BEGIN THE BEGUINE from Broadway Melody of 1940
One of the most famous tap dances ever captured on film comes to us in the extended dance sequence to Begin the Beguine written by Cole Porter from the movie Broadway Melody of 1940, a terrific movie well worth watching in its entirety. The dance clip from the movie shown below is the most famous part of the celebrated and long finale where Fred Astaire and Eleanor Powell create a duet of powerful partners. This is the only movie that both appeared in. Powell was seen as Astaire's equal in ability, the only partner that he apparently was a bit intimidated by. They were quite formal as they worked together, but ultimately created indelible images about which Frank Sinatra said "you'll never see the likes of this again".
Click above to watch Begin the Beguine, the fabulous finale.
Earlier in the extended dance sequence to this famous song is this jewel of a duet between Astaire and Powell that has flamenco roots. It is so beautiful in its simplicity. Often overlooked, this duet is so seamless and elegant and quite different for both dancers.
The gorgeous flamenco inspired section of Begin the Beguine.
A word about Broadway Melody of 1940:
Several Broadway Melody movies were made. Eleanor Powell made her stunning film debut in the Broadway Melody of 1936. She also appearing in the 1938 version. All about adventures performing on Broadway, the 3 movies had little else in common. But Broadway Melody of 1940 stands out from the others. One reason why is that the movie is a realistic portrayal of how devastating alcoholism is. George Murphy plays the character of a professional dancer who is overwhelmed by drink. What I particularly appreciate about it is how the film describes the transformation that alcohol makes in Murphy's character as he changes from a good natured hard working guy into an angry violent man, a clear characteristic of alcohol addiction.
Astaire is so charming in several dances from this movie as he flies over furniture and plays ragtime piano (he was a professional quality musician). Murphy and Astaire also have a delightful duet in the beginning of the movie. There are many wonderful dances in this movie and it deserves to be seen whole. Here is the delightful Astaire solo I've Got My Eyes On You from the movie. A note about context: Astaire plays a dancer secretly in love with EP. He finds her photo and compact (looks like a tennis ball) and "improvises" on stage thinking no one sees him. But of course Eleanor Powell is on the sidelines peeking.
Several Broadway Melody movies were made. Eleanor Powell made her stunning film debut in the Broadway Melody of 1936. She also appearing in the 1938 version. All about adventures performing on Broadway, the 3 movies had little else in common. But Broadway Melody of 1940 stands out from the others. One reason why is that the movie is a realistic portrayal of how devastating alcoholism is. George Murphy plays the character of a professional dancer who is overwhelmed by drink. What I particularly appreciate about it is how the film describes the transformation that alcohol makes in Murphy's character as he changes from a good natured hard working guy into an angry violent man, a clear characteristic of alcohol addiction.
Astaire is so charming in several dances from this movie as he flies over furniture and plays ragtime piano (he was a professional quality musician). Murphy and Astaire also have a delightful duet in the beginning of the movie. There are many wonderful dances in this movie and it deserves to be seen whole. Here is the delightful Astaire solo I've Got My Eyes On You from the movie. A note about context: Astaire plays a dancer secretly in love with EP. He finds her photo and compact (looks like a tennis ball) and "improvises" on stage thinking no one sees him. But of course Eleanor Powell is on the sidelines peeking.
Eleanor Powell, the greatest tap dancer who ever lived.
Eleanor Powell was in Hollywood less than 7 years. She was a huge Broadway success prior to being in movies. In fact, Hollywood was really a step down for her. She was queen of tap, thought by many to be the best tap dancer ever. Early in her training she studied gymnastics. It is the combination of that gymnastic flexibility with her fabulous tap technique that makes her an icon. Her trademark is to kick her leg straight up into the air (and I mean straight up, as if she is in a split in air) and then to immediately touch the floor behind her bending over backwards. I've never seen anyone else accomplish this and executing it with such grace and beauty at the same time. Eleanor Powell is a great inspiration to any dancer.
Unfortunately Hollywood did not treat her well. She exited her contract at MGM early as the studio cast her in more and more secondary roles. In 1941's Lady Be Good cast Powell in a lesser role to the lead who was Ann Southern in her first movie. She was also considered to be too old to play opposite Gene Kelly in his breakout role in 1942's For Me and My Gal. (Kelly and Powell were actually the same age.) Judy Garland got the part instead. The studio also often paired her with Red Skelton is less than adroit films. She retired from film, resurrecting her dance career for several years in her 50s through her knockout nightclub act.
The film clips shown below showcase her incredible talent.
Her movie credits include Born to Dance, Broadway Melody of 1936, Rosalie, Broadway Melody of 1938, Honolulu, Broadway Melody of 1940, Lady Be Good, Ship Ahoy and I Dood It (the last 2 costarring with Red Skelton).
Unfortunately Hollywood did not treat her well. She exited her contract at MGM early as the studio cast her in more and more secondary roles. In 1941's Lady Be Good cast Powell in a lesser role to the lead who was Ann Southern in her first movie. She was also considered to be too old to play opposite Gene Kelly in his breakout role in 1942's For Me and My Gal. (Kelly and Powell were actually the same age.) Judy Garland got the part instead. The studio also often paired her with Red Skelton is less than adroit films. She retired from film, resurrecting her dance career for several years in her 50s through her knockout nightclub act.
The film clips shown below showcase her incredible talent.
Her movie credits include Born to Dance, Broadway Melody of 1936, Rosalie, Broadway Melody of 1938, Honolulu, Broadway Melody of 1940, Lady Be Good, Ship Ahoy and I Dood It (the last 2 costarring with Red Skelton).
Click above to watch her graceful and fabulous style as she sings and dances at a pajama party. The dance begins at the 1:30 mark.
Click above to watch Eleanor duet with a dog from Lady Be Good.
Eleanor appearing with Buddy Rich in the 1942 movie Ship Ahoy staring Powell and Red Skelton. Buddy Rich was an amazing and spectacular drummer. Powell matches his brilliance and more, showing off her training in gymnastics.
Watch Eleanor and Buddy Rich make rhythmic history together.
Eleanor Powell is a perfect role model for how gracefully a human can move. She is so fluid in her movements, showing no stress at all in often very difficult circumstances. Watching Ms. Powell helps us to understand how develop similar qualities. Qualities of strength, effortlessness and grace in spite of all kinds of difficulties.