A picture paints a thousand words, or a fairly short paper. A few kind words can bring a smile to a person?s face. Three words like “I love you” or “I hate you” can bring joy or pain to someone?s heart. There?s also the idea of the “four-letter word.” But there?s a special power behind one word speaking to all. Grease, a word that speaks for time, place and motion was the word in 1978 and in the 24 years since, it still is.

Love is a many splendored thing, and so begins the saga of Danny Zuko (John Travolta of “Swordfish”) and Sandy Olsen (Olivia Newton-John of “Xanadu”). Their summer romance appears simple and innocent, replete with a shot reminiscent of “From Here To Eternity” (the old black and white movie with a man and woman lying in a passionate embrace on a beach as the surf crashes in). But when the reality of the new school year begins, Danny, the hot shot dude of the senior class, and Sandy, an exchange student from Australia, are torn apart. But only for a while, as the two find out they?re attending the same high school. His masculine ways, her virginal lifestyle, and the 1960?s world they live in make for a spectacle of teenage joys and pains as Danny, Sandy, and their respective friends sing and dance through their senior year at Rydell High.

“Grease” has been a staple for the epitome of cool for every generation since the Baby Boomers. If you haven?t seen this movie yet, prepare to be truly shocked as to how good Travolta is at singing and dancing. There is very good reason for all the criticism and formerly high expectations people have had for him over the years; this is one of the roles that made him the star he is today. His demeanor and comfort in playing teenager Danny Zuko is impeccable; think of him as a pseudo-counterpart to Ewan McGregor?s Christian in “Moulin Rouge.” It takes a tremendous effort and performance to carry a musical, and watching Travolta makes one wonder, “What happened to him?” But on a more personal level, it is his interpretation of the male psyche in the high school social environment that allows male viewers to relate and female viewers to swoon. His character struggles to nurture his love for a girl in the face of the macho reputation he has with his buddies and student body of Rydell High. This “coming-to-terms” with emotions is something lots of people relate to, and in addition to the songs of “Grease,” add to the allure.

Newton-John is something of a lost treasure to people today. She still dabbles in music today, and the peak of her career started with her turn in “Grease.” As Sandy, she conveys a purity in songs like “Summer Nights” and “Hopelessly Devoted to You.” The former is a musical interpretation of two sides of the same story; Danny?s male chauvinist side of the romance and Sandy?s innocent version. The latter song is a plea of love and hope as Sandy takes a moonlit walk and continues to yearn for Danny after he foolishly shuns her in front of their friends. The charisma and talent behind her well-deserved popularity at the time “Grease” was released is just as everlasting as anything else in the movie.

The songs that move the story of “Grease” along have become so legendary and classic that they are among request lists at Karaoke bars and have even been compiled into a megamix that made the rounds with party and radio DJs alike. The mix includes “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightning,” a men?s chorus led by Travolta about a supped up car, and “You?re the One that I Want,” the finale song where Sandy and Danny finally come to terms with each other?s affections and take the next step into their happiness together. And if that wasn?t enough, “We Go Together” involves the supporting cast, as a farewell finale-finale. The graduates of Rydell break into song and dance as Sandy and Danny fly off riding, well, “Greased Lightning” (funny how it all ties together).

It?s a movie of simpler times and simpler pleasures. Back when movies were made for entertainment, and not just some quick buck. If you?re in the mood for some classic cheer, and would like to see an unrevolting Travolta, check out “Grease.” It awaits fans on DVD Sept. 24.