Coen Brothers Take on Old Hollywood

An epic and a musical,

a comedy, but that’s not all.

A Western and a drama too,

Hail, Caesar! tries so hard to do.

It takes us back to fifties flicks.

In many scenes it really clicks.

But plot is thin as it can be

and jumps around too hastily.

Channing Tatum’s dance just shines!

Gene Kelly’s work he surely mines.

George Clooney gets most of the laughs

as an actor a group kidnaps.

Josh Brolin’s character looms large.

Keeping stars in line, his charge.

And yet I wanted so much more

from Coen Brothers I adore.

  

For Gene Kelly's 100th Birthday

                  
Because this would have been Gene Kelly's 100th birthday, I've been thinking about him a lot today. Here are three of my favorite movies starring this dynamic entertainer:

The Pirate. Although Kelly's character is a circus clown and not really the dreaded “Mack the Black of the Caribbean,” he pretends to be this notorious pirate in order to win over spunky Judy Garland -- and it's a dazzling performance. Kelly’s athletic dancing here wowed everyone.

Anchors Aweigh. Kelly was simply delightful dancing with Jerry the Mouse and even received an Oscar nomination for this role.

Singin' in the Rain. Kelly co-directed my all-time favorite movie as well as performed the most wonderful dances ever filmed.

And I have to mention that my husband and I were so impressed with this “unforgettable” actor, we named our son “Kelly” after him. Gene Kelly is a true screen legend indeed!

Judge Debbie

What a treat to see the great Debbie Reynolds as one of the judges on “So You Think You Can Dance” last night! I loved the encouraging remarks she gave each contestant. And, in her late seventies, she still looks fabulous. Host Cat Deeley called Debbie “a legendary icon of dance,” and I agree wholeheartedly. After being taught by one of the best -- Gene Kelly – Debbie danced her little heart out in Singin’ in the Rain. The “Good Mornin’” number she performed with Gene and Donald O’Connor ended up as one of the most energetic routines ever seen on film – and Debbie has been going strong ever since. She appears in over 40 live shows each year! Congrats to the powers that be on SYTYCD for recognizing Debbie’s wonderful contributions to the world of dance.

For more information about Debbie and her shows, please go to http://www.debbiereynolds.com/.

Hooray for Old Hollywood!

This entry is quite embarrassing for me, but confession is good for the soul, so here goes.

I’ve wanted access to the TCM channel for many months but felt it must be too expensive for my limited budget. “You call yourself a movie addict and you don’t have Turner Classic Movies!” one of my dear friends chastised me – and often. Then one day recently, another pal mentioned a television channel number I should check. Hallelujah! TCM had been available for me all along. Duh.

From that day forward I’ve been glued to my set watching “oldies but goodies” like Sunnyside (with the delightful Janet Gaynor),
In the Good Old Summertime (starring the great Judy Garland), Singin’ in the Rain (featuring that fantastic Gene Kelly-Debbie Reynolds-Donald O’Connor trio), Out of the Fog (with a deliciously menacing John Garfield), etc. I realize more than ever now how much I miss the Old Hollywood.

Coincidentally, veteran filmmaker Stephen Simon appeared on my Movie Addict Headquarters radio show on December 28th to talk about Bringing Back the Old Hollywood -- his new book -- which I immediately ordered at www.theoldhollywood.com. I can hardly wait to read and review it. Will keep you posted.

Derek Hough: "Great" or "Greatest" Dancer?

My husband says Derek Hough is the best dancer he’s ever seen. His words hurt me a little, for I always thought he reserved that honor for me.

Still, I’m one of Derek’s most avid fans. In fact, he’s the main reason I watch Dancing with the Stars. I’m convinced he’s the best dancer since the great Gene Kelly. And like Kelly, Derek is an amazing choreographer.

Body tension, technique, artistry and athleticism combine in all of Derek’s dynamic performances. His lucky partners benefit tremendously from working with him. Nicole Scherzinger, Derek’s latest partner, became someone wonderful to see as she shared the spotlight with him this past season. Congratulations to them both for winning the coveted ballroom trophy this year.

That’s dancin’!!!

My Favorite Film

What’s so good about Singin’ in the Rain? For starters, I’ve never been able to spot one dull minute in the entire film. Based on the crisis Hollywood faced back in the 1920s when "talkies" came on the scene, the clever story by Adolph Green and Betty Comden zips along from beginning to end -- with joyful musical numbers enhancing the plot instead of detracting from it. Here are the highlights:

"Make ‘Em Laugh" – O’Connor’s hilarious slapstick routine.

"Good Morning" – exuberant dancing and singing by star trio Reynolds, O’Connor, and Kelly.

"Moses Supposes" – Kelly and O’Connor in one of the most energetic tap numbers ever filmed.

"Broadway Ballet" – the memorable screen debut of Cyd Charisse’s gorgeous legs .

"Singin’ in the Rain" – that famous title number danced with pure abandon and delight by Kelly.

A few years ago, my cousin and I were reminiscing about how much we enjoyed Singin’ in the Rain when it first came out in 1952. "You really lost it during ‘Make ‘Em Laugh,’" she recalled. "I still do," I confessed. Every time I think about the wacky faces O’Connor makes in that number, I’m forced to laugh out loud.

I also still smile remembering Hagen’s portrayal of Lina Lamont, a big-time silent star whose annoying voice must be dubbed by newcomer Kathy Selden (Reynolds). Hagen earned a well-deserved Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination for her very funny work here. When Lina tells her fans, "If we kin bring a little joy into yer humdrum lives, then all our hard work ain’t been in vain fer nothin,’" little does she care if Kathy must give up her own career to protect another’s stardom. Incidentally, I love that quotation and have borrowed it for many occasions.

Although claiming she didn’t know how to tap dance before joining the Singin’ in the Rain cast, the perky Reynolds holds her own with pros Kelly and O’Connor. "Gene was a great teacher," she told me in an interview I treasure.

Co-directed with great pizzazz by Kelly and Stanley Donen, Singin’ in the Rain wins my vote as the most entertaining movie ever made.