We remember Gene Kelly. ‘Gene Genie’

This day (February 2, 1996), in Beverly Hills, California, died Eugene Curran ‘Gene’ Kelly, an American dancer, actor, singer, film director and choreographer.

VIDEO DIGEST

RVM prescreen

Tracklist :

1 . w/ Donald O’Connor – Medley (1959)

2 . You Wonderful You

3 . Tap Dancing On Roller Skates

4 . w/ Dean Martin – On The Dean Martin World

5 . w/ Shirley MacLaine – Happy Houseboat

6 . Singing In The Rain

7 . w/ Fred Astaire – For Western Airlines (1985)

TOP 10

Tracklist :

Singin’ In The Rain . Good Morning . You Were Meant For Me . Love Is Here To Stay . All I Do Is Dream of You . Moses . I Got Rhythm . Fit As A Fiddle . You Are My Lucky Star . Almost Like Being in Love .

Gene Kelly: The Master of Movie Musicals

Gene Kelly was a multi-talented American figure in Hollywood, who excelled as an actor, dancer, choreographer, and director, leaving an indelible mark on the movie musical genre.

Born in 1912 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Kelly grew up in a working-class family as the middle child of five. His father worked as a phonograph salesman, while his mother, a determined advocate for the arts, enrolled him and his siblings in dance classes. Though initially resistant, Kelly eventually embraced dancing during his teenage years, recognizing it as a way to socialize and impress girls. The Great Depression saw his family open a dance school, where he and his brother taught and performed, solidifying his passion for the craft.

Kelly’s early education included St. Raphael Elementary School and Peabody High School. He briefly studied journalism and economics in college before dedicating himself entirely to dance. He taught dance at the Beth Shalom Synagogue for seven years before moving to New York to chase his artistic dreams.

Broadway Beginnings and Breakthrough

Kelly’s transition to New York was not without struggles, as he initially found work scarce. However, his persistence paid off with a breakthrough role in the 1940 musical “Pal Joey.” His unique, athletic dance style—distinguished from Fred Astaire’s elegance—earned him attention. Kelly’s movements incorporated jumps, kicks, and turns, reflecting his aim to create a relatable, grounded style of American dance.

His success on Broadway soon caught the attention of Hollywood. In 1940, Kelly signed with producer David O. Selznick and began his film career with “For Me and My Gal” alongside Judy Garland. Despite initial concerns about his appearance, Kelly’s performance resonated, in part due to Garland’s mentorship in adapting his stage presence to the screen.

Kelly’s role in “Cover Girl” (1943) further highlighted his innovative approach, including choreographing scenes that used his character’s “alter ego.” These techniques pushed the boundaries of traditional dance on film, establishing him as a rising force in Hollywood.

Revolutionizing Dance in Cinema

Kelly aimed to democratize dance, making it accessible and appealing to men and boys. His choreography often blended athleticism with storytelling, using acrobatic moves and emotional expression. He embraced the camera as an active participant, experimenting with angles, split screens, and animation, most famously in “Anchors Aweigh” (1945) with Jerry the Mouse.

Kelly’s directing debut came with “On the Town” (1949), co-directed with Stanley Donen, which used real New York locations—a groundbreaking choice at the time. His work in “An American in Paris” (1951) introduced a 17-minute dialogue-free ballet sequence, earning multiple Oscars, including an honorary award for Kelly’s choreography. His most iconic film, “Singin’ in the Rain” (1952), combined humor, romance, and technical mastery, featuring the unforgettable rain-soaked dance sequence filmed while Kelly had a high fever.

Throughout his career, Kelly collaborated with leading talents, including Fred Astaire, Cyd Charisse, and Donald O’Connor. He continually evolved his style, integrating tap, ballet, and modern dance to explore diverse emotional themes.

Personal Life and Challenges

Kelly’s personal life included three marriages, each marked by different challenges. His first marriage to Betsy Blair ended in divorce, while his second wife, Jeanne Coyne, passed away, leaving him to care for their two young children. His third marriage to Patricia Ward faced familial tensions. Colleagues described Kelly as both demanding and competitive, with a perfectionist streak that sometimes alienated those around him.

Despite these challenges, Kelly maintained a commitment to mentoring young talent, influencing figures like Gregory Hines and Michael Jackson. His advice to Jackson on wearing white socks became a defining feature of the pop icon’s look.

In his later years, Kelly faced declining health, with multiple strokes limiting his mobility and communication. He passed away on February 2, 1996, at the age of 83.

Legacy

Kelly’s contributions to cinema redefined the movie musical, blending artistry, innovation, and relatability. His films continue to be celebrated for their technical brilliance and cultural impact, securing his place as a pioneer of dance and storytelling in Hollywood.

Wikipedia

The Gene Scene

Gene Kelly Fans

last.fm

Discogs

Photo : m kasahara

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