On the Town (1949, MGM) | |
|
Gene Kelly (Gaby) Frank Sinatra (Chip) Jules Munshin (Ozzie) Vera-Ellen (Ivy) Betty Garrett (Brunhilde) Ann Miller (Claire) Directed by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen This breakthrough film marks Kelly's and Donen's first co-directorial effort and sets new standards for the screen musical. On-location shooting and innovative editing add to the fun when three sailors on a one-day pass set out to see New York and find romance. Corny, but great fun! |
 | Gene Scene rating: 4 stars (out of 4) |
 |
available in VHS from Amazon.com PAL VHS available - Europe only |
 | available in DVD from Amazon.com also available - new and previously viewed DVDs from half.com |
 | The film soundtrack is not available. |
 | Web sites featuring On the Town Class Act Movie Musicals Internet Movie Database entry |
Pilot No. 5 (1943, MGM) | |
|
Gene Kelly (Vito Alessandro) Franchot Tone(George Collins) Marsha Hunt(Freddie) Van Johnson (Everett Arnold) Directed by George Sidney Set during WWII, a group of Allied soldiers decide what to do as Japanese forces move closer. There are five pilots, but only one plane left. As "Pilot No. 5" (Tone) leaves for the risky mission, the others tell stories about him via flashbacks. Although the script is somewhat weak, the acting is good and Kelly proves his worth as a straight dramatic actor. | |
| Gene Scene rating: 3 stars (out of 4) |
|
This film is not available on VHS, PAL, or DVD. |
| Web sites featuring Pilot No. 5 Internet Movie Database entry |
The Pirate (1948, MGM) | |
|
Gene Kelly (Serafin) Judy Garland (Manuela) Walter Slezak (Don Pedro Vargas) The Nicholas Brothers Directed by Vincente Minnelli Manuela dreams of romance on the high seas with Macoco the pirate. Unbeknownst to her, the boring town mayor--her fiancee--is the ruthless Mack the Black. Serafin is the actor who falls in love with Manuela. Although this witty fantasy/parody did not fare well at the box office, few can deny that The Pirate is a musical treasure. Highlights are the Pirate ballet, the Nicholas Brothers pairing with Gene, and Judy's fantastic "Mack the Black" number. |
| Gene Scene rating: 4 stars (out of 4) |
|
available on VHS from Amazon.com PAL VHS available - Europe only |
| now available on DVD from Amazon.com! |
| Web sites featuring The Pirate Class Act Movie Musicals Internet Movie Database entry Sounds from The Pirate |
Singin' in the Rain (1952, MGM) | |
|
Gene Kelly (Don Lockwood) Donald O'Connor (Cosmo Brown) Debbie Reynolds (Kathy Seldon) Jean Hagen (Lina Lamont) Cyd Charisse Directed by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen What can be said about what is perhaps the greatest screen musical ever filmed? A comic treatment of Hollywood's conversion to talkies, Singin' in the Rain offers enormous talent and great fun. The title number is probably the best known, and Gene's sheer exuberance over being in love is timeless. Donald O'Connor's "Make 'Em Laugh" is incredible, as is Debbie's fresh-faced portrayal of Kathy Seldon and Jean Hagen's remarkable Lina. If you somehow haven't seen this film yet, please join in the fun soon! |
| Gene Scene rating: 4 stars (out of 4) - or more! |
|
available in VHS from Amazon.com PAL VHS available - Europe only |
|
available on DVD from Amazon.com Region 2 DVD available - Europe only |
 | soundtrack available on CD from Amazon.com also available - new and used CDs from half.com |
| Web sites featuring Singin' in the Rain 50 Years of Singin' in the Rain Class Act Movie Musicals Internet Movie Database entry Movie Musicals Page |
Summer Stock (1950, MGM) | |
|
Gene Kelly (Joe Ross) Judy Garland (Jane Falbury) Gloria DeHaven (Abigail Falbury) Eddie Bracken (Orville Wingait) Phil Silvers (Herb Blake) Directed by Charles Walters Gene and Judy Garland are teamed here for the last time. A woman allows her farm to be used by a company of players to prepare a Broadway show and finds love - and a musical career - in the process. Pretty standard "Hey, kids, let's put on a show" fare, but highly enjoyable. Musically, this film is especially noteworthy for Gene's inventive newspaper/squeaky-board dance. |
| Gene Scene rating: 4 stars (out of 4) |
|
available in VHS from Amazon.com |
| available on DVD from Amazon.com |
| Web sites featuring Summer Stock Class Act Movie Musicals Internet Movie Database entry Sounds from Summer Stock |
