Gene Scene - A Gene Kelly Blog

Singin' in the Rain Screening

noreply@blogger.com (The Gene Scene) — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 01:16:00 +0000

For fans living near Toledo, Ohio, there will be a special benefit screening of everyone's favorite musical, Singin' in the Rain, on March 24, 2009.The American Film Institute calls it the "Best Musical Ever Made!" The 1952 classic Singin' in the Rain will be shown at the Maumee Indoor Theatre at 6pm and 8pm on Tuesday, March 24.

Admission is open to all. Donations will be accepted with all monies going to the Gene Kelly Scholarship Fund for the Allen Creek School in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The scholarship was established by the Kelly children in honor of their father and benefits children with special educational needs. It is operated by his oldest daughter, Kerry Kelly Novick, a noted child psychologist at the University of Michigan. Gene Kelly, who passed away in 1996, was a generous supporter and advocate for many charities which helped children, both in the US and Ireland, and through his involvement as a United Nations ambassador in Africa.

The significance of March 24th is known by all who are familiar with the film: It is the date referred to in the film during the "Good Morning" song and is also the date on which Kelly performs his famous "Singin' in the Rain" dance in the film.

Refreshments may be brought in, with the exception of alcoholic beverages.

Questions? Contact Cindy Millen Roberts at cynthiamillen@gmail.com or 419-344-2424.

Betsy Blair, 1923-2009

noreply@blogger.com (The Gene Scene) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 23:33:00 +0000

Actress Betsy Blair died on March 13 at the age of 85. As most Gene fans know, Betsy was Gene Kelly's first wife. She was also an actress best known for her Academy Award-nominated role in Marty, the 1955 movie also starring Ernest Borgnine. I had the opportunity to meet Betsy on several occasions. I've recalled these memories and her life in a post entitled "I Remember Betsy" at my genealogy blog. Our thoughts and prayers are with Betsy's family during this difficult time.

The Gene Scene is Back!

noreply@blogger.com (Donna) — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 23:34:00 +0000

The main Gene Scene site is back at its new address: www.genekellyscene.com. I decided to delay any major site re-design and simply get it moved...with the holidays approaching, I was afraid it wouldn't get done. I will continue to work on updates and improvements, but for now if you're looking for the same old site that's been around for quite a few years, look no further. If you have the site bookmarked at its old address - members.aol.com/humorone/gene.htm - please change your bookmarks to www.genekellyscene.com. Also check back here for the latest and greatest Gene Kelly news!

Gene Scene site is moving!

noreply@blogger.com (Donna) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 22:56:00 +0000

Due to the demise of AOL-hosted web sites, the Gene Scene will be moving by 10/31/2008. Unfortunately, I don't yet know where. If you arrived here via the Scene's main site at http://members.aol.com/humorone/gene.htm please check back here for the new address. You may have also arrived via http://www.genekellyscene.com which forwarded you automatically to the AOL site. I am now having issues with the genekellyscene.com address and getting it to work properly to host the site. Please be patient as I try to sort out this mess. This address will remain in use but the links will not work to the main site until I find a new host. You can also check the forum for news about the new site at http://forums.delphiforums.com/genescene/

Thanks, and hopefully the site will be moved to a new and better location...it's time to freshen it up anyway, I just didn't expect to spend the month of October sorting through this mess.

Cyd Charisse, 1922-2008

noreply@blogger.com (The Gene Scene) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 23:35:00 +0000

I’ve been on vacation lately, so I was not able to post when I heard of the death of the lovely and talented Cyd Charisse on June 17. Cyd radiated such beauty and grace that I always loved watching her dance with Gene – or with Fred Astaire or any other man!

Cyd and I shared a birthday, March 8. She was born in 1922 (dates vary in books and reports, but according to the 1930 U.S. Federal Census it is 1922) as Tula Ellice Finklea. She gained the nickname “Sid” when her brother couldn’t pronounce “Sis”, and gained the more glamorous “Cyd” after moving to Hollywood. She studied ballet as a young girl, and married her dance teacher, Nico Charisse, in 1948. They had a son, Nicky, in 1942, but the couple later divorced. Cyd married singer Tony Martin in 1949 and had another son, Tony, Jr., in 1950.

After performing in minor dancing roles in the movies, including some uncredited parts, Cyd’s “big break” came with her appearance in Gene Kelly’s Singin’ in the Rain. Her role was strictly a dancing part as the “vamp” in a dream-ballet sequence, but her sultry performance stole the show. Never before had a dancer exuded such eroticism on screen!

