Cyd Charisse who was known for her dancing in classic films with Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly died Tuesday in Los Angeles She was in her mid-80s Her publicist confirmed to press that Charisse was admitted to the hospital Monday after suffering a heart attack and did not recoverA Texas native she got her start with the Ballet Russe but became known as a darling of the musicals of the 1940s and 50s Along with Rain Charisse starred in numerous classics including Ziegfeld Follies The Band Wagon and Brigadoon MGM was her home studio and she once described it as a fairyland says the AP Born as Tula Ellice Finklea Charisse married Nico Charisse in 1939 and then Tony Martin in 1948 She has two sons Tony Jr and NickySilk Stockings was the last of her dancing roles in films but she continued to act in dramatic roles making her Broadway debut in 1992 One of her more famous subsequent roles was as Dean Martins new wife in 1962s Somethings Got to Give which wa
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Question: I just had to respond to Jena's comments about implausabilities in the "plot" of High School Musical 2. Let's remember it is a preteen movie from Disney. I've seen all the Astaire/Rogers movies and I have to say that the implausabilities in their plots (and they are legion!) do not dim their charm one bit!
Answer: Excellent point. And to all you kiddies who haven't discovered Turner Classic Movies yet, we're talking Fred and Ginger here, the Depression-era precursors to Frankie and Annette — I don't think I've ever typed their names in the same sentence and doubt I'll ever do it again! Anyway, I can't remember how many times I've heard my mother remark how silly the plots of the Astaire/Rogers movies are, and yet who cares? As long as they keep dancing cheek to cheek, I'm in heaven. Also in reference to Jena's disdain for HSM2, here's this from Christine: "I have an 8-year-old in the house and had no choice but to watch the whole movie. I'm actually glad I did. I absolutel ...
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It took a while to adjust to holiday specials airing in November. I remember having only one chance to catch these programs as a kid, and that made them a little more special.As the flood of seasonal mirth begins, it's tricky to sift through all the different programs now available 24/7.When choosing what to watch, avoid any sequels or live-action remakes. They simply don't work.Also look for the four fundamental elements of any killer holiday special:1) Unique characters2) Memorable music 3) A lesson learned and4) A Santa appearance.Here are my top-five television holiday specials of all time.This list does not include any feature films. Miracle on 34th Street and It's a Wonderful Life do not qualify for this list.Honorable mention: Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town (1970).Major points for Fred Astaire, the Winter Warlock, Burgermeister MeisterBurger and "Put One Foot in Front of the Other," which almost made the list. Almost.5) Frosty the Snowman (1969)Happy birthday! Yes, it's fu...
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What with the flawless, energetic performances, the "Marry Me" signs in the audience and the endless praise from the judges, it was no surprise that Benji Schwimmer won Fox's So You Think You Can Dance last Wednesday. But the 22-year-old swing dancer from Redlands, California, says he "didn't comprehend it" when host Cat Deeley read his name. What we can't comprehend is how Benji performed in the finale, hopped on a red-eye flight to New York, appeared on a couple of TV shows, and still managed to be such a gosh-darn nice guy when TVGuide.com caught up with him on Thursday morning.
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What with the flawless, energetic performances, the "Marry Me" signs in the audience and the endless praise from the judges, it was no surprise that Benji Schwimmer won Fox's So You Think You Can Dance last Wednesday. But the 22-year-old swing dancer from Redlands, California, says he "didn't comprehend it" when host Cat Deeley read his name. What we can't comprehend is how Benji performed in the finale, hopped on a red-eye flight to New York, appeared on a couple of TV shows, and still managed to be such a gosh-darn nice guy when TVGuide.com caught up with him on Thursday morning.
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