The movie “Grease” was an adaptation of Jim Jacob’s 1971 musical about two high school lovers in the 1950s. Directed by Randal Kleiser, “Grease” starred John Travolta as greaser Danny Zuko and Olivia Newton-John as Sandy Olsson.  The two meet while Sandy is vacationing and fall in love during the summer.

It was on this day, June 16, 1978, that the movie “Grease” was released to favorable reviews.  It was the highest-grossing film of 1978 as well as the highest-grossing musical at the time.  Some have even gone so far to call it the best movie of that year, which makes sense considering it was the only behind “Jaws” and “Star Wars” in terms of revenue.

“Grease’s” success further launched Travolta’s career and soared Newton-John’s.  The soundtrack album was No. 1 for 12 weeks and resulted in three Top 5 singles for the actress.  In 1982, the sequel “Grease 2” was released but did not star either of these two original cast members.