past, present, future: gene kelly on the big screen
what a glorious feeling
Gene Kelly, the iconic actor, dancer, singer, and choreographer, was in the news last week for a reason I’ll explain below. Kelly was a force in film musicals, bringing an athletic style and classical ballet technique of dancing to the big screens. His movies are full of dance, song, and romance! If you’re curious about Gene Kelly and his life, this biography looked interesting enough to add to my TBR.
If you have yet to see a Gene Kelly movie, now’s a better time than any to start. Kelly is consistently entertaining in anything he does because he has a great voice, incredible dancing and choreography skills, and memorable acting. Below are a few recommendations for excellent Gene Kelly movies. They are classics, so truthfully, not a bad place to begin if you’re new to him.
Singin’ in the Rain (1952): If you haven’t seen this classic, there’s no better time. Released in 1952, the movie is coming up on its 70th anniversary this year. Singin’ in the Rain is a musical romantic comedy about the transition from silent films to talking pictures in Hollywood in the 1920s and how it affects a silent film star and his screen partner, who doesn’t have the best singing voice. The songs are catchy, the dancing is energetic, and it’s interesting to see how the advancement in technology affects people and industries in different ways across generations.
An American in Paris (1951): An American in Paris is a stunning visual feast. Gene Kelly plays an American ex-G.I. who stays in post-war Paris to paint, ultimately capturing the attention of a wealthy American heiress. There’s a lot of dancing and grand scenes that feels like a Broadway show. If you’re in the mood to travel to Paris, this is a great escape.
On the Town (1949): In On the Town, three sailors have 24 hours of shore leave in NYC during which they search for love and get into trouble. I love a good, entertaining 24-hour adventure in New York City.
Extra credit: It’s Always Fair Weather (1955): There seems to be a theme with Gene Kelly movies and the characters he plays. In It’s Always Fair Weather, three ex-G.I.s meet at their favorite NYC bar. They’re about to be released from the service and agree to meet up in 10 years later at the same bar. Their lives take them in different directions (and in ways they didn’t anticipate for themselves). They meet up 10 years later to learn that their best friends are now very different people. The passage of time in movies or across several movies (like the incredible The Before trilogy) is usually pretty thought-provoking and interesting.
Xanadu (1980): Okay, fine. It’s not quite the present, but it’s as present as we can get because Gene Kelly’s last movie, Xanadu, came out in 1980. Xanadu does not get the high ratings or reviews that his earlier movies got (it was allegedly such a flop that it inspired the Razzies). But that’s okay because it became a cult classic and even became a Broadway show! And Gene Kelly roller-skates in it! Another musical romance, with a touch of fantasy.
Last week, news broke that Chris Evans (Chris Evans!) was rumored to be starring as Gene Kelly in a movie about a 12-year-old boy who works on the MGM Lot in 1952 and creates an imaginary friendship with the legendary movie star. It’s still too early for more story details, and there still isn’t a studio attached. In my research, I was surprised to find that there hasn’t been any Gene Kelly biopics or actors who have played him in movies. I’m very curious how Evans will portray this icon.
Just read: 🍩 The Donut Trap by Julie Tieu: In The Donut Trap, recent college grad Jasmine is back working at her parents’ donut shop (which she wants out of…it feels like a trap). It’s a fun read, with such specific details that it makes you feel like you’re serving up donuts behind the counter right alongside Jasmine. Also, this book occasionally has the blending of Mandarin and English, which I love seeing.
Reading now: 🗽 In a New York Minute by Kate Spencer
I received this book early on NetGalley and have only made it to the meet cute (highly memorable). After being laid off, Franny’s silk dress rips in the subway doors. A handsome stranger comes to the rescue with his suit jacket (swoon). Their meeting was filmed…and goes viral. They become a social media sensation and even get their own hashtag. Though they didn’t hit it off at first, the two keep running into each other in New York City, and ultimately realize they enjoy being around each other. Sounds cute, right? Add this one to your pre-orders – it comes out March 15, 2022.
Reading next: ☂️ Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon
Weather Girl is officially out! My copy arrived yesterday, and I’ll be jumping right in as my next read. As I mentioned, one of my favorite books of 2021 was The Ex Talk (also by Rachel Lynn Solomon) so I’m excited to read this one. In it, a TV meteorologist and a sports reporter team up and scheme to reunite their divorced bosses.
From me to you, in the present,
Lauren