Audiences were hooked! In 1953 she gained the starring role in The Band Wagon opposite Fred Astaire. Although another actress was dubbed for the singing, Cyd’s performance was fantastic. “The Girl Hunt” ballet, slightly reminiscent of the SITR “Broadway Ballet” number, is still considered to be one of the best screen performances in a musical.

Cyd went on to star in a few other movies, including Brigadoon and It’s Always Fair Weather with Gene, and Silk Stockings with Fred. Because of her vast experience working and dancing with both men, I have always appreciated her much-quoted comment when asked which one was the better dancer. Her response: “It’s like comparing apples and oranges; they’re both delicious.”

Cyd’s career didn’t end with her last musical screen performance in Silk Stockings! She appeared in many television and movies specials over the years, as well as a nightclub act with her husband, Tony Martin. Cyd even made her Broadway debut in 1992 at the age of 70 in Grand Hotel.

Her beauty was stunning even as she aged; her dancing, timeless. She will be greatly missed. Fortunately, her art will live forever. Future generations will surely remember her as one of the greats.

For more information on Cyd Charisse:

The Official Cyd Charisse Site
Legs: A Tribute
New York Times obituary, June 18, 2008
My efforts to confirm her age and other genealogical facts

Gene Kelly Movies in June

noreply@blogger.com (The Gene Scene) — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 15:37:00 +0000

TCM is showing several Gene Kelly movies in June:

Sunday, 6/8, 2:45 AM - An American in Paris
Tuesday, 6/10, 4:45 PM - Summer Stock
Wednesday, 6/18, 11:30 AM - Brigadoon
Friday, 6/20, 2:15 PM - The Pirate

An American in Paris is part of a Leslie Caron Tribute. Times are Eastern. Enjoy!

Singin' in the Rain Still a Hit

noreply@blogger.com (The Gene Scene) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 22:56:00 +0000

Recently, teenager George Sampson won the British television show Britain's Got Talent. For the semi-finals, Sampson performed a break-dancing routine to "Singin' in the Rain". The version used wasn't Gene's, but the 2005 re-mix by Mint Royale that was used for the rather unfortunate Volkswagon commercial. While fans generally thought the commercial was sacrilegious, I have a feeling they'll enjoy young George's routine. In interviews, he credits his idols as Chris Brown and Usher moreso than Mr. Kelly, but you have to admit that the kid has the Kelly spirit! Thanks to his winning routine, the single is at the top of the charts in England. Maybe it will inspire young folks to learn about the original! Here is George Sampson's performance:

Gene Kelly and Dean Martin

noreply@blogger.com (The Gene Scene) — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 18:14:00 +0000

Here's a wonderful clip of two greats, doing what they did best. I think it's from one of Dean Martin's specials with Gene Kelly as the guest star, but I am not sure. If anyone knows, please leave a comment! The best line? "Bye-bye booze?" Enjoy! Both are no longer with us, but they are still bringing us joy!

Gene's sister, Louise Kelly Bailey, dies at age 93

noreply@blogger.com (The Gene Scene) — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 13:06:00 +0000

I received word today that Gene's sister, Louise Kelly Bailey, has passed away. She died on Friday in Dothan, Alabama, at age 93 and was the last of the Kelly brother and sisters. In the words of her niece, "What a dancing good time they must be having in heaven!" The "Five Kelly's" are shown above - from left to right, Jay, James, Gene, Louise, and Fred.

According to her obituary in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, "While Gene -- and younger brother Fred, who became a New York producer -- had more fame, it was Mrs. Bailey who kept the family dance tradition alive in Pittsburgh. For nearly 50 years she ran the dance studio that the Kelly family founded."

Cyd Must Be in Brigadoon

noreply@blogger.com (The Gene Scene) — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 15:39:00 +0000

The lovely Cyd Charisse must have taken some Brigadoon-like magic potion...visit Movies Til Dawn and take a look at a current photo of her and her husband, Tony Martin. Doesn't she look fabulous? She will be 87 years old on March 8th!

That particular post is more about Tony Martin, but here's a funny one about Cyd.

For more on Cyd, here is her official site.

Gene's 'Eternal Verities'

noreply@blogger.com (auntsuzy) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 18:06:00 +0000

Donna kindly asked me to be a guest blogger. I was thrilled because there is nothing I enjoy more than researching and writing about the gorgeous Gene. So here goes.

Gene’s Eternal Verities.
Who was the man behind the movie star persona and bone-melting smile? I guess we will never really know, but we can catch glimpses of the ‘real’ Gene Kelly by reading his own words and those of people who knew and loved him, as well as by observing his actions. I have two magazine articles written by Betsy Blair, around 1949, which give a little insight into his ideals and his philosophy of life.
The first is called I Married A Dynamo. We have to remember that Gene and Betsy were happily married at this time, so she was in honour bound to say positive things about him, but it seems clear that Betsy continued to admire and respect and love Gene greatly throughout his life, and that his principles were ‘set in stone’ when he was very young, and he never wavered.

