R.I.P Cyd Charisse
Yesterday one of the last remaining screen icons from the Golden Age of Musicals died from a heart attack at the age of 87.
What made Cyd so great? Well I can't tell you in so many words. To truly experience her grace and talent, try these videos on youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuJxYmJlEHY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YWBOfsXsDA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXKoojP3cV8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKdUmQGWlYg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61MEKyAQSpg
Beyond her dnacing ability, she was gorgeous, elegant, poised and actually was a pretty good actress. I love the scene in the Bandwagon where she has to pretend to be crying, or how about recreating Garbo's famous role as Ninotchka in Silk Stockings--and that look on her face in the Broadway Melody Ballet--cold and sizzling at the same time as she slinked around Gene Kelly. This lady danced with two of the greatest dancers of all time and completely held her own--and in Singin In the Rain she totally steals the show!
R.I.P Cyd Charisse--you will be deeply missed.