“He’s Got Rhythm: The Life and Career of Gene Kelly”
Book Giveaway via Twitter
Yay! The contest is over and the winners are:
Diana, Carl S, Sanjanaa, Lori E, and Kelly M.
Okay, it’s time for our next book giveaway! CMH will be giving away FIVE COPIES of “He’s Got Rhythm: The Life and Career of Gene Kelly” by authors Cynthia and Sara Brideson, courtesy of University Press of Kentucky, from May 29 through July 1. (plus ONE more copy via Facebook and this Blog, details to follow on Wednesday).
In order to qualify to win one of these prizes via this contest giveaway, you must complete the below entry task by Saturday, July 1 at 10PM EST. However, the sooner you enter, the better chance you have of winning, because we will pick a winner on five different days within the contest period, via random drawings, as listed below… So if you don’t win the first week that you enter, you will still be eligible to win during the following weeks until the contest is over.
- June 3: One Winner
- June 10: One Winner
- June 17: One Winner
- June 24: One Winner
- July 1: One Winner
We will announce each week’s winner on Twitter @ClassicMovieHub, the day after each winner is picked at 10PM EST — for example, we will announce our first week’s winner on Sunday June 4 at 10PM EST on Twitter. And, please note that you don’t have to have a Twitter account to enter; just see below for the details…
If you’re also on Facebook, please feel free to visit us at Classic Movie Hub on Facebook for additional giveaways (or check back on this Blog in a few days) — because we’ll be giving away ONE MORE cop via Facebook/Blog as well!
…..
ENTRY TASK (2-parts) to be completed by Saturday, July 1 at 1oPM EST — BUT remember, the sooner you enter, the more chances you have to win…
1) Answer the below question via the comment section at the bottom of this blog post
THE QUESTION:
What do you love most about Gene Kelly?
2) Then TWEET (not DM) the following message*:
Just entered to win “He’s Got Rhythm: The Life and Career of Gene Kelly” #BookGiveaway courtesy of @KentuckyPress & @ClassicMovieHub
*If you do not have a Twitter account, you can still enter the contest by simply answering the above question via the comment section at the bottom of this blog — BUT PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU ADD THIS VERBIAGE TO YOUR ANSWER: I do not have a Twitter account, so I am posting here to enter but cannot tweet the message.
NOTE: if for any reason you encounter a problem commenting here on this blog, please feel free to tweet or DM us, or send an email to clas…@gmail.com and we will be happy to create the entry for you.
…..
About the Book: 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.
…..
Click here for the full contest rules.
Please note that only Continental United States (excluding Alaska, Hawaii, and the territory of Puerto Rico) entrants are eligible.
And — BlogHub members ARE eligible to win if they live within the Continental United States (as noted above).
Good Luck!
And if you can’t wait to win the book, you can purchase it on amazon via the below link (click on image):
Good Luck!
…..
–Annmarie Gatti for Classic Movie Hub
,
His “naturalness” if you will, on camera. It’s as though he’s not acting most of the time. My friend Laura recently won a copy in a different contest.
Love the dance moves that he had! The best dance was with Jerry the mouse!
Hi James, I haven’t seen your tweet yet. Please confirm that you tweeted, or let me know if you don’t have a twitter account. Thanks so much!
I love Gene Kelly’s athleticism as a dancer.
Gene Kelly to me represented the “every man” in dance. In my mind, he gave everyone the feeling that they could dance like him. That everyone could find the joy and love in dancing in the streets…in the rain. I also loved his athleticism in dance. He transformed the Hollywood musical.
Uh-oh….I only saw the name Kelly and immediately got excited because I erroneously thought GRACE Kelly!! And, yes, I would love to read about her. But almost as equally about Gene Kelly. Just the fact that he effortlessly danced in the rain all the while ill makes him a true professional!! Someone with that much determination certainly has more to their backstory. And I know very little about him, so this would be a great read!
And proudly, I do not have a Twitter account, so I am posting here to enter but cannot tweet the message. =)
I haven’t read it yet, but looking forward to it myself. Thanks so much for entering and Good Luck 🙂
There are a lot of things that I love about Gene Kelly. For example, he made a lot of great films in the genre I love the most (musicals) and one of them is “Singin’ In The Rain”; one of my all-time favorite movies where he sang the iconic Singin’ In The Rain song. Every time he sings and dances, I can see true happiness and passion that I’ve never seen before on any other artist. But the thing that I love the most about him is that he could do anything; he was a dancer, film, stage and television actor, singer, film director, producer and choreographer. He even did his own stunts in most of his movies. Their are still a lot of things that I don’t know about Gene Kelly so I hope I could get a chance to read the book.
