ceva Posted February 15, 2011 February 16th of 2011 marks the 90th birthday of the late Vera-Ellen (1921-81)--indisputably one of the greatest of Hollywood's dancing ladies. And yet, I'm drawing a blank as to when TCM has ever acknowledged her in a particular way. At the very least, could she not be the programming subject for one of the "Summer Under the Stars" evenings? There's so many wonderful musicals which were brightened by her presence--White Christmas, Three Little Words, Call Me Madam, On the Town, as well as others. And what a brilliant partner for Kelly, Astaire, O'Connor, and Kaye! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LuckyDan Posted February 15, 2011 I never miss a chance to see Vera-Ellen in anything. If she were any cuter, she' be a basket full of puppies. Sorry if that's a tad on the grande side. I prefer those anyway. Here's a favorite number I still keep on VHS, from 1945's Wonder Man http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWUbnIU7cbw&feature=related Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Terrence1 Posted February 16, 2011 How I miss this wonderful lady! I've loved everything she did in the movies. I would be hard-pressed to come up with a favorite musical number she appeared in. Certainly one of the best is her duet with Gene Kelly in "Words and Music." They did a terrific dance to "Slaughter on Tenth Avenue" . I love it every time I see it. She played completely against type in this number, shedding her good-girl image. But when I think of it, she was wonderful in everything she did. Terrence. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Daria Posted February 16, 2011 It's hard to not like Vera Ellen. She is the girl next door. I like that "Slaughter on 10th Ave." routine too. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Terrence1 Posted February 18, 2011 Thanks, Daria. I'm glad that we share the same opinion about that wonderful dancer. FMC recently showed "Three Little Girls in Blue". It's definitely a minor musical, but she really shines in it. While the rest of the cast is very good, she's the one who really gets to display her talents. Terrence. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Im4movies2 Posted February 18, 2011 Take a look at a classic Barbie doll from the 50s. Isn't there a strong resemblance to Vera? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
johnm001 Posted February 19, 2011 Vera-Ellen, in my opinion, is the finest dancer in films. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LuckyDan Posted February 22, 2011 >Take a look at a classic Barbie doll from the 50s. Isn't there a strong resemblance to Vera? Yes, I see it. Still, I always thought Anne Francis gets the Barbie lookalike award. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
metsfan Posted February 25, 2011 For some reason I always get her mixed up with Mitzi Gaynor. Did anyone see "Let's Be Happy"? I saw it recently and enjoyed the beautiful cinematography. Vera and Tony Martin make a somewhat comical pair in this film. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ceva Posted February 25, 2011 "Let's Be Happy" (1957) was a pleasant surprise. Vera-Ellen and Tony Martin were charming. The movie won me over more as a light comedy than as a musical. Mitzi Gaynor came on the scene around 1951, 5 or 6 years after Vera-Ellen had established herself. At the time, some noted Gaynor appeared to be somewhat of an imitation of V-E. To me, there was no contest between the two. Vera-Ellen was a more appealing performer and a better dancer. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
