He's Got Rhythm: The Life and Career of Gene Kelly
by Cynthia Brideson
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Description
He sang and danced in the rain, proclaimed New York to be a wonderful town, and convinced a group of Parisian children that they had rhythm. One of the most influential and respected entertainers of Hollywood's golden age, Gene Kelly revolutionized film musicals with his innovative and timeless choreography. A would-be baseball player and one-time law student, Kelly captured the nation's imagination in films such as Anchors Aweigh (1945), On the Town (1949), An American in Paris (1951), and show more Singin' in the Rain (1952). In the first comprehensive biography written since the legendary star's death, authors Cynthia Brideson and Sara Brideson disclose new details of Kelly's complex life. Not only do they examine his contributions to the world of entertainment in depth, but they also consider his political activities -- including his opposition to the Hollywood blacklist. The authors even confront Kelly's darker side and explore his notorious competitive streak, his tendency to be a taskmaster on set, and his multiple marriages. Drawing on previously untapped articles and interviews with Kelly's wives, friends, and colleagues, Brideson and Brideson illuminate new and unexpected aspects of the actor's life and work. He's Got Rhythm is a balanced and compelling view of one of the screen's enduring legends. show lessTags
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A comprehensive look at the life and career of Gene Kelly. However, the authors seemed to rely primarily on other biographies done on Kelly. They did interview Kelly's daughter Kerry which provided some insight. However, I felt that the authors were enamored of Kelly as while they hinted at a darker side, they did not explore it as thoroughly as they should have Additionally, they seemed to feel that every film Kelly did, he was perfect in. There was quite a bit of praise for An American in Paris (which I cannot stand) but little for Brigadoon (which I think is charming). There was an error on Page 405 where they said Debbie Reynolds passed away in January of 2017 when it was actually December of 2016. This is the first biography I have show more read of Kelly and while comprehensive, left me wanting another view. I remember reading sometime ago that there was little to no affection in his last marriage but that was not explored at all. I feel like I need to some other works about Kelly to obtain a balanced view. show less
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3 Works 65 Members
Common Knowledge
- Canonical title
- He's Got Rhythm: The Life and Career of Gene Kelly
- People/Characters
- Gene Kelly
Classifications
- Genres
- Nonfiction, Biography & Memoir, Music, General Nonfiction
- DDC/MDS
- 791.4302 — Arts & recreation Recreation, sports, and performing arts Public performances Motion pictures, radio, television, podcasting Motion pictures Standard subdivisions
- LCC
- PN2287 .K64 .B74 — Language and Literature Literature (General) Literature (General) Drama Dramatic representation. The theater Special regions or countries
- BISAC
Statistics
- Members
- 33
- Popularity
- 839,423
- Reviews
- 1
- Rating
- (3.50)
- Languages
- English
- Media
- Paper, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 3