These are Betsy’s own words:
“Gene has worked so hard and so long that it’s now reached a point where working is a regular habit with him. He simply couldn’t do without it...
Next to his family he likes work best. He’d rather dance than eat, think than loaf, labor than relax. Sometimes, I must admit that after eight years of marriage it’s still a little difficult for me to distinguish between his states of relaxation and deep meditation.
When Gene is working on the choreography for a new picture, he sits absolutely quiet – sometimes for hours at a time – with that handsome Irish forehead of his furrowed in lines of thought. He is a man capable of losing himself in complete concentration...
…Another of Gene’s characteristics is neatness. Whenever he leaves a room, it’s infinitely more orderly than when he entered...
He also happens to be a great tease…
Gene seems to remember every book he has ever read. When we were first married, his memory seemed to me positively amazing: but now I take it more or less for granted...
The only thing he ever stumbles over is finances. He never spends any of his spare time studying the stock market or investing in oil wells. He is not interested in amassing a fortune...
In spite of Gene’s apparent sophistication…my husband has a very simple philosophy of living. He believes in what he calls “The eternal verities”. These truths deal with love, honor, and the protection of one’s family. Now this is the sort of guide for basic living, the primary sort of philosophy that saves a man from ulcers, anxiety and doctors. Gene’s calm evaluation of what is important and what is not, his fundamental sense of values have always been my rock of Gibraltar.”

The second article, from Motion Picture magazine, is called The Boss. It is in some ways sadly prophetic. Betsy writes about her need to resume her career after a few years of marriage.
A friend asked: “What does Gene say when you tell him you intend to go on working?”
Betsy: “I told her Gene says, ‘Fine, go ahead.’ Because that’s what he does say.”
Betsy writes of meeting Gene for the first time: “Gene was cute and exciting and I did get a crush on him right off, at first sight. But I think it was his attitude toward life, toward other people, that made me fall in love with him. In one of our first talks together, for instance, he asked me: “What do you believe in most?” Being sixteen I never thought very deeply about what I believed in most. Come to think of it, nobody had ever asked me! I just said, ‘Oh, I don’t know. What do you believe in most?’ And he answered, ‘In everyone having enough to eat.’ Simple little bombshells like that.
But as I soon learned, Gene loves people he’s never even seen. Gene loves – it’s a big word to use – Humanity. I am sure it was this attitude of his, toward life, toward people, a concept so different from any I had ever had, that made him different from anybody else and made me fall in love with him, and marry him.
…Our honeymoon was a cross-country drive – to Hollywood. And all along the way, I was fascinated to find that almost everywhere we stopped, Gene knew people not only by their given names but by their nicknames, which he had given them.
…That I didn’t work at all, or scarcely at all, after we got married, was no doing of Gene’s. He’s a ‘hands-off’ person anyhow. ‘Hands–off’ other people’s lives and the way they run them. With me he was even more so.
…He does everything around the house. Honestly you wouldn’t believe it, how clever he is. The built-in cabinets he’s made – you should see them. And he is so neat. He loves to have the place clean and shining and he does more than his fair share to keep it that way.
But when it comes to his clothes – oh my goodness! The faded blue-jeans, the tattered T-shirt...are not, as many suppose, Gene’s working clothes. They are Gene’s clothes! On the other hand he’s very observant of women’s clothes."

From an interview in the New Yorker around the time of the publication of Betsy Blair’s book.. “How could I have left Gene, this wonderful man, after sixteen years of marriage?” Blair said cheerfully. “This perfect husband, father, friend, protector, provider, hard worker. I loved and admired him as a brilliant actor and dancer as well as a good, good man! To this day, I can’t explain it.”
She went on, “It had nothing to do with sex. It was freedom. The word my grandchildren use to describe it is ‘cool.’ ” She laughed.

