which Chuck retaliates with a backhand slap, knocking her to the ground. Ariel retaliates by getting a pole and smashing Chuck's pickup. He grabs her to prevent further damage, but she continues to fight – it only ends when Chuck incapacitates her with a final punch, telling her that he "was through with her anyway". Ren helps Ariel clean herself up before going home, cementing their relationship. Later that night, a brick with the words "Burn in Hell" is thrown through the window of Ren's house, causing his uncle to criticize his outspoken behavior. Ethel reveals that though Ren's actions cost her her job, he should stand up for what he feels is right. With Ariel's help, Ren goes before the town council and reads several Bible verses to cite scriptural significance of dancing as a way to rejoice, exercise, and celebrate. Although Shaw is moved, the council votes against Ren's proposal, but Vi, who supports the movement, explains to Shaw that he cannot be everyone's father and that he is hardly being one to Ariel. Despite further discussion with Ren about his own family losses and Ariel's opening up about her own past, disclosing that she has had sexual relations, Shaw cannot bring himself to change his stance. The next day, Shaw sees members of his congregation burning library books that they claim endanger the town's youth. Realizing the situation has become uncontrollable, Shaw stops the book-burners, chastises them, and sends them home. The following Sunday, Shaw asks his congregation to pray for the high school students putting on the prom, set up at a grain mill just outside the town limits. On prom night, Shaw and Vi listen from outside the mill, dancing for the first time in years. Chuck and his friends arrive and attack Willard; Ren arrives in time to even the odds and knocks out Chuck. Ren, Ariel, Willard, and Rusty rejoin the party and happily dance the night away. Cast Kevin Bacon as Ren McCormack Lori Singer as Ariel Moore Dianne Wiest as Vi Moore John Lithgow as Rev. Shaw Moore Chris Penn as Willard Hewitt Sarah Jessica Parker as Rusty John Laughlin as Woody Elizabeth Gorcey as Wendy Jo Frances Lee McCain as Ethel McCormack Jim Youngs as Chuck Cranston Timothy Scott as Andy Beamis Andrea Hays as Bar Patron Arthur Rosenberg as Wes Warnicker Alan Haufrect as Roger Dunbar Production Dean Pitchford,