When it comes to legendary song-and-dance men, there was no one better than Gene Kelly. Even though its been more than 20 years since he passed, Kelly’s filmography continues to cast a long shadow in Hollywood. The reason for this is simple, he could do it all — sing, dance, act, choreograph, you name it. His films are full of light-hearted fun and unforgettable songs, and thanks to a new collection audiences can relive some of Kelly’s most memorable performances.
The Silver Screen Icons: Gene Kelly includes the following classics, certain to charm old and new fans alike:
Anchors Aweigh (1945)
Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra (in their first film together) star in this musical comedy as a pair of sailors on a four-day leave in Hollywood, California. After entertaining a young boy (Dean Stockwell) who wants to join the Navy, the shy Clarence (Sinatra) becomes smitten with the boy’s aunt (Kathryn Grayson), and Joe (Kelly) sings and dances with cartoon mouse, Jerry. Pamela Britton co-stars. Songs include the title tune, “I Fall in Love Too Easily,” “We Hate to Leave,” and more.
On The Town (1949)
The wacky exploits of a trio of sailors on 24-hour leave in New York City are chronicled in this musical comedy. Gabey (Gene Kelly), Chip (Frank Sinatra), and Ozzie (Jules Munshin) are the swabbies who find love in the Big Apple with a would-be actress (Vera-Ellen), a taxi driver (Betty Garrett), and an anthropologist (Ann Miller), respectively. With Florence Bates, Alice Pearce. Features the songs “New York, New York,” “Come up to My Place,” “You’re Awful,” and more.
An American In Paris (1951)
The dancing of Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron, a thrilling score by George Gershwin, and the romantic settings of Paris make for a timeless musical delight that garnered six Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Inspired by Gershwin’s 1928 symphonic tone poem of the same name, the M-G-M classic tells the story of an American expatriate artist who falls in love with a beautiful French girl. Co-stars Oscar Levant, Nina Foch; directed by Vincente Minnelli. Songs include “Embraceable You,” “Nice Work If You Can Get It,” and “Our Love Is Here to Stay.”
Brigadoon (1954)
While on a hunting trip in Scotland, New Yorkers Tommy Albright (Gene Kelly) and Jeff Douglas (Van Johnson) stumble upon the magical village of Brigadoon, which appears for one day every 100 years. And when Tommy falls in love with beautiful enchantress Fiona (Cyd Charisse), he must decide if he should stay or return to his humdrum life. With Elaine Stewart, Barry Jones. The classic Lerner and Loewe score includes “From This Day On,” “I’ll Go Home with Bonnie Jean,” “The Heather on the Hill.”
Kelly was one of a kind. And as this set proves, his work stands the test of time.
What’s your favorite Gene Kelly performance? Let us know below!