From Betsy Blair, The Memory of All That. 2003:
“Gene was an honorable young man. What remained of his Catholicism manifested itself in his attitude to women. There were ‘good girls’ and ‘bad girls’, and I was an exaggeratedly good girl. He never made me feel rejected, rather that he was taking care of me. He’d let me spend the night sometimes, but he didn’t make love to me... He’d kiss me gently and explain that I was too young for more than that. I was happy. I felt secure…
Gene was a wonderful father-to-be, tender, jokey, protective, loving, and interested...
You take a young man with big ideas from a working-class neighbourhood; then you add his gifts – perfect rhythm, boundless energy in an athletic body, musicality, imagination and humor, and, since we’re talking about the movies, sexiness and charm. Then add his character – hardworking and confident. And finally you mix in the unique ingredient, the one that makes all the difference – his unparalleled ability to use his own life experience and communicate it to the whole world through dance…
What I know, that’s perhaps not obvious from seeing him in the movies, is how serious he was. He managed somehow, with all the fun and games, to focus fiercely on his work. I think now that his work was never out of his mind…that for Gene his work was the most important part of his life. This is not in any sense a complaint...
He had no pretensions, no ‘society’ aspirations...
I have since heard that he could be difficult and demanding at the studio. I saw no trace of any of that. What I experienced was a man – the one I loved – who was flourishing and fulfilled. His excitement, his commitment to his work, and his pride in ‘my two girls’ as he called us, were irresistible...
A few years later I decided to join the Communist party. Gene had never objected to any of my activities; he agreed with most of them, and wouldn’t have stood in my way. But now, fresh out of the Navy, he said, ‘All regimentation is bad’…But Gene never turned into an anticommunist. He believed in unions, freedom of thought, social justice, and racial equality. He never wavered from his democratic principles. And he acted on his beliefs. …He went to Washington with the planeload of stars in support of the Hollywood Ten, and he didn’t recant as Humphrey Bogart did. For quite a few years afterwards Gene helped several of the blacklisted writers, giving money for their families and trying to get them jobs under the table...
Guts and gusto he had in everything he did…
Gene never stifled me… He never implied in any way that I had a position or special responsibility as his wife to think of his reputation. I was a free agent... He also supported and respected my professional life. He was attentive and enthusiastic.”

From Betsy’s testimony alone it seems clear that Gene was a special guy, a most unusual man for the time and place in which he lived. Maybe she was looking at him through rose-tinted glasses, but I don’t think so. There is a huge body of documentary evidence on my website (www.freewebs.com/geneius )which confirms, from innumerable other sources, most of what she has said about him. He was honorable, warm-hearted, thoughtful, generous, honest, a man of strong beliefs and principles who was willing to stand up and be counted no matter what the cost.
Gene Kelly’s 'verities’ are indeed eternal, encompassing the very essence of what it means to be human. He was a human being of the very best kind. A man to be admired for more than his beautiful face and body, and his professional abilities. He not only danced but also lived and communicated Love, Joy and Dreams.

Sue Cadman (auntsuzy)

"Slaughter" Slaughters the Competition

noreply@blogger.com (The Gene Scene) — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 23:48:00 +0000

The polls have closed (no, not those polls...) and we have another winner. While not nearly as many folks voted as last time, your voices were loud and clear. I admit, this wasn't exactly a fair contest. But, I needed a new post and wrote in a hurry. The topic posed: "Aside from the popular all-time favorites, my favorite less-celebrated dance is..." The results: 29 votes total, with 16 (55%) for the "Slaughter on Tenth Avenue" number from Words and Music, 6 votes (20%) for Serafin's "Nina" from The Pirate, 5 votes (17%) for "I Like Myself" from It's Always Fair Weather, 2 votes (6%) for "The Hat My Dear Old Father Wore" from Take Me Out to the Ballgame, and an amazing zero votes for a number I like a lot, "Why Am I So Gone About That Girl?" from Les Girls. More on the loser later, but for now, let's find out more about our winning number.

Again, this wasn't a fair competition, because "Slaughter on Tenth Avenue" actually is a popular all-time favorite. As part of the 1948 film Words and Music, it created the only exciting part of the entire Rodgers and Hart biopic as one of their numbers performed on stage. The number was originally written by Rodgers for Broadway in 1937 as the ballet-finale for a musical called On Your Toes. Unlike Gene Kelly's rendition, the original was a comedic ballet choreographed by George Balanchine, and it featured Ray Bolger, as any comedic dance routine should. For the film, Gene shortened the piece by about four minutes, and he changed the tone considerably. The number you see is far from comedic...

Set in a sleazy New York neighborhood, Kelly's Dancer encounters the wonderful Vera-Ellen as The Blonde. The couple dance seductively, and their mutual interest seems to grow as the music changes to a breezy, cheerful melody. Together they enter a saloon that seems to be populated by the city's finest gangsters and prostitutes. The music grows jazzy...the couple is smitten with each other. Vera-Ellen is the epitome of sensuality with her short skirt and seductive manner. Gene is equally seductive in what could possibly be his sexiest outfit as he dances a very masculine "ballet" to win the girl over. But, a rival cuts in...a fight breaks out! All does not end well for this couple in one of the most innovative dance routines ever to grace the screen. It's only seven minutes long, but Gene and Vera manage to convey a wealth of emotion in that short time, all through dance. No words, but plenty of acting through dance. It's a creative celebration of the music, and it shows how effective dance can be at presenting emotion.

