The first patented roller skate was introduced in the year 1760. A mere 219 years later, and ONJ is wearing them on the cover of People whilst the fad was sweeping the country.Roller movies like Roller Boogie and Xanadu were raking in big time dough. If memory serves me, the intro to Can't Stop the Music featured a scene similar to the famous Travolta street walk at the beginning of Saturday Night Fever... with two big differences: it was Steve Guttenberg (egad!) instead of Travolta, and he was on rollerskates.
Here's a review of Skatetown U.S.A.:An all-star cast jam packs this unjustly ignored Disco extravaganza. Scott Baio, Maureen McCormick, and Patrick Swayze compete against one another to the bumpin' sounds of The Jacksons, Earth, Wind & Fire, and even a live performance by Dave Mason! High thighs, ample cleavage and glittery beards date this obscure classic with genuine expertise.
Don't you just want like hell to see this? Well, too friggin' bad, it's not on DVD!
As a certifiable nerd in seventh grade, the mere sound of the words "couple skate" still makes me break out in a cold sweat. Kool & the Gang's "Joanna" was the call for roller boys and girls to join hands on the rink, while the losers stood like lepers quarantined to the carpet.
Skateboards were a big thing too. Sure, the boards were skinny and dorky looking, but you've got to remember we also wore rainbow suspenders and socks up to our knees - a skinny-ass skateboard was the least of our worries.By the way, you in-line skaters on your fancy shmancy roller blades who are laughing at the 70s - you too will be laughed at in the future. Just thought I'd let you know.
In one of the most hilarious and bizarre TV moments, Wonder Woman dons a helmet and chases the criminals on her skateboard! See it here. This photo from the amazingly comprehensive Wonder Woman site Wonderland.
If Spidey and Farrah are doin' it, it must be cool!
