My friend is a big fan of the 'Golden Era of Hollywood' - in particular he loves the musicals from the 50's. He adores Technicolour (loves just how vibrant and vivid the colours are! He hates all the 3D stuff nowadays). Anyway, for a while he's been telling me to watch Anchors Aweigh from 1945 with Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra but I completely forgot about it, until I noticed that they were showing it on TV last night as part of the 'Musicals at Christmas' season. So I set a reminder to catch it! And I LOVED it! I've seen Gene in 'Singing in The Rain' but believe it or not, that's the ONLY film I've seen him in; so it was so nice to catch Anchors Aweigh! It was a great musical, quite long (but most of them from are aren't they?) but I didn't want it to end. Its all about two sailors on a four day shore leave, along the way they meet the gorgeous Kathryn Grayson and try to get her an audition at MGM. Both Gene and Frank are really funny in this movie! I loved the contrast between both characters - Gene is the cocky, brash, flirtatious one whilst Frank is the shy, unassuming and quiet one of the pair. I think it's a brilliant pairing and they worked really well together. I can't wait to see 'On The Town' which they both play sailors again. I'll probably watch it tomorrow since it came in the post from Amazon today yay!
 |
| Gotta love Gene Kelly - in a class of his own! |
I've never seen or heard of Kathryn Grayson (I'm kinda new to vintage movies so bear with me please!) but was pleasantly surprised. She immediately lit up the screen when she came on; she really was very beautiful. Her voice is amazing! I was surprised to find out that she trained as an opera singer from the age of twelve but I shouldn't be surprised really - those notes she hit! She died earlier on this year at the age of 88, but it's nice to have discovered her now (better late than never!)
I really enjoyed Gene's dancing scene with Jerry the Mouse (Paula Abdul recreated the scene in one of her music videos!) apparently Gene was supposed to dance with Mickey Mouse; but Roy Disney rejected the offer, because the studio was in debt after World War II. Interesting!
Anyway I definitely recommend Anchors Aweigh - its great fun!
 |
| A dazzling beauty |