What I love most about Gene Kelly:
1) The man’s originality. Look at the dance numbers he devised.
2) His athleticism. Nothing needs to be said about that.
3) His class. In all the decades Stanley Donen badmouthed him out of jealousy after getting his start via Kelly’s generosity, Kelly never said an unkind word towards Donen. And he had plenty of opportunity.
Obvious answer but the way he dances, he just made it seem so effortless.
I love Gene Kelly because he made it look so effortless. And he looked like he was having the time of his life! (Will tweet in a few minutes.)
I love how he made the dancing look so easy and the feel good feeling you got from watching him.
I think what I liked most about Gene Kelly’s performances was the way he threw himself totally into every scene and dance number. He never seemed to be holding anything back, these days we’d say he”left it all on the field”. A great performer, one for the ages.
I love everything about Gene Kelly! What I love most though, is his trailblazer legacy. He was truly an original and had so many “firsts” among his credits with his dancing, choreography and innovative film making.
Pingback: Gene Kelly Biography: Facebook/Blog Giveaway Contest (June) | Classic Movie Hub Blog
There are many things I love about Gene Kelly – his passion, his athleticism, his talent, his ability to make everything seem so effortless…I could go on forever. But what I love the most, is how watching his movies makes me feel. Every single film of his brings so much joy and comfort, no matter how bad I feel at the time. There’s just something about the way he acts, sings, and dances that makes me feel like everything will be better, no matter what.
This June I turn 21 and I can still remember when I fell in love with Gene Kelly. I had to be 5 or 6 and Singin in the Rain came on. I was mesmerized, the dancing, the singing, and G E N E. He was poetry on taps baby. He pretty much ruined me for men in general, no one holds a candle to Gene Kelly! Could it be his rugged good looks? His tantalizing talent? No. The thing I love most about Gene Kelly was his dedication and brutal work ethic. Some may call him a tyrant but I know better; as someone who has performed all her life, I have always aspired to Gene’s level of performance and whenever I feel like giving up I think, “what would Gene do?” I dedicate all my performances to him and would be honored to win!
I love his effortless dance ability. He floats! So charming!
Hi Vickie, I don’t think you have a twitter account, but please confirm here. Thanks 🙂
I love how all his dancing was very masculine! Also his perfectionism. From everything I’ve read he spent countless hours rehearsing. It is very evident in his numbers, if he ever made a mistake I certainly haven’t noticed! What is there not to love about him? His musical numbers have entertained people for generations!
My love for Gene Kelly cannot be contained in a single blog message, so I am devoting a whole chapter in my PhD thesis to him!
I’ve always loved watching Kelly dance and improve as a dancer through the years. His physicality and strength were impressive as both a tap dancer and when he added more balletic, elegant moves and choreography. He was also a fun, attractive, all-round musical performer.
I love his love of dancing. It comes through in the passion he displays while he is dancing but also in the originality of so many of his dances. He pushed the envelope and he made dancing something for everyone to enjoy watching.
What I admire most about Gene Kelly was his multifaceted talent. Actor. Director. Dancer. The list goes on.
Gene Kelly’s dancing was masculine and athletic while still being graceful. It’s not easy to combine all those elements.
What I love most about Gene Kelly that he would dance with any act he felt was talented (and also filmed his own stunts) even in the case of filming a dance routine on the set of “The Pirate” with the Nicholas Brothers. Many critics felt they upstaged Gene Kelly.
My love for Gene Kelly is too much to fit into a blog comment, so I’m devoting a whole chapter of my PhD thesis to him!
What I love most about Gene Kelley is that he seems down to earth in all of his movies. I have watched Singing in the Rain and Oklahoma. I don’t remember if I have seen anything else with him in it but he is amazing. I am 18 and love the classic movies. one of my favorite actresses is Doris Day. Gene Kelly is a very close second
(I do not have a Twitter account, so I am posting here to enter but cannot tweet the message.)
Can’t go wrong with Gene Kelly or Doris Day, that’s for sure! Two of my favorites. Gene Kelly did such a wonderful job in Singin in the Rain (with Debbie Reynolds and Donald O’Connor of course). Kelly wasn’t in Oklahoma, but that’s a good movie too. And, I love just about any movie with Doris Day in it…
Thanks for entering and Good Luck 🙂
I hope I win, so I can give this to my sister, a dancer and teacher of dance who admired Kelly’s style and athleticism.
