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 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.
Cynthia Brideson is coauthor of Ziegfeld and His Follies: A Biography of Broadway's Greatest Producer and Also Starring... : Forty Biographical Essays on the Greatest Character Actors of Hollywood's Golden Era, 1930–1965. Sara Brideson (1990–2017) was coauthor of Ziegfeld and His Follies: A Biography of Broadway's Greatest Producer and Also Starring... : Forty Biographical Essays on the Greatest Character Actors of Hollywood's Golden Era 1930–1965.
Cynthia Brideson is coauthor of Also Starring... : Forty Biographical Essays on the Greatest Character Actors of Hollywood’s Golden Era, 1930–1965. Sara Brideson is coauthor of Also Starring... : Forty Biographical Essays on the Greatest Character Actors of Hollywood’s Golden Era, 1930–1965.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Ballet Dancer and Swaggering Tough Part 1: "Who wants a choreographer from Pittsburgh?" 1912–1941 1. The Reluctant Dancer 2. A Depression-Era Kid 3. Kelly Mania 4. "It wasn't elegant, but it's me" 5. The Time of His Life 6. Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered Part 2: Riding on a Rocket: 1941–1957 7. At the MGM University 8. New Heights 9. "I'm asking for the Navy" 10. The American Line 11. A Flaming Trail of Masculinity 12. The Renaissance Man 13. You Can Count on Me 14. Who Could Ask for Anything More? 15. Laughing at Clouds 16. What a Day This Has Been 17. The Unhappy Road Part 3: Still Going Strong: 1957–1972 18. A Hundred Million Miracles 19. "I wear so many hats" 20. Looking for Enchantment Part 4: Ambassador of His Art: 1972–Present 21. True Talent Shows Itself in Kindness 22. Contemporary Yet Timeless Epilogue: Think of Him and Smile Acknowledgments Appendix A: Selected Stage Work Appendix B: Selected Filmography Appendix C: Selected Television Work Notes Selected Bibliography Index
"Any biographer of Gene Kelly had better be light on his/her literary feet. The Bridesons have given us a thoroughly readable biography of Kelly that is conscientiously researched and authoritative."
From the Publisher
"The authors have created a comprehensive biographyof Gene Kelly that balances his extensive career with his complex private life. Although there have been several biographical studies published about this Irish American star, He's Got Rhythm is by far the most detailed and encompassing work on its subject. This book shouldbecome the new definitive biography on the multitalented Gene Kelly." — James Robert Parish, author of The Hollywood Book of Extravagance
"Any biographer of Gene Kelly had better be light on his/her literary feet. The Bridesons have given us a thoroughly readable biography of Kelly that is conscientiously researched and authoritative." — Page Laws, Norfolk State University
James Robert Parish
"The authors have created a comprehensive biographyof Gene Kelly that balances his extensive career with his complex private life. Although there have been several biographical studies published about this Irish American star, He's Got Rhythm is by far the most detailed and encompassing work on its subject. This book shouldbecome the new definitive biography on the multitalented Gene Kelly."
