1950s retro movement
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The 1950s retro movement began, essentially, with George Lucas's "American Graphitti" in 1973 and gained popularity as the decade continued, especially with 1978's "Grease" (which itself was based on a 1972 musical). The nostalgic movement peaked in the late 1980s. It essentially ended with the fall of the USSR in 1989, and was mostly replaced by sixties nostalgia at the beginning of the 1990s. People often state that there are two separate waves of fifties nostalgia. The first wave, occurring in the mide 1970's, and the second wave, which occurred during the mide 1980's. It is also possible, that the two movements are one and the same, though there are spikes in nostalgia.
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[edit] In the Mid-1970's
Although there are plenty of cases of fifties nostalgia occurring in the late sixties, it was the seventies in which the retro movement really took off. In 1972, the broadway musical "Grease" was produced, which was essentially a love letter to the fifties decade. The movement really exploded a year later, with the release of George Lucas's hit film "American Graphitti." ALthough set in 1962, the film was essentially a reflection of 1950's values, and a look at a period in time before a major cultural paradigm shift in the mid 1960's. The popularity of American Graphitti led to the creation of "Happy Days" and other 1950's nostalgia television shows.
[edit] Examples of 1950's Nostalgia in the Seventies=
- Grease (broadway musical, 1972)
- American Graphitti (1973)
- Happy Days
[edit] In the 1980's
The 1980s saw a huge explosion of 1950's nostalgia, particularly a mixing of 1950's styles with 1980's popular culture. This is, perhaps, because the young adults of the seventies carried this nostalgia with them into the business world. At any rate, there are many popular culture references to the 1950s prevalent in the 1980s. A major focus of fifties nostalgia during the Reagan era centers around 1950's automobiles, especially the 1959 Cadillac and the 1957 Chevrolet. Also, decorative themes and elements popular in the 1980s, such as bold pastel and primary colors, as well as abstracted geometric shapes and checker patterns, all stem from the fifties retro movement. The year 1988 seems to have been the peak year for fifties retro crazes, especially in its marketing towards children.
[edit] In 80's Fashion
Numerous fashion fads harkened back to the 1950s during this time period. New Wave music, for instance, often featured artists wearing fifties-inspired outfits. Although generally considered "eighties styled" by today's views, the styles actually were based on the pre-hippy 1950's rock and roll style. Suit and jacket style clothing was very fifties influenced, and can be viewed in the preppy-style of the time, which was a reaction against punk fashion.
Anyone wanting to write further on this subject would be welcome.
[edit] In 80's Film
There are many films in the 1980s which featured the 1950s as a centerpiece. The "Back To The Future" film series is a particular example.
Films:
- Back To The Future (1985)
- Back To The Future 2 (1989)
- Stand By Me (1986)
[edit] Retro-Fifties Marketing Towards 1980's Children
Interestingly, a bulk of 1950's nostalgia occurring in the eighties was actually marketed directly towards children. This can be seen in many of the films, cartoons, and toylines of the era. Nearly every aspect of childrens marketing involved 1950's automobiles in one form or another.
[edit] Children's Films:
- Purple People Eater (1988)
[edit] Children's Cartoons:
- Rude Dog and the Dweebs (1989) - A pink (sometimes red) 1959 Cadillac convertible (often mis-identified as a 1956 model) is showcased in almost all posters and advertising, and was a featured part of the cartoon series.
[edit] Children's Toy Lines:
- Barbie - although not a 50's-centric toyline on its own, the Barbie toys available in the late 80's beautifully reflect the 1950s retro movement of the time. This can be seen in the fashions of the dolls. The toyline even received a 1957 Chevy Bel Aire convertible in 1988.
- Dixie's Diner - A short-lived toyline by Tyco, introduced in 1988. Featured action-figure sized dolls of various 1950's character types, and a large 1950's style Diner playset. Also featured toy vehicles of 1950's Buicks, cast in metal for a truly authentic retro feel.
More to be added soon.
