express themselves through music and dance. The ending of "Footloose" is a triumphant moment that leaves the viewer feeling uplifted and hopeful for the future of the town and its inhabitants.
Footloose Trailer
is footloose based on a true story - FAQs
Yes, Footloose was partially inspired by a true story that took place in Elmore City, Oklahoma, in 1979 where dancing had been outlawed to prevent alcohol consumption and rowdiness.
Footloose was directed by Herbert Ross and written by Dean Pitchford.
Footloose is about a teenager named Ren McCormack who moves to a small town where dancing and rock music have been banned following a tragic accident. Ren and his friends rebel against the ban on dancing and music, leading to a climactic dance sequence at the end of the film.
Footloose is a 1984 musical drama film set in a small town where dancing and rock music have been banned. Ren McCormack, a teenage boy from Chicago, moves to the town and struggles to adjust to the conservative lifestyle of the locals. He befriends Willard, a local teenager, and falls for Ariel Moore, the rebellious daughter of the town's religious leader. Footloose is known for its energetic dance sequences and catchy soundtrack, which includes the hit song "Footloose" by Kenny Loggins.
Footloose is a classic 80s film that continues to be popular today due to its energetic dance sequences and catchy soundtrack. The movie deals with themes of teenage rebellion, love, and the clash of cultures between a small town and the outside world. While the movie has some flaws, it is undoubtedly a fun and entertaining ride that is sure to get your toes tapping.