One beautiful thing about YouTube for the film fan is that it brings back to life the great dance routines from musicals. Here are links to several of Charisse's best:
The Girl Hunt (a portion, I believe), from The Band Wagon:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDGGw3RH5ug
Dancing in the Dark, from The Band Wagon:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzQMl0p4ajw&feature=related
Baby You Knock Me Out, from It's Always Fair Weather:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbIwerGYf8w
All of You, from Silk Stockings:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zQk3PaZi0g
The Broadway Melody, in two parts, from Singin' in the Rain:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xLZSie3III&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9h33ENZsdc&feature=related
(I think those match. :) )
If you go to search and punch in "Cyd Charisse," you'll find a hundred-some videos. You can explore to your hearts' content.
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I had no idea until just yesterday YouTube was such a treasure trove of Charisse. Clips aren't enough for me, I'm renting a bunch of stuff, though it might have to wait until after the LA Film Festival
Isn't it, though? I'd looked up the Girl Hunt at some point, but didn't really know there were so many until the past couple days. YouTube really fits the musical like a glove.
Non Charisse, but, a You Tube catch-
this Betty Grable routine form the end of "Pin Up Girl" is just astounding. I'm sure it can be derided as sexist or fascist, but I find it deeply patriotic and surreal. Almost 5 minutes of no dialog or music.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bxLWaLNCUw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bxLWaLNCUw
there's the link
Poor Betty Grable. Does anyone remember her for any of her performances? Nope. Pretty much only for being painted onto the sides of so many B-29s.
Speaking of which, and relating significantly to the MGM musical and slightly to a different post, here's a great trivia question in case you're ever in need:
Betty Grable was the most popular pin-up among American soldiers of World War II overall. But who was the most popular pin-up among African-American soldiers of World War II?
The answer is:
Lena Horne.
She aged about as well as Liz Taylor. But in her youth, she was very beautiful and obviously an extraordinary singer. She was also the first African-American woman to sign a major studio contract when she inked up with MGM.
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