Thursday 26 January 2012

Gene Genie

I've got a bit of an unofficial New Year's Resolution. It stems from a shocking confession: I have seen very few old skool Hollywood musicals. Or, at least, very few all the way through. Isn't that bad? I've lost count of the number of times over the years Husband has said "Oh, yes, that song is in such-and-such a film", to which I've replied with a blank stare, much to his consternation.

So, I am working on changing this. On Saturday, I had the day to myself, and, after a humungously long walk, treated myself to two DVDs from the library. (I say "treat", as staff I borrow them for free, but a DVD rental from the library is an absolute bargain anyway, especially as you get to keep it for a week. But I digress.) Once home, I settled down with a bit of sewing to watch "Singin' in The Rain". And I have to say I loved it, of course. I have a total pash on Gene Kelly, now, too. And he was 42 at the time. Phwoar. What surprised me the most, however, was its similarity to "The Artist", which Husband and I had seen just two days before. How the advent of sound affected Hollywood as a whole, and particularly those people, like poor Lina Lamont, who just didn't have the voice talent to cut it in the talkies. Interesting. I also have a bit of a pash on 20s fashion, too, although I always feel it's not really for gals with bosoms and hips, but seeing Jean Hagan and other curvy 50s lovelies pulling it off, I might give it a go! I have "An American in Paris", another GK special, to watch, too. I might put that on tonight.

In the meantime, here's a genius bit of remixed Gene from a few years ago:

6 comments:

Peri said...

I love the old musicals - have since I was kid and Gene Kelly is one of my dance heros - guy was a genius. 'Singin in the Rain' is wonderful and Donald O'Connor cracks me up. What will you watch next? I like 'Anchors Aweigh' and 'Seven Brides' but then I love so many my list would be endless!

Emm@ said...

Thanks for those recommendations. I think I'm going to work my way through what the library has to offer, then borrow and cadge off people! Plus see what's cheap in the supermarket etc.

Wibbo said...

It's my favourite musical! "Anchors Aweigh" is brilliant as well, particularly the sequence where Gene Kelly dances with the mouse...
You might like Judy Garland's "Meet Me in St. Louis" and maybe some Fred Astaire/Ginger Rogers.

Mrs Jenny Leggings said...

Swooooon Gene Kelly!!

Holly said...

*affected.

Ahem. Soz.

Emm@ said...

Indeed, yes. Thank you. I will change ASAP.

*Feelings of huffiness and shame over being corrected overwhelmed by feelings of pride in younger sibling's pedantry. My work here is done.*