Expecting the usual tedium that accompanies a summer in the Catskills with her family, 17-year-old Frances 'Baby' Houseman is surprised to find herself stepping into the shoes of a professional hoofer—and unexpectedly falling in love.
Directed by Emile Ardolino
hotel
daughter
dancing
secret love
robbery
sibling relationship
summer camp
dancing master
mambo
dance performance
coming of age
teenage crush
teenage girl
doctor
class differences
family holiday
sensuality
summer romance
catskill resort
playful
audacious
Rank
#21 in 1987·#1991 overall
Trailer
IMDB
N/A
Letterboxd
3.7 / 5
Where to Watch
Cast
Jennifer Grey
Frances "Baby" Houseman
Patrick Swayze
Johnny Castle
Cynthia Rhodes
Penny Johnson
Neal Jones
Billy Kostecki
Jerry Orbach
Dr. Jake Houseman
Kelly Bishop
Marjorie Houseman
Jane Brucker
Lisa Houseman
Max Cantor
Robbie Gould
Jack Weston
Max Kellerman
Lonny Price
Neil Kellerman
Wayne Knight
Stan
"Cousin Brucie" Morrow
Magician
Crew
Emile Ardolino
Director
Eleanor Bergstein
Writer
John Morris
Original Music Composer
Jeffrey Jur
Director of Photography
Mitchell Cannold
Executive Producer
Eleanor Bergstein
Co-Producer
Bonnie Timmermann
Casting
David Chapman
Production Design
Kenny Ortega
Choreographer
Joseph S. DeBeasi
Music Editor
Fríða Aradóttir
Hairstylist
Jim Lovelett
Stunt Coordinator
Popular Reviews
4486 reviews
vi
10.0★ · 02/12/16
why my life ain't like this
why my life ain't like this
28
vi
10.0★ · 08/28/18
bill medley: now i've... had... the time of my life...
the little monkey man that lives in my head: goes absolutely fucking batshit insane
bill medley: now i've... had... the time of my life...
the little monkey man that lives in my head: goes absolutely fucking batshit insane
12
Alex Coulombe
8.8★ · 10/21/25
4
Tearna Camber
10.0★ · 06/08/25
Watching Patrick Swayze dance in those slutty little vest tops and high waisted trousers… I felt like a female bird.
Hands down one of THE best movies ever made. No matter how many times I watch this movie (and I’ve watched it at least 30 times no exaggeration) I will love it every single time!!!
Watching Patrick Swayze dance in those slutty little vest tops and high waisted trousers… I felt like a female bird.
Hands down one of THE best movies ever made. No matter how many times I watch this movie (and I’ve watched it at least 30 times no exaggeration) I will love it every single time!!!
2
Noah
8.8★ · 04/04/26
What an amazing film! Completely went above and beyond all of my expectations and surprisingly emotional!
Nobody puts Baby in the corner.
What an amazing film! Completely went above and beyond all of my expectations and surprisingly emotional!
