Gene Kelly: A Celebration

by Sheridan Morley

Featuring more than 100 photographs, this lavish tribute looks back with affection at the remarkable and influential career--on both sides of the camera--of one of the cinema's most popular stars. Now in paperback. Gene Kelly was the man who dragged Hollywood musicals into the second half of the 20th century--splashing through puddles in ``Singing in the Rain,'' dancing to the top of the Empire State Building in ``Our Town,'' teaching French kids to sing Gershwin in ``An American in Paris.'' He took dancing out of the ballroom and set it alive on the streets. He was also, of course, an actor, choreographer, and director, but it is as the first modern screen dancer that Gene Kelly will always be remembered. This picture-filled volume is a tribute to his rare talent and indelible body of work. Sheridan Morley is a drama critic and biographer, whose subjects include Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor. Ruth Leon is the author of New York's Guide to the Performing Arts. 168 pp 9 1/2 x 9 1/2 8 color & 100 b/w photos

Genres: Biography, Film

171 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1981

About the author

Sheridan A. Morley (5 December 1941 − 16 February 2007) was an English author, biographer, critic and broadcaster. He was the official biographer of Sir John Gielgud and wrote biographies of many other theatrical figures he had known, including Noël Coward.

Morley was the eldest son of actor Robert Morley and grandson, via his mother Joan Buckmaster, of the actress Dame Gladys Cooper.

Reviews

[Monica Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't usually read many biographies, but something about this one caught my eye. I had actually interloaned it from the Library for blog I was writing about Singing in the Rain and I started flipping through the book and the rest is history. It was fun read with a nice balance of text and photographs. The book doesn't hold back about presenting some of the less than pleasant information about Kelly's personality and career. The book is not overly negative, but presents a balanced view. It is a nice accessible introduction to Kelly that doesn't get too bogged down in words. Other biographies may provide more details, but this one is a nice place to start. It could be read by older teens who has an interest in classic movie musicals.

[Casey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good! I adore Gene Kelly's movies (even the bad ones!) and am proud to share his birthday and his hometown. This book offers a very informative - if at times hurried - depiction of the rise and fall of his full and unparalleled career.

[Joanne Woodhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must for all Gene Kelly fans!

[J. Else · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pictures are fantastic. Love to go through this book and be reminded of the brilliance of Gene Kelly.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story about a wonderful person. Amazing how life transformed him from what he was as a child, to an adult.

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed learning a little bit more about one of my idols, Gene Kelly. He had such talent! It definitely gave me a long list of movies that I need to watch now!!!