Behind the Music

Episode 137: Flashdance

March 11, 2001 • 60 min

The 1983 smash film "Flashdance" was the blue-collar Cinderella story of the 80's - Jennifer Beals plays a welder-by-day, dancer-by-night who follows her dreams and captures the heart and spirit of audiences across the country. The dance-driven soundtrack sold millions and Irene Cara's "What A Feeling" along with Michael Sembello's frenetic "Maniac" made the film a must-see. But behind the simple story of "Flashdance" was the complex tale of a low budget film that studio executives didn't believe in. With a multitude of writers and producers, an inexperienced director, and an unknown star, "Flashdance" was expected to be just a flash in the pan. Yet with a unique tie-in with the then-fledgling MTV, which coupled clips from the film with music from the soundtrack - a new way of marketing films was born. The instant music videos gave the film much needed publicity, the singles shot up the charts, and "Flashdance" exploded -- becoming an unexpected hit. Includes interviews with Jennifer Beals, Michael Nouri, director Adrian Lyne and more.