For several decades, I have met many Hollywood stars in their later years, and it has always been a great joy for me. I would have liked to meet Fred Astaire, but I was able to “dance” with Gene Kelly.
In the 1980s, I interviewed him at his London hotel while he was here plugging in one of That’s Entertainment’s documentary films, which are well worth watching. Gene did three films at MGM in Borehamwood, which gave us something to talk about rather than his most famous films. I’ve always found it more productive to keep their interest.
Gene Kelly. Photo: MGM
Gene told me he found the pace of British filming slower than in Hollywood and the equipment not so modern, but it was the early 1950s. He fondly recalled that there was a pub next to the studio and he liked to go out for a drink with the crew.
At the end of the interview, when there was nothing to lose, I asked if I could do some very simple dance moves with him so I could say I once danced with Gene Kelly . He agreed, and of course it only lasted a few seconds, but I got lasting fame. Shortly after this column appeared, I got to see Giovanni from Strictly in his dance show with a backstage encounter. I am tempted to ask him the same thing, and why not since he was not born when I met Mr Kelly.
Singin’ in the Rain trailer: Donald O’Connor, Debbie Reynolds and Kelly (1952)
I’ve never been a good dancer; I can still hang out on a dance floor doing a waltz, but the Gay Gordons are beyond me. I was once my street’s peppermint twist champion in 1962, but the only way I’m ever going to twist again is for two people, one on each side, to lift me up when my knees lock.
Do you find that time has reduced you to dancing mom and dad and even then only after a drink or two? Were you able to copy John Travolta’s moves from Grease, but now you must be well oiled?
Roger in the 1930s
I met the legendary Ginger Rogers towards the end of her life, but alas, she was in a wheelchair. It was at a star tribute event and they presented him with a clip from an early 1930s movie with my friend Douglas Fairbanks Jr. It was 60 years later and host Robert Wagner and Doug, who looked very old, held her up to the lectern to say a few words. I couldn’t decide if it was cruel or something special.
As a host and organizer of nostalgic events, it’s a tough choice. In 1984, Doug agreed to attend an event at Elstree Studios to which I invited other veterans like Lord Grade, three-time Oscar-winning cinematographer Freddie Young and others. I decided to telephone Dame Anna Neagle and told her to come. Anna was reluctant due to her health, but Elstree meant so much to her that she agreed. As always, I had no budget, so they all made their way to the studio on their own. After the event, Anna called me to say it was so fun to be back after decades. Unfortunately, she passed away a few years later, so it was her last visit. I like to think that I didn’t exploit it.
Until next time, if you’re a driver or passenger in a car, remember the “click clunk every trip,” which is for my more mature readers.
- Paul Welsh MBE is a Borehamwood writer and historian of Elstree studios
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Source: www.times-series.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-05-15 15:22:03