And now, join me in watching the masterpiece... And please comment on your vote in the poll! Why do you love this number or not like the others as much?

We Miss You, Gene!

noreply@blogger.com (The Gene Scene) — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 16:51:00 +0000

Today is the 12th anniversary of Gene Kelly's death. His legacy lives on through the magic of his movies, and today there are just as many fans who love him and his work as there were back when he was making movies. To honor Gene today, I offer a poem that he wrote. This was printed on the "thank you" notes sent to everyone who offered words of sympathy after his death.

Streets

Some streets wind crookedly between long rows
Of dingy, dirty houses
That frown upon them with their lank, long faces.
Some streets flow gracefully along, bordered by stately trees
And calm, palatial mansions
That smile at them in silent, tranquil peace.
One street I know climbs roughly up a rugged hill,
Surmounting many huge, impeding boulders
Until it gains the top;
And then slopes gently down the other side,
Finally merging into the cool mist
Of a blossomed, green-turfed valley.
A man I know is like that street,
Who having climbed the rough and rugged hill and reached the summit,
Now steps upon the springy, carpet-grass and steadily makes his way down into the valley;
There to pause, a-wearied of his tiresome, toilsome trek,
And lying down upon the moist loam, allow the cool, damp mist to cover him
And he will sleep.

Gene Kelly
1929, age 16

Gene Kelly: Paula Abdul's American Idol

noreply@blogger.com (The Gene Scene) — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 23:29:00 +0000

Long before Paula Abdul ever judged a contestant on "American Idol", she was a pop star herself. One of her commercial endorsements was for Diet Coke, in which she danced along with Gene Kelly from his appearance in Anchors Aweigh. Both Cary Grant and Groucho Marx also "appeared" in the commercial. But of the three stars, Paula considers Gene Kelly to be her idol. According to interviews, she first saw Singin' in the Rain at the age of 4, and she decided she wanted to be a performer.

When she began to fulfill that dream, Paula claims that Gene influenced her choreography. For the video to one of her first hits, "Opposites Attract", she created an animated character to dance with a la Joe Brady's dance with Jerry the Mouse. Gene saw the video and enjoyed it, and he asked Paula to have tea with him. According to an interview in Teen People magazine in May, 2006, Paula describes their meeting:

When I met him, it was as if I'd known him my whole life. We talked like two dancers talk; it's a language where you go back and forth really quickly. I remember saying to myself, "If I die today, I died meeting my hero."

Paula goes on to say that they had weekly tea parties until Gene passed away in 1996. She calls him "one of the most phenomenal male dancers in history...He took risks, made magic happen on-camera and did most of his own stunts. They broke the mold after him."

We agree, Paula, and how lucky you were to have had Gene for both a tea-partner as well as a virtual dance partner! And now, here's the commercial...

New Poll

noreply@blogger.com (The Gene Scene) — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 17:38:00 +0000

I haven't posted much lately, so today I added a new poll. Gene's "big" films have a lot of well-known and well-loved favorites, but what about some of his other musicals...the ones you may not see on top ten lists? Do you have a favorite of the ones listed to the right? Vote now, and we'll tally the results next month.

Singin' in the Rain and The Pirate at Movies Til Dawn

noreply@blogger.com (The Gene Scene) — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 22:40:00 +0000

Today let's take a tour through blogosphere for good posts about Gene Kelly's movies! Over at Movies Til Dawn, Raymond De Felitta has two great posts on our favorite musical, Singin' in the Rain. The first, "Singin' in the Rain": Backstage at a Backstage Story, focuses on the CD soundtrack to the movie and the sheer magnitude of what was involved with making movies, specifically the music. Part II is called Singin' in the Rain Pt. 2: The Mystery of Jimmy Thompson, in which the question is asked: "Who the hell was/is Jimmy Thompson?" As GK fans know (or maybe they don't if they're too busy paying attention to Gene), Jimmy is the dorky guy in SITR who sings the "Beautiful Girl" number. He also appeared as Charlie in Brigadoon and as one of the players in Summer Stock. Which was a surprise to me, actually - I never noticed that it was the same guy. Raymond asks a good question, and although it's suggested that Jimmy was some sort of protege of Gene, I have not found any good evidence of that in what I've read. I wouldn't mind knowing more about Mr. Thompson myself - is he still alive? The name is too common to find out on the web.

While you're over at the Movies Til Dawn site, there are also two interesting posts on another of our favorites, The Pirate. The first post highlights just how great the underrated movie is, and the second focuses on Judy Garland and how she was "on fire" in that film with sexual energy. Interestingly, in the same way I talked about how you can tell how much Gene loved Judy by how they appear on screen in the movie, Raymond's post discusses how much her husband, Vincent Minelli, was in love with her "through the lens" by the way he shot the film.