I do not have a Twitter account, so I am posting here to enter but cannot tweet the message. I once wrote a song and asked my “music mentor” to do a demo of it. The impressions I received from hearing his piano “interpretation” of my song reminded me of a Gene Kelly dance routine — I could just picture him with his handsome profile, flashing smile, and graceful, romantic style giving more complete meaning to my song, bringing out the best in it, and conveying it to a larger and more receptive audience than I could ever hope to attract.
That is very interesting. I always found that the great dancers had a great sense of musicianship (if that makes any sense) via their phrasing in dance…so your comment (of the reverse scenario) makes perfect sense to me…
Thanks so much for entering and Good Luck 🙂
It’s hard to pinpoint one reason why I love Gene Kelly. As a small child, I always watched the old movies with my parents and Grandmom and musicals were always my favorite. He always stood out to me for his amazing dance moves, his very good looks, and an awesome leading man! I guess I was crushing on him at a very young age! Lol! And I still do! “Singin’ In the Rain” is my favorite musical and also love him with Judy Garland in “For Me and My Gal” and “Summer Stock”.
Can’t deny the effortless strength of his dance, but it’s the ease of his acting that I can appreciate even more – perhaps because the dancing is so impossible for this mere mortal {grin}.
The dynamism of his dancing.
Entering on behalf of Woody W. who answered on a different blog post. 🙂
I love his originality and athleticism. He could be every man and be so convincing. His versatility: singing, acting, dancing and directing!
I love watching Gene’s THIGHS when he dances!!!!!! I love his eyes, his smile, THAT SCAR, his facial expressions, the way he would smooth talk to the ladies in his films. Always being fierce, bold, courageous, witty, sarcastic, as well as having a great sense of humor when he danced. The flawless way he would move making it look so easy that anyone would be able to do so just like him! His determination wanting to show how beautiful, elegant, and masculine dance really is and wanting everyone to love and appreciate it as much as he did <3
I love Gene Kelly’s style of dancing, his every move was graceful and effortless. He was one of a kind that every dancer today can salute to for making dancing the art form it is today. My favorite movie of his would have to be An American in Paris, because you can’t go wrong with Gershwin music and Gene Kelly’s dancing, they were meant to be together.
Hi Keith, I haven’t seen your tweet yet. Please confirm that you tweeted, or just let me know here if you don’t have a twitter account. Thanks!
What’s not to love about Gene Kelly? He makes you believe in his characters. You want him to succeed. You worry when he’s in trouble. You want him to get the girl. Also, his dancing is just extension of himself. He doesn’t even look like he’s trying, it’s effortless!
I love his effortless “Everyman” quality and athleticism that he brings to dance, always with an air of ‘cool’ and a smile. His dedication and passion for the craft is evident in every film, TV special, etc.
I love his charm!
What I love most about Gene Kelly is his ability to be masculine coupled with soft movement. I feel his confident and assertive masculinity even in the most romantic, soft gestures. The effortlessness of his movements and the gleam in his eyes pulled me in as a young child. He has been my favorite dancer from singing in the rain through Xanadu. I personally believe he was the most versatile, most unique, and just purely the best dancer that has ever lived.
I love his athleticism, and the way he moved. He had amazing grace and style that remains unmatched to this day. With Kelly, there was no fakeness or inaccuracy; he was as real as you could possibly get. When I see his films, I am still amazed of how quick and in tune he really was, especially when it came to dancing.
What do I love about Gene Kelly? He has a charm and charisma that can literally be felt despite the passage of time and confines of a screen.
I love Gene Kelly’s athleticism, the scar on his face, his Irish-ness, his terrific terpsichorean feats, and masculine pulchritude
What I love most about Gene Kelly is his lovely smile. Anytime I watch any movie of his, I absolutely melt when I see him smile. He was a dashing fellow. Not to mention, he could act, sing, and dance his heart out. He was a triple threat in his heyday.
Gene Kelly is one of the greatest dancers of all time had such an easy style and he could also act and sing he was an all around entertainer
Hi Terry, I can’t seem to find your tweet. Could you please confirm that you tweeted, or just let me know if you don’t have a twitter account. Thanks so much 🙂
Oh wow. It’s hard to narrow it down, I mean, what’s not to love about Gene Kelly? His amazing talent, that great smile, the way he makes every dance seem so effortless? I guess what I like the most is knowing that I can watch pretty much any of his musicals and it will leave me feeling happy.
You could see his love for dancing in every move he made & the joy was all over his face. Also, he made it look so natural.
Gene Kelly had MOVES! I love watching his every move.
Hi Virginia, I can’t seem to find your tweet. Could you please confirm that you tweeted, or just let me know if you don’t have a twitter account. Thanks so much 🙂
The thing I love most about Gene Kelly is his passion for dance, and how he brings that passion to his audience.
