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So I'm almost done getting off the Eleanor Powell movies from the DVR. I was introduced to her dancing many years ago through Connie Willis' description of "Begin the Beguine" in Remake. Turner Classic ran five of her movies to celebrate her birthday recently: Broadway Melody of 1936, Broadway Melody of 1938, Honolulu, Born to Dance and Rosalie. The movies themselves are fairly forgettable plot wise. Like the Astaire & Rogers movies, the early ones feature some of the same character actors in lesser roles. Eleanor's character always seemed contrasted with some bitchy blonde rival. Her dancing are still the highlights of them all, both the quieter numbers and elaborate extravaganzas.
I can see why Ellie was considered the technician. But I still infinitely prefer Powell's style of dancing to Ann Miller's sexualized mannerisms.
Broadway Melody of 1938 also showcased a very young and very precocious Judy Garland ironically as the daughter of a theater family. Hard to believe she was ever used as a novelty act, but even you could tell she would be something special. What I didn't realize was the adverse effect Judy would have on Eleanor's career. Eleanor lost three roles to Judy. You can argue that Judy was a helluva lot more versatile and more mega watt star power, but still who knows what other roles or dance routines we might have seen.
There are amusing moments though. In "Born to Dance", a Navy uniformed Jimmy Stewart asks Eleanor Powell who she roots for during the Army-Navy game. "Well, Army, of course, because they always win!" (Somethings have changed) Then I cued up "Rosalie" where they're at West Point and the first scene is the Army-Navy game. *blinks*
I can see why Ellie was considered the technician. But I still infinitely prefer Powell's style of dancing to Ann Miller's sexualized mannerisms.
Broadway Melody of 1938 also showcased a very young and very precocious Judy Garland ironically as the daughter of a theater family. Hard to believe she was ever used as a novelty act, but even you could tell she would be something special. What I didn't realize was the adverse effect Judy would have on Eleanor's career. Eleanor lost three roles to Judy. You can argue that Judy was a helluva lot more versatile and more mega watt star power, but still who knows what other roles or dance routines we might have seen.
There are amusing moments though. In "Born to Dance", a Navy uniformed Jimmy Stewart asks Eleanor Powell who she roots for during the Army-Navy game. "Well, Army, of course, because they always win!" (Somethings have changed) Then I cued up "Rosalie" where they're at West Point and the first scene is the Army-Navy game. *blinks*
