Bob Fosse, Debbie Reynolds, Bobbby Van and Barbara Ruick Dance and Sing

Great moment from The Affairs of Dobie Gillis, the 1953 movie. While the movie is pleasant, it is raised to more memorable heights by three or four great song and dance numbers by it's talented stars, including this one. Bob Fosse is in the sweater and has the light socks. Barbara Ruick sings.

[@erpollock]

Bob Fosse gives 120%. No wonder he expected so much of his dancers. This clip makes it clear that Bob Fosse was a fabulous dancer - before he became a legendary choreographer. A valuable piece of dance history.

[@paacer]

Always interesting to see the master of choreography dance . I wonder who choreographed this and I hope he gave him as hard a time as the dancers he choreographed .

[@aidennewell4034]

Hello Eileen, How are you doing?

[@jenn976]

According to IMDB, the choreographer was Alex Romero. Check out the work of the other male dancer, Bobby Van. Superb.

[@cynthiacook1646]

Check him out, along with Bobby Van in the movie, "Kiss Me Kate." Grate songs and dances.

[@geewhiz3131]

Excellent observation and comments ⭐️ he's an idol. My brother worked on Bdway w him on his last show, Big Deal. I was in his presence a few mins. A thrill. He died about a yr later 😢

[@brianobrien7983]

I love the way Bobby Van never looks like he’s dancing. He just moves in time with the music! It’s amazing!

[@supme7558]

He had a genius Choreographer

[@beverlyledbetter4906]

They love putting him and Fosse together. They were in two other films: Kiss Me Kate and My Sister Eileen!

[@peteradaniel]

Early Fosse. Still incredibly idiomatic. Off-beats, unconventional movements. His style is so defined and identifiable throughout his career. One of the greatest choreographers of the 20th century.

[@cynthiacook1646]

Left out dancers!

[@bryanleigh6497]

@@cynthiacook1646 Wish he'd danced in a lot more musicals, brilliant

[@marccng9804]

好萊塢舞蹈人才也❣️

[@wookinooki9023]

That's all fine and dandy except for one thing: it ain't his choreography in this movie.

[@bixster2260]

Wow the extension on Bob’s moves. I was born in 1953 and watching these movies always entertained my young eyes. Bobby Van too! The good old days.

[@lukeyznaga7627]

EXACTLY. Fosse's extensions...! sort of like the way Jim Carrey moves when doing comedy.

[@jillianclark4076]

Hi! I say ditto to all you just said( born May1953). I was privileged to see many insanely great musicals on TV, and live at our Regional Theatre in Woodland Hills, CA. Great times.

[@poetcomic1]

Bobby Van and Bob Fosse also in 'Kiss Me Kate! Wow!

[@bixster2260]

@@jillianclark4076 I lived in the Valley from ‘78 to ‘84.

[@goldpet66]

What a thrill it is to see this, almost 70 years later. 70 YEARS! And it still seems as fresh and modern as yesterday. :)

[@6tttchik]

It truly IS AMAZING that we get to watch this almost 70 years later! How lucky are we!!! And the quality is impeccable.

[@maryannsulic1174]

What movie was this in?

[@6tttchik]

@@maryannsulic1174 The Affairs of Dobie Gillis en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Affairs_of_Dobie_Gillis

[@Twentythousandlps]

Not surprisingly, Bob Fosse was the best of all possible Fosse dancers. Somehow he stylizes the gestures like no one else could.

[@PecanSandees23]

Absolutely wonderful!! And Bobby Van was an underrated dancer/actor too.

[@dylanakent]

Fosse always digs in deeper, fans out wider, every single movement is EXTRA and that's what makes it Fabulous.

[@coreycox2345]

This one was amazing. I have seen his choreography but not much of him dancing. Wow.

[@catherinecrawford2289]

Completely true, every bit of his body is engaged in the dance, and there is something about how small his feet are that made him seem more ethereal. The amazing Bobby Van was dwarfed by Bob's talent in this scene, and the girls might as well not have been there.

[@AJ-ld5mv]

@@coreycox2345 you should watch him dance with Tommy Rall in my sister Eileen! He's AMAZING 😍

[@johnlorenzen4633]

You hit it! Deeper !

[@shawnrice9015]

Fosse was way ahead of his time ...❤️❤️❤️

[@kathleenschuman6131]

I love these old musicals - so much incredible talent. Ah, never see the likes of this again.

[@Madmen604]

😮nobody did Fosses like Fosse. Smooth as silk.

