He’s Got Rhythm

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.

Introduction: Ballet Dancer and Swaggering Tough
Part 1: "Who wants a choreographer from Pittsburgh?" 1912–1941
1. The Reluctant Dancer
2. A Depression-Era Kid
3. Kelly Mania
4. "It wasn't elegant, but it's me"
5. The Time of His Life
6. Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered
Part 2: Riding on a Rocket: 1941–1957
7. At the MGM University
8. New Heights
9. "I'm asking for the Navy"
10. The American Line
11. A Flaming Trail of Masculinity
12. The Renaissance Man
13. You Can Count on Me
14. Who Could Ask for Anything More?
15. Laughing at Clouds
16. What a Day This Has Been
17. The Unhappy Road
Part 3: Still Going Strong: 1957–1972
18. A Hundred Million Miracles
19. "I wear so many hats"
20. Looking for Enchantment
Part 4: Ambassador of His Art: 1972–Present
21. True Talent Shows Itself in Kindness
22. Contemporary Yet Timeless
Epilogue: Think of Him and Smile
Acknowledgments
Appendix A: Selected Stage Work
Appendix B: Selected Filmography
Appendix C: Selected Television Work
Notes
Selected Bibliography
Index