Gentle Readers . . . and Maxwell,
Recently when I felt a bit down, I watched a classic movie––Kiss Me Kate (1953; I recorded it from Turner Classic Movies; also available on some streaming services for $2.99 to $3.99).
The Shrew.
Lilli: Do you really think *I* could play the shrew?
Fred: You'd make a perfect shrew!
Ann Miller plays Fred's new "girlfriend," Lois, to whom he gives the part of Bianca.
While I appreciate Keel's rich baritone and Grayson's sweet coloratura soprano, it was Ann Miller's dancing that had me tapping my toes.
Here, Miller and company perform From This Moment On, which includes Bob Fosse's first on-film choreography danced by Fosse and Carol Haney.
Kiss Me Kate was originally filmed in 3D. That's why you see the actors throwing stuff directly at the camera.
I hope you have a great weekend.
Infinities of love,
Janie Junebug
Why are all those gay guys dancing with that dame?
ReplyDeleteBob Fosse wasn't gay. I don't know about the others.
DeleteAnd why don't we have great musicals and dancing anymore?
ReplyDeleteWe don't have an MGM, where they nurtured that talent. Of course, they abused their power, so there's that.
DeleteHave a great weekend, and get WDW's to wait on you hand and foot and...well, yeah.
ReplyDeleteLove you.
No WDW. We split a long time ago.
DeleteFun is a severely underrated necessity isn't it? I am so glad you found some - even if it involved a bit of time travelling.
ReplyDeleteIt's easy to time travel these days.
DeleteI ADORE MGM musicals... this was one of my faves! Early Fosse ~ brilliant!
ReplyDeleteTFS!!
I love the MGM musicals, too.
DeleteI enjoy all the stars in this...but Ann Miller is the greatest joy of that and every movie. I'm a HUGE fan of Anne Miller... and her hair.
ReplyDeleteOf course.
Ann Miller is my favorite!
DeleteAhh, I am a big Ann Miller fan! I miss musicals.
ReplyDeleteI'm grateful for Turner Classic Movies and streaming services.
DeleteThat was an era to behold--LOL! :)
ReplyDeleteHope you are feeling well. Have a great weekend. :)
I am well, thanks.
DeleteI haven't seen this in years. I remember things being thrown at the camera and thinking it was bizarre! Thanks for clearing that up!
ReplyDeleteInternet Movie Database cleared it up for me.
DeleteAnd you have a great weekend too, Janie. And what does WDW stand for?
ReplyDeleteWilly Dunne Wooters--a man I used to date whose name was actually Ralph.
DeleteI've seen "Kiss Me Kate" on the stage but I'm not sure I've ever seen the movie. I'll check it out! I love technicolor '50s gems like this!
ReplyDeleteThis movie is one of my favorites. Ann Miller does It's Too Darn Hot.
DeleteA movie I have seen and liked
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad.
DeleteI know the actors, but have never seen this movie. ann miller could dance the pants off anyone! as my spouse's late BFF put it, "ann has legs for days".
ReplyDeleteAnn was the greatest.
DeleteLove this scene from Kiss Me, Kate! It’s an excellent dance routine and you can see Fosse’s style when he dances with Carol Haney. I do love this film especially Keenan Wynn and the leads are great singers, no doubt about it. Tommy Rall, Ann Miller’s dance partner here, just died last year. I wonder if the lady who is dancing with Bobby Van is still alive? I have to look this up.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting to see Fosse's early choreography, which remained the same--with additions, of course. Jeannie Coyne dances with Bobby Van. She was Gene Kelly's second wife.
DeleteThank you for a great preview.
ReplyDeleteI am my husband's care giver and I rarely get to watch any thing fully. He needs me for things almost every ten mts.
Just want to wish you Happy Valentines and hope that all is well with you and your loved ones.
It's hard to watch with frequent interruptions.
DeleteThe dance video made me wish I could dance!!!! Thanks for sharing it, Janie! We watched "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood" last night. It was awesome! Enjoy the rest of your weekend. Stay dry! Hugs to you!
ReplyDeleteI like that movie. Mr. Rogers was a great man.
DeleteGotta love the way Ann Miller could move1
ReplyDeleteAnother Ann Miller highlight in Kiss Me Kate is Too Darn Hot.
Delete