[@VW613]

Bobby Van & Debbie are incredible!!❤❤

[@peacenow4456]

Debbie adorable, always my childhood fav, bless her.

[@sublimelyh70]

Bob Fosse was such an incredible dancer...

[@oldgrumpy4601]

sublimelyh70 did you notice how the white cuffs and white socks tended to draw your eyes to Fosse’s hands and feet emphasizing his movements (and yes he was fantastic)

[@maggiegarber246]

And he enjoyed dancing so much, by the look of him

[@vanzofaust]

...and choreographer!

[@jeffwatkins352]

There may one day be a phenomenon as incandescently talented and supercharged as Bob Fosse, but they've yet to appear.

[@lukeyznaga7627]

truth! Bob Fosse created a whole new style of dance that is still done now, on Broadway and dance theater shows, musicals.

[@meman6964]

Michael Jackson in the same league

[@supme7558]

​@@meman6964not even close

[@jeffwatkins352]

@@meman6964 ??? So not.

[@MickMickey]

He is phenomenal!

[@ktmggg]

Bob Fosse looks so sweet-faced and innocent in this. Kinda hard reconcile this with his depiction of himself in All That Jazz.

[@YouzTube99]

Yep, Fosse was two different people on/off screen. This was well know amongst those who knew and worked with him.

[@tombennett1195]

ktmggg, that's exactly what I thought when I saw him in "Kiss Me Kate" (1953).

[@maggiegarber246]

I saw a couple of interviews with him, and those kind of tempered my opinion of him. He certainly had flaws but he also was a kind of wounded person, you know? In the whole history of addiction, I don’t think there has been anyone who had fallen into that trap, but who had a healthy self esteem.

[@bobnbutters]

And he’s got hair! ;p

[@secondsightcinema3957]

@@maggiegarber246 Makes sense when you think about it. If you feel comfortable in your skin, you don’t crave numbness, sedation, artificial stimulation, oblivion. If reality isn’t painful, you don’t seek chemical escape. To me this seems like a much more productive approach to addiction than creating an identity as an addict...

[@imlistening1137]

I just adore Debbie Reynolds!

[@lukeyznaga7627]

Now Bobby Van did show that he seems to movie with the music. Timing and and smoothness.

[@Jasper7182009]

Lots of praise for Fosse in the comments but I couldn’t keep my eyes off of Bobby Van dancing. He is smooth. And he seems to glide and float with no effort. I see the effort in Fosse’s dancing.

[@MrCrowebobby]

Because he only makes it halfway though any of the movements. But he had more "star" quality than Fosse, who was a great dancer, but still just a dancer.

[@maggiegarber246]

His body type , size, and looser clothing might camouflage some of his efforts, making his dancing seem effortless. Just a ?

[@luishumbertovega3900]

Lots of talented artists in that scene !!!

[@craigkdillon]

I had no Idea Bobby Van was so good. Keeping up with Fosse I did not expect. What a cool routine.

[@cards0486]

Love Debbie and Bobby Van. But, Bob Fosse...dancing...can you EVER get enough?

[@MARIANSCATLIFFE]

One word Fosse genius period

[@michaelknapp8961]

Man I absolutely love watching this!!! It’s fun isn’t it?

[@33Jenesis]

Fosse already got some of his signature styles in his young age. It is really different and distinct, to this day, still recognizable whenever someone borrows it.

[@sheilabloom6735]

Kiss Me Kate.

[@junerobinson9963]

Yes love Bobby Van. And Debbie. She danced up a storm in Singing in the Rain too

[@ds7675]

Geez, I forgot all about Bobby Van and I remember I always like him. Thanks for the clip!

[@tgallemore]

I LOVE Bobby Van!

[@aidennewell4034]

Hello TERRY, How are you doing?

[@judicoady9641]

There are those who can dance and those who ARE dance. This clip really shows the difference. I’ve not seen Fosse before. Just wow

[@gretgirl6750]

Bob Fosse...the Mozart of 20th century dance! I could watch him forever!!!

[@davidallen508]

Classics or not,I can enjoy any Debbie Reynolds movie because of her alone and I’m so pleased I had a chance to tell her so when I was lucky enough to meet her after her brilliant one woman show down here in New Zealand.Debbie was so special.Love her forever.

[@colleenposadas8415]

She seemed sweet through and through. Sad about she and her daughter dying.

