At The Movies, Seventies

AT THE MOVIES (June 22, 2023)

Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶

It’s time to go to the movies! Why don’t you go grab us a couple of good seats and I’ll get the soda and popcorn? And maybe a couple of umbrellas! 🥤 🍿 ☔️ ☔️

On Tuesday we talked about the iconic dance moves of Michael Jackson. No doubt he influenced countless young dancers over the years but have you ever wondered who influenced him? Well, it should come as no surprise that MJ had a very diverse selection of dance legends who influenced him, including James Brown, Fred Astaire, Bob Fosse, Jackie Wilson, Gene Kelly and Sammy Davis, Jr.

Let’s talk a little about one of those brilliant performers and his most recognized movie.

“Singin’ in the Rain” is a 1952 musical romantic comedy featuring the many talents of Gene Kelly. The movie offers a lighthearted depiction of Hollywood in the late 1920s and the lives of famous silent screen stars suddenly caught up in the transition from silent films to “talkies”.

Remember that funny saying “She’s got a face for the radio”? Well, there were more than a few silent movie stars who found themselves on the unemployment line when asked to speak!

“Singin’ in the Rain” was only a modest hit when it was first released. However, it has since been accorded legendary status and is often regarded as the greatest musical film ever made. I don’t know about that; anyone ever hear of a little movie called “West Side Story”?

The song I’ve chose to showcase today is an obvious one; it’s best known as the centerpiece of the movie in which Gene Kelly memorably sang and danced while splashing through puddles during a rainstorm.

Here is “Singing in the Rain” from the movie of the same name starring Gene Kelly.

Now, I don’t know about you but while I sing in the shower almost every day, I’ve never sung or danced in the rain like that and I’m sure I never will! I know – Gene Kelly’s character is crazy in love but he looks like he’s having entirely too much fun for someone who’s soaked to the bone!

All kidding aside, Gene Kelly was definitely one of Hollywood’s greatest dancers, making every move look smooth as silk. I often thought Gene Kelly would have made a great Tin Man in “The Wizard of Oz” but that role went to Jack Haley. What do you think? Let’s make a little comparison; here’s a clip of Jack Haley in that metallic role:

Wow! I could use some of what’s in his oilcan! And I can definitely see Gene Kelly doing those incredible dance moves. In 1978, Michael Jackson played the role of The Scarecrow in “The Wiz” – talk about six degrees of separation!

Did you enjoy today’s post and videos? I love reading your comments so let me know your thoughts.

That’s it for this week, kids. I’m outta here!

See you on the flip side.

I’m The Sicilian Storyteller

NAR © 2023

19 thoughts on “AT THE MOVIES (June 22, 2023)”

  1. Fun stuff! Nancy, I suggest that you go and dance in the rain! Either by yourself or, if you’re feeling brave, when you’re with someone! I danced once in the rain whilst out walking with my cousin and her dog… I never managed to really go for it, as my self-consciousness took over, but my little, timid movements felt good. Next time… I’ll open up! 😊

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  2. I’ve heard of Gene Kelly but I’m trying to think… did I ever see a movie he was in? I don’t think so. I tend to shy away from musicals.
    I remember Eric Morecambe doing a funny skit of this, but again, this was because we used to be a 1-tv house.

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    1. Well, I was curious if Gene Kelly did any non-musical movies (cos I don’t remember any) and according to Google, he did as many non-musical ones as musical! I didn’t continue reading the article so I don’t know what those non-musical movies were but I’m going out on a limb and saying you probably aren’t familiar with them either.

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        1. Don’t overthink this one, Pete. The world knows him for his musicals because he was charming, nice-looking with a happy-go-lucky attitude. And he could dance like nobody’s business. A ham? Probably. They were all hams back them. Comes with the territory.

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    1. It must be his ballet training. Did you ever see the dance routine with Gregory Hines and Mikhail Baryshnikov from White Nights? The ballet shines through the jazz.
      I love trivia so here’s a little bit from the Wiz of Oz (which you might know): Jack Haley’s son (Jack Jr) and Judy Garland’s daughter (Liza) were married for a few years in the 70s. Small world.
      Watch this. It’s pretty cool:

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  4. I love Gene Kelly and a couple of years ago I got to see the stage show and the water was flooding down in the Festival Theatre when they preformed this song. It was amazing, but I’ll admit that what came to mind was Prince and his … can you make it rain harder.

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  5. I must admit that I was never strongly into musicals, although I do watch quite a number of them ( benefits of sharing life with someone who adores them).

    “Singin’ in the rain” apart from its qualities as a musical, always had for me an appeal due to its temporal metaphor; silent cinematography transitioning to talking – the effect that change had on people in that industry is a reoccurring theme in every drastic change in our societies.
    Some say ( and even AI itself when asked) that we are living on the edge of such a change from Artificial Intelligence evolution.

    It doesn’t surprise me that MJ had the influences you mentioned, Nancy.
    If I had to pick one that would be Fred Astaire, what an artist!

    And to come full circle, that signature smile Fred had? I have seen it in people at a remote village after years of drought.Coming out and dancing ( the children) or simply standing under heavy rain, all with that smile…Rain.

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    1. Without a doubt Fred gets my vote as the smoothest, most elegant and refined dancer ever. First performing with his sister Adele, then teaming up with Ginger Rogers – he was magical. Watching him, I was left with the impression he knew how to dance before he could walk. He was one of the triple threat actors – he could dance, sing and act. A giant in his field.

      Morning, Nick

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  6. I’d go with Jack Haley as my favourite. Gene Kelly was a bit too slick for my taste. And best musical ever? Doesn’t Funny Girl rank up there somewhere near best ever?

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    1. I’d say so! When Fanny opens the door and says “Hello, Gorgeous”. Well, he WAS gorgeous! “Nicky Arnstein, Nicky Arnstein. What a beautiful, beautiful name!”

      So, did you know that Buddy Ebsen (Beverly Hillbillies) was originally cast as the Tin Man? He got sick from the aluminum powder and the role was recast. Gene Kelly was slick and had more ballet training but I think he still could have made a good Tin Man if Jack Haley didn’t take on the role.

      Morning, Misky.

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