Monday, August 23, 2010

Braod* (for Broad*)

Today is the birthday of American dancer and actor Gene Kelly (1912 – 1996). He first won acclaim on Broadway (not Braodway) for the musical Pal Joey.

Kelly developed his own particular style for motion pictures, saying that “the only dancer in the movies at that time with any success was Fred Astaire, but he did very small, elegant steps in a top hat, white tie and tails. I was too big physically for that kind of dancing, and I looked better in a sweatshirt and loafers anyway. It wasn't elegant, but it was me."

He also used film technology to the fullest, dancing with himself in Cover Girl and with the animated mouse Jerry (of Tom and Jerry) in Anchors Aweigh. And of course, he’ll always be remembered for the joy in his performance of Singin’ in the Rain.

(Photo from us.imdb.com)

Leanne Olson

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