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!

Thinking about Judy Garland

My pick for the most remarkable personality in the history of motion pictures is Judy Garland. She could do it all -- sing, dance, act in comedies or in dramas -- better than anyone else before or since. Each time I watch one of Garland's many films. I'm amazed at her raw talent.

Nobody haunts my movie memories quite like Judy singing "Somewhere over the Rainbow" in The Wizard of Oz. No one makes me laugh more joyously than Judy dressed like a tramp and cavorting with fellow bum Fred Astaire to the tune of “We’re a Couple of Swells” in Easter Parade. And nothing gets my dander up more than remembering Judy’s loss of the Oscar she should have received for her heart-wrenching performance in A Song Is Born.

Today is Judy Garland's birthday, which explains why I'm thinking about her and all the pleasure she gave her many fans. Thanks to Turner Classic Movies for running some of Judy's wonderful movies today. I can hardly wait to see Summer Stock and The Pirate again!