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He's Got Rhythm
- The Life and Career of Gene Kelly (Screen Classics)
- Narrated by: Cynthia Wallace
- Length: 19 hrs and 43 mins
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He's Got Rhythm
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Summary
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.
The book is published by The University Press of Kentucky.
"This book should become the new definitive biography on the multitalented Gene Kelly." (James Robert Parish, author of The Hollywood Book of Extravagance)
"The Bridesons have given us a thoroughly readable biography of Kelly that is conscientiously researched and authoritative." (Page Laws, Norfolk State University)
"Readers will get a well-documented recounting of a man who, despite shortcomings, believed that 'true talent seems to show itself most often in kindness.'" (Library Journal)
What listeners say about He's Got Rhythm
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Tracy Bleakley
- 10-04-24
fantastic
I loved this book one of my favourite dancers of all time. It was fascinating to listen to his amazing life. I was sad to hear he had a temper but I suppose that's what drove him to be the best. A myst for any Gene Kelly fans.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Bryan James
- 03-11-19
Great bio of the legendary Gene Kelly
As someone who loves classic Hollywood musicals, including most of Kelly's - Singing in the Rain, An American in Paris, Brigadoon, and Invitation to the Dance, I really enjoyed this audiobook and was somewhat sorry when I got to the end, even though it's nearly 20 hours long, which It didn't feel like!
I must admit I didn't know much about Gene Kelly personally and this book expertly and interestingly charts his life from cradle to grave. It's full of surprises, did you know he almost became a lawyer? Kelly comes across as a very driven, ambitious person and somewhat of a workaholic. Despite the extensive research, there remain some unanswered questions about his private life, which he guarded fiercely. However, this is not a kiss-and-tell book and what is revealed should be enough for most readers.
He had his faults - he was a perfectionist about his work and demanded the same from the people he worked with, sometimes aggressively. But he was also kind and generous and liked to help people - he was very caring and supportive to Fred Astaire when he got old and frail, for example. All in all, I ended up still admiring and liking him. I recommend this audiobook, it's also a history of the times and the other stars and talents he worked with and came into contact with
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Joan McAuley
- 05-08-21
Gene Kelly - a man of many talents
a long listen but worth it, facts I didn't know, a hardworking family man
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