[@6tttchik]

Wow! That must have been incredible to experience meeting her and actually speaking to her in person. A memory to cherish.

[@irenakaczmarek]

Bob Fosse jako młodzieniec. Stał się geniuszem nowoczesnych przedstawień muzycznych, gdzie był perfekcyjny taniec, choreografia i muzyka. Kocham to co stworzył i jego samego.

[@MrCrowebobby]

Bob Fosse jako młodzieniec -- for a second I thought someone was saying his last name was "Fosse jako młodzieniec."

[@gxl5892]

I always liked Barbara Ruick. She was so funny as the stepsister in Rodgers and Hammerstein's 1965 Cinderella with Lesley Ann Warren.

[@jadenova]

I am familiar with how Bob Fosse looks later in his life but when I saw him in this movie I recognized him right away.

[@dianewilliams1125]

Love Bobby Van! Moved like silk!

[@6tttchik]

❤ I love your phrase "moved like silk". That truly describes Bobby Van's dancing in this.

[@AsYourCruiseDirector]

TV star Robert Fuller is sitting at table directly behind Bob Fosse, at left 0:30. He appeared in many films, sometimes in the chorus, most notably during the “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” number in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.”

[@jamihede4440]

Dang! I just love watching Fosse dance! And that grin!

[@mariellouise1]

Nice to see them all so playful and uncomplicated.

[@fightingforjesuschrist317]

Fosse lights up room wherever he goes! This is real entertainment and dance!

[@maggiea8488]

Barbara Ruick was married to composer John Williams till her death. Their son is the lead singer of Toto.

[@6tttchik]

What the what?!? Really - I love Toto and I never knew that. Thank you for mentioning this.

[@lindaward1264]

WOW! I've never seen that clip before. What an amazing dance routine!

[@monique6549]

LOVE these classic musical movies!!

[@TedK817]

GREAT number! I directed Bobby Van in his last stage show, DAMN YANKEES back in 1979. We added dance music in "Two Lost Souls" just so we could feature his amazing talent.

[@bobtheblindbedroomguitaris8742]

Ted Kopulos how really cold out of this Bobby van was my father's first cousin and I had met him a few times I even got to go backstage at No No Nanette and I met blue tequila and Jack Gilford and passatelli it was a really nice guy down to earth and I'm sure you must have known because you worked with him well thanks for your replies

[@jacquelinerichardson9591]

Robert Sutton may not

[@alexlynch8901]

As I was watching, I was reminded of that song. There was a twenty year period when Gwen Verdon could've seduced me, though she'd might have had to shove past Juliet Prowse.

[@rogermaes6001]

Simply great... like always with Bob Fosse.

[@КсенияКсения-с3т]

Какая красота!!❤

[@kathrynmolesa1641]

Loved those old college movies.

[@markleder6861]

Barbara Ruick! I've never seen her outside of "Carousel"!!

[@paules3437]

Good ol' "Bobbby" Van.... : )

[@JMarieCAlove]

I'm watching the Fosse/Verdon documentary! He was a genious in choreography and of course his dancing..He was one talented man! And his style of dancing still lives on! 💗

[@debrahuddleston2551]

And I can’t get enough of Sam Rockwell!

[@daviddixon1011]

Such a talented quartet.Debbie was barely 20 but was the equal of the guys.Only Debbie had a successful movie career .Barbara and Bobby Van died far too young.Fosse was a Broadway legend but a troubled guy.These lesser known MGM musicals need to be widely available

[@lisawilliams2013]

Debbie also more than held her own with Gene Kelly and Donald O’Connor in Singin’ in the Rain. She was just a powerhouse dancer in a petite package!

[@jillianclark4076]

We absolutely need a Musicals Channel.

[@StubbyandShifu]

Fosse wrote, directed, and choreographed movies like Cabaret and Sweet Charity.

[@paillette2010]

Fosse was extremely successful across stage and screen. Even Debbie admitted she was outclassed. She drove them nuts on the set of SitR because she needed so much rehearsal

[@rsmith1820]

Back in the days when dancers DANCED!!! Not the roll around on the floor, lift one leg in the air, pretend like they're going through so much angst routine performed by EVERY kid that went to dancing school today

[@LindaRuthPSCS]

I loved Dobie Gillis as a kid--now I remember why. That kind of joie de vivre makes you forget your troubles--very non-angsty.

[@aidennewell4034]

Hello Linda, How are you doing?

[@jazzroomcabaret]

How great it is!

[@brianobrien7983]