Gene Kelly and Judy Garland

noreply@blogger.com (The Gene Scene) — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 22:01:00 +0000

Over on the Gene Scene message board, fans were excited with Renata's new video of Gene and Judy clips (see below). Well, I wanted to present that video as our "featured video clip" so it inspired me to do this post on...what else? Gene and Judy!

Gene Kelly and Judy Garland appeared in only three films together: For Me and My Gal (1942), The Pirate (1948), and Summer Stock (1950). Ironically, their first film together marks Gene's screen debut, and their last is Judy's final film for MGM. All three films feature a brash male character (is this a trend for Gene?) in the entertainment "business" pursuing Judy's more wholesome gal.

I was never a huge Judy Garland fan, but I just have to admit that she's wildly talented and I like her more each time I see the films. What is most evident in the montage of clips from these three films is the real-life relationship between Judy and Gene. And no, the word "relationship" used here does not imply a sexual or romantic one.

According to biographies, the pair met when Gene was performing in Pal Joey on Broadway. Judy, already a huge movie star, attended one of his performances and requested to meet. Gene accompanied Judy and her entourage, which included her mother and several press agents, to dinner. The group went to the Copacabana club for singing and dancing until 3 am. Judy asked her mother if she and Gene could walk around the city for a while. Permission granted, Gene took her for a walk through Central Park, walking and talking about the future possibilities of a movie together until 5 am.

That dream became a reality in For Me and My Gal. Gene appears somewhat star-struck as if he can't believe he's on screen with a big star like Judy! He always gave her credit for helping him learn how to dance for the film camera as opposed to dancing on stage for an audience. While Gene was a "newbie" when it came to acting in front of a camera, when it came time to dance the pair were well matched! By The Pirate, the mutual affection is evident in their performances. And in Summer Stock, the tables were nearly turned in that it was suddenly Judy who appeared lost at times. Despite her experience in the movies, her medical condition was precarious due to the "prescriptions" provided by the studio. In this film, Gene takes the lead to help her through it. Cast members reported that they waited, and waited, and waited for Judy to be emotionally ready to work or perform. Gene was patient, and he brought out the best in her as a result. Considering he's decribed by other co-stars as a "slave-driver", the fact that he was so patient during the filming of Summer Stock proves just how much he cared. The patience paid off, and Judy looks fabulous in her "Get Happy" finale, filmed months after the rest of the movie.

What I see in their on-screen appearances together is a mutual love, respect, and admiration. And so, I present our Featured Video Clip... Many thanks to Renata for her love of Gene and her talent at making videos!

The Results: What's Your Favorite Gene Kelly Musical? Not Brigadoon!

noreply@blogger.com (The Gene Scene) — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 21:21:00 +0000

Happy New Year, Gene Kelly fans! This wasn't the post I intended to write today, but I noticed that the blog's poll closed yesterday. And as you can see, the results were somewhat predictable with Singin' in the Rain our favorite by a landslide! SITR garnered 62% of the vote with 68 votes. An American in Paris had 17 votes (15%), Anchors Aweigh had 8 (7%), The Pirate had 12 (11%) and poor Brigadoon only received 4 votes (3%). So, why is there a photo of Brigadoon here and not Singin' in the Rain? It's no surprise that SITR is our favorite - it makes "top ten" lists regularly and it's the one movie I've never heard a Gene fan say they don't like. So, what's more interesting from the poll results is...what's the deal with Brigadoon?

Now, I didn't put much thought into the five selections to be honest - it was our first poll here on the blog. Truth be told, Brigadoon doesn't even make my personal top 5 favorite Gene Kelly films. But, I didn't realize that it wasn't nearly as loved as Gene's other films. Why is that? Part of the reason is that it was not filmed on location in Scotland - that would have gone a long way in changing the look and feel of the movie. In fact, if they had at least shot it outdoors in California it would have helped. Instead, it was filmed on an indoor set and it shows, despite the hard work of the talented artists and set designers at MGM. I think that this has to be the main reason that it isn't on everyone's top five list, because it certainly isn't because of the actors!

