Dear deedee1234-ga,
Here are some definitions which explain what a sleeper is.
"someone or something unpromising or unnoticed that suddenly attains
prominence or value <the low-budget film became the summer's sleeper>"
Websters Dictionary
http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=sleeper&x=20&y=16
"surprising success: somebody or something that is not immediately
successful but, often surprisingly, becomes so after a while (
informal )"
Encarta
http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/dictionary/DictionaryResults.aspx?refid=1861734570
"One that achieves unexpected recognition or success, as a racehorse or movie."
Dictionary.com
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=sleeper
"...it means films that are underrated, unheralded, deserving of a
look. Not worldwide blockbusters."
Suite101.com
http://www.suite101.com/welcome.cfm/12001
"The Sleeper - A sleeper is a film that has potential to become a hit
but is not really publicized as one. A sleeper can become a hit if it
captures the interest of the public and generated good Word-of-mouth."
Movie-Page.com
http://www.movie-page.com/stuff/article-summer1.htm
I cannot establish the origin of its use, but it was certainly in use before 1979.
I hope this answers your question. If it does not, or the answer is
unclear, then please ask for clarification of this research before
rating the answer. I shall respond to the clarification request as
soon as I receive it.
Thank you
answerfinder
You?ll find how it is used in film reviews by through some of the
links in the below search strategy.
"is a sleeper" film OR movie
://www.google.com/search?q=%22is+a+sleeper%22+film+OR+movie&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&start=10&sa=N |
