Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, and Donald O'Connor: Here's a selection of the
most entertaining, and most revolutionary moments from their movie musicals.
"Singin' in the Rain" from the movie Singin' in the Rain (1952). Here's one of the most famous dance scenes from movie musical history. Brilliant choreography, exquisite dancing, a clever idea--and in a wet suit. Yep, he's singin'--and dancin'--in the rain.
"You, Wonderful You" (Newspaper Dance) from Summer Stock (1950). This is one of the most clever dances of Gene Kelly's career. All he needed was a newspaper and a barn floor.
"Me and My Shadow" from Feudin', Fussin' and a-Fightin' (1948). O'Connor's "barn dance" filmed 2 years before Kelly's classic in Summer Stock.
"Moses Supposes" from Singin' in the Rain (1952). Well-matched, high energy, and musically literal footwork makes this legendary duet a classic.
"Make 'Em Laugh" from Singin' in the Rain (1952). Prat falls, flips, and comic timing showcase Donald O'Connor's theatrical genius.
"The Worry Song" from Anchors Aweigh (1944). In this scene Gene Kelly's combined animation with his own dancing, the film medium with the help of Jerry, the mouse.
"Let Me Call You Sweetheart" from Thousands Cheer (1943). Released at the height of World War II, this musical hoped to boost US morale and features Gene Kelly dancing with a mop as his partner.
"I Like Myself" from It's Always Fair Weather (1955). In this clip Gene Kelly dances on roller skates in a solo some consider the last great dance performance of his career.
"Ups and Downs" from I Love Melvin (1953). This clip features Donald O'Connor dancing on roller skates and was filmed two years before Gene Kelly "tap skated" in It's Always Fair Weather.
The "Broadway Melody Ballet" from Singin' in the Rain (1952). This dance sequence is performed to a combination of "The Broadway Melody" from The Broadway Melody (1929) and "Broadway Rhythm" from Broadway Melody of 1936. In this elaborate production number, Gene's art imitates life as he traces the rise to stardom of a guy who's just "Gotta Dance!"
"The Babbitt and the Bromide" from Zigfield Follies (1946). Fred Astaire once said his favorite dance partner was Gene Kelly. In this duet, two of the world's most famous tappers ham it up.
"Sunday Jumps" from Royal Wedding (1951). Fred Astaire's famous duet with a hat rack. When you're this good, even dancing with wood can look fantastic.
"You're All the World to Me" from Royal Wedding (1951). A camera bolted to the floor of a rotating room made this brilliant scene possible. Fred Astaire dances on the walls and ceiling--just as well as on the floor!
"Pick Yourself Up" from Swing Time (1936). Considered one of their best dance films, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers demonstrate the fast footwork, syncopated rhythms, and great partnership that made them famous.
"Shall We Dance" from Shall We Dance (1937). This film was the seventh of the Fred Astaire-Ginger Rogers partnership, as well as music by George Gershwin and choreography by Hermes Pan.
"Begin the Beguine" from Broadway Melody of 1940 (1940). This scene features the incredible timing, and intricate footwork of Fred Astaire and Eleanor Powell. Considered one of Astaires best duet dances, the scene was featured in the documentary That's Entertainment (1974).
"Dancing in the Dark" from The Band Wagon (1953). This film, featuring the smooth moves and fluid partnering of Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse, was nominated for four Academy Awards and was selected for preservation by the National Film Registry.