Gene gives one of his better performances as Tommy Albright, a man who gets the idea that his life isn't what he thought it would be. The ever-lovely Cyd Charisse is beautiful as Fiona, although her Scottish accent isn't always as convincing as her acting. And the Lerner and Loewe songs are stunning - is there a fan out there that doesn't melt with "Almost Like Being in Love"? In fact, the fantasy-plot has to take its rightful place as Gene's most romantic. Falling in love at first sight? Sure, Gene's brash characters have done it before (On the Town, An American in Paris, Singin' in the Rain, The Pirate...I could go on with a few more if you're not convinced by now!), but would Gaby, Jerry, Don, or Serafin have given up their lives-as-they-knew-it to live forever with their gal? Not even forever, just for one day every hundred years. That's what make the story of Brigadoon so magical! Maybe it looks like they are dancing in front of paintings, or maybe Van Johnson's character is just a bit too cynical, but in terms of pure story, Tommy's the kind of dreamer that a gal can fall in love with! So, maybe for this new year it deserves another look...I doubt it will wind up as our absolute favorite, but it's definitely worth re-watching! For a rather un-conventional "review" of the movie, be sure to visit Tom and Lorenzo for their comical take on the movie.

Stay tuned for a new poll soon! Also, feel free to comment on why you picked the favorite you did, or why you DO or DO NOT like Brigadoon!

Merry Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (The Gene Scene) — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 20:39:00 +0000

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from The Gene Scene. Many thanks to Laura Virgil, who years ago sent me this amazing Christmas card!

How to Get Your Kids Interested in the Classics (Classic Movies, That Is...)

noreply@blogger.com (The Gene Scene) — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 00:25:00 +0000

Every parent wants their children to be happy, healthy, and well educated...and it wouldn't hurt if they developed an aesthetic taste along the way and show a little class. What better way to give your children (grandchildren, nieces, nephews, siblings) some culture than to introduce them to Gene Kelly. Quick, before it's too late! If you think that today's ADHD, tv-addicted children are too hyped up on iPods and Wii to enjoy a good, old fashioned musical...well, you just may be wrong. To paraphrase a commercial from my own tv-addicted youth...try it, they'll like it. Here are three movies guaranteed to hook your kids on classic movie musicals.

1 - Singin' in the Rain - To paraphrase Lena (Jean Hagen) herself, "Well of course they'll like it, don't everyone?" Adults have frequently bestowed the "best" title upon SITR on many lists of favorites, and children will certainly agree. Face it, even without the singing and dancing, this movie is just plain funny! Both my friend's son and my niece were absolutely captivated. Even boys have to laugh when R.F. pulls the microphone cord and Lena falls on her you-know-what. Cosmo's (Donald O'Connor) "Make 'Em Laugh" does just that no matter the age, and the antics in "Good Morning" are fun, too. Don (Gene Kelly) ripping his coat leaving Kathy's (Debbie Reynolds) car? Lena getting a pie in the face? Hilarious! Besides, children understand exactly how much fun it is to splash around in a puddle! Happiness is universal whether you're an adult who just fell in love or a kid who just got a present. Give them this one, and they'll want more!

2 - Anchors Aweigh - Have the remote ready to fast forward through any scene with either Aunt Suzy (Kathryn Grayson) singing or Jose Iturbi performing. While we are trying to add culture to the kiddies' lives, operatic singing may have to wait for adulthood. Then again, I'm an adult and I still fast forward through Kathryn...but I digress. Kids will really identify with Donald (Dean Stockwell) because he's a kid too. Joe Brady (Gene Kelly) dancing with Jerry the Mouse will hold the interest of your youngest movie-watchers, despite the fact that the live-action-plus-cartoon routine is a common effect today and not quite as "special" as it was in 1945. Good for a laugh - Joe walking like a "dame" so Clarence (Frank Sinatra) can try to ask her out. Despite the innuendo with Clarence wanting to be a "Sea Wolf" like Joe, it will go over the little ones' heads and its 1945 humor is squeaky clean by today's standards.

3 - On the Town - Much of the 1949-era lingo will be lost on anyone born after 1940, but everyone will enjoy three crazy sailors on a quick and fun-filled day in New York. Okay, so it does become a search for women, but this is 1949 - it's clean! Kids will laugh at the havoc our guys cause in the museum (warning: don't try this on your next field trip) or dressing in drag at Coney island to hide. The quick pace will keep today's fast-paced children smiling.

A Gene Kelly Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (The Gene Scene) — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 17:48:00 +0000

To get in the mood for the wonderful season of Christmas, here is a great photo of Gene Kelly and his daughter Bridget that comes from the December1962 issue of McCall's magazine. In that issue, editors asked several celebrities the question: "What was your most memorable Christmas?" Here is Gene's answer:

"It was the Christmas when I was six and my brother was seven. We sneaked downstairs early Christmas morning while my parents were asleep. Under the tree, we found two air rifles. We started to shoot the decorations off the tree. When my parents finally came down, the tree was a shambles. Yet, because it was Christmas, my parents didn't take the guns away from us; but that was the last time we ever shot in the house."

