A friend recently sent me this YouTube video, which is a series of dance clips featuring Rita Hayworth and synchronized to one of Madame BOF’s favorite songs, “Stayin’ Alive” (which makes this as good a time as any to be thankful that Robin Gibb awoke from his coma). It’s a brilliant mash-up, but also a welcome reminder of one of my all-time favorite screen goddesses, who was so beautiful it brings tears to my eyes—admittedly not much of an accomplishment. The contrast between the smoldering sexuality she displayed in her rendition of “Put the Blame on Mame“ from Gilda, and the elegant, lyrical romanticism of her “I’m Old Fashioned” number with Fred Astaire in You Were Never Lovelier, is simply breathtaking…as was she.
Thanks, Marty.
** — Also, Fred happened to love swing and jazz most of any music. Count Basie was one of his favorite bands, “St James Infirmary” was his favorite song of all time, and swing drumming was one of his favorite hobbies. (All of this according to various biographies I’ve read.) Also, a personal favorite of mine.