There’s no one like Gene Kelly! Consummate performer and dancer. I love everything about that era. I was definitely born too late! I would love to add this book to my library!!
Hi Sharon, I can’t seem to find your tweet. Could you please confirm that you tweeted, or just let me know if you don’t have a twitter account. Thanks so much 🙂
I loved the way he moved. He doesn’t seem to dance as much as he seemed to flow from one movement to the next.
Hi David, I can’t seem to find your tweet. Could you please confirm that you tweeted, or just let me know if you don’t have a twitter account. Thanks so much 🙂
I love this man’s obvious talent but moreover his dedication to his craft. He made everything he did look effortless and so graceful, but he put hours of intense work into it. So thankful for being able to enjoy all his work
Hi Cristina, I can’t seem to find your tweet. Could you please confirm that you tweeted, or just let me know if you don’t have a twitter account. Thanks so much 🙂
I love how he always put the movie first, it just showed what a great actor he was.
I love his athletic, yet refined, style of dancing!
I love Gene Kelly’s dancing.
What I love most about Gene Kelly is the fact that he’s the common person’s dancer. In so many of his dances he just wears a t shirt and sandals and makes brilliant use of the ordinary things around him–he didn’t need a top hat and tails or special effects to make his dancing absolutely magical and wonderous. Every one of his dances seems like he’s trying to exalt the spirit of the common person to an incomprehensible level of joy.
Fred Astaire was the elegance, Gene Kelly was the muscle. Every movement seemed like it had power and force behind it while still looking light and easy. I also feel he was a fine and often underrated actor. There are only a handful of Hollywood stars in history that have appealed to both men and women equally. I believe that Kelly is one of those.
I’ll list the obvious reasons first: love his effortless dance moves, his good looks, his singing voice…especially when he sang Singin’ in the Rain (it’s guaranteed to brighten up your mood). Also love his physique, he had great legs!
But another reason why I have great respect for him was how kind he was to Judy Garland. Even during her hardest/lowest times he was there for her and always a supportive friend. I believe during the filming for both The Pirate and Summer Stock he would pretend to be sick just so Judy could have the day off. So I felt that said a lot about him as a person. Also admire his dedication to his work. He may have been an intense perfectionist but it paid off in the end! Look at the legacy he left behind.
Not exactly sure what I love about Gene. From the time I saw An American In Paris on the CBS Late Movie when I was 13 or so, I’ve been a fan, and have now seen most of his films. Brilliant choreographer and dancer. Great actor with a down-to-earth style. Nobody ever acted being in love better than him. I think he’s a fantastic singer. Great director. But I guess I just think he’s very cool and I always hoped I could be as charismatic. Cynical yet sincere. Seen it all, but still idealistic. A typical American guy.
Plus, a good citizen, who cared about his country and the world. Guess that’s all I can say.
I loved watching all his movies you can tell just how much he put his heart into every dance move by seeing the way he moved it just felt genuine
Gene Kelly was a master showman and an incredible talent. Weaned in vaudeville and groomed on Broadway it was inevitable that he would eventually electrify Hollywood. He could do it all: sing, dance, act, direct and of course…choreograph. A true genius!
The thing I love the most about Kelly is his working class attitude. Gene’s characters were always down to earth, regular joes, the kind of guy you’d go have beers with after a hard days work. His athleticism was distinctly different from Astaire’s casual grace, and though both were masters at their craft, Kelly was definitely the most accessible.
Hi Gary, I can’t seem to find you tweet. Could you please confirm that you tweeted, or comment back here to let me know if you don’t have a twitter account. Thanks!
My favorite aspect was that smile. He smiles when he’s singing and when he’s dancing. I just fall in love every time. That grin, that scar, just oozes masculinity and charm. The fact that he could be stereotypically “manly” while doing something as intimate and vulnerable as dancing will never fail to amaze me. I never knew him but I can tell by that smile that he was an interesting, kind man devoted to authenticy.
Other than his dancing, I like how Gene Kelly can also play dramatic roles like he did in “Inherit the Wind”. I had always associated him with “Singin’ in the Rain”, but when I saw “Inherit the Wind”, I really became a fan of his. Plus, he is incredibly handsome.
I do have a Twitter account. My username is @zepporella.
Gene Kelly had a multitude of gifts and talents. His choreography and ability to teach dance were impeccable, as were his gift of spirit in his acting abilities. Although, he wasn’t known for his voice, I find it rich, yet playful and serenely comforting.
Hi Gaylinne, Unfortunately this contest has ended, but please keep checking back on this blog because we have lots of other contests now and slated through the end of the year!