There is also a Christmas-related story in Gene's biography, Gene Kelly by Clive Hirschhorn: "But the biggest, most exciting holiday of all was Christmas. "We'd all go to bed on Christmas eve, " Jay [Gene's sister] recalled, "and when we came down at five-thirty, on our way to Mass, the living-room would be transformed. From nowhere there would be an enormous tree laden with presents and decorated from top to bottom with tinsel and paper bells. This was always a thrilling moment for us."

Kurt Browning Skates in the Rain

noreply@blogger.com (The Gene Scene) — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 23:10:00 +0000

Not to be outdone by Usher's recent performance, Canadian figure skater Kurt Browning did an amazing "Singin' in the Rain" tribute on his television special in 1994. Kurt's admiration of Gene Kelly really shines through. He's even said that it's his favorite performance ever. Considering he's skated in competitions and shows hundreds of times, including various World Championships and the Olympics, that's amazing. Of course, Gene Kelly used to enjoy ice skating himself - we can only wonder what he thought of this creative tribute. Enjoy!

Usher and Singin' in the Rain, Continued

noreply@blogger.com (The Gene Scene) — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 23:00:00 +0000

Some fans emailed me and asked why I haven't updated the last posting since the show Movies Rock aired. Well, here you go...

Usher's performance has gotten rave reviews over at the Gene Scene Forum. He added his own spin to some of Gene Kelly's choreography, but overall the number was definitely a tribute to Gene and his work. Usher's admiration of Gene is apparent in the "intro" to the number. Good job! It's wonderful to see Gene and his work being respectfully remembered. Thanks, Usher!

Movies Rock: Usher's Singin' in the Rain Like Gene Kelly

noreply@blogger.com (The Gene Scene) — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 22:08:00 +0000

As I mentioned in my November 21st post, there is a special airing on CBS tomorrow night called "Movies Rock" celebrating the role of music in the movies. The live event was held in LA last weekend. This article from the International Herald Tribune called the event a "collision between the Grammys and the Oscars" as present-day stars of music and film paid tribute to the former legends and songs of the silver screen.

As reported, Usher dances to "Singin' in the Rain" and after reading the praise about the number (a standing ovation?) I can't wait to see it. You can see a brief glimpse of Usher doing a Gene Kelly move (in Don Lockwood attire) at the preview video on the Movies Rock website, http://www.moviesrock2007.com/.

Dancing with the Stars: How Would Gene Kelly Vote?

noreply@blogger.com (The Gene Scene) — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 00:20:00 +0000

Tonight is the dance-off finale for "Dancing with the Stars". Wait...what does that have to do with Gene Kelly? He's not exactly on the show! Well, any fan of Gene is probably a fan of dance, and dance fans are definitely watching the show. If Gene were still around, wouldn't you love to be able to see him as a "Guest Judge"? Too bad the show didn't exist back when most of the dancers from cinema's classic musicals were still around to enjoy it with us.

So, how would Gene rate this season's three finalists? First, there's Marie Osmond, who has been entertaining long enough to overlap careers with Gene's. Watching Marie perform this season is a lot like watching Judy Garland in "Summer Stock" - she starts out rather plump in "Portland Fancy" and ends the movie looking svelte in "Get Happy". Marie's had a similar shrinking-effect! Gene would give her credit for working hard, putting some showmanship and enthusiasm in the steps, and because he'd remind her a little bit of Judy.

Next is Helio Castroneves. Since Helio's a race-car driver and not a dancer or entertainer, he's had quite a challenge. But, he's Brazilian and rhythm must be genetic because he has steadily improved and is now quite good. What would Gene say about Helio? I think Gene would be thrilled with Helio's performances because he dances in a masculine way similar to Gene's routines. He's a man's man, but he knows how to partner with the ladies. Also, Helio's smile is about as bright as Gene's in his happy hoofer mood! I think Gene would be proud of what Helio has been able to do.

The third finalist is "Spice Girl" Melanie Brown. Although Mel's not a professional dancer, she is a professional performer who's probably had a bit of dance training. I think Gene would be most impressed by her natural ability to quickly pick up a routine and dance it well. Her timing has been nearly perfect, and Gene would love the sultry sexiness that Mel brings to her dances.

So, if Gene were judge, who would he pick to win? Each "star" has great qualities about their dancing or they would not have made it this far through votes from both the judges and the fans. Would Gene favor the long-time trouper Marie, the smiling guy's guy Helio, or sleek and sexy Mel? Hmm...who's to say? I think he'd pick Mel with her Cyd Charisse-like lines. We'll never know what Gene would think, or if he'd even like the show at all. But, I think he'd appreciate the fact that America is watching dancing - we sure don't get to watch it in the movies anymore (High School Musical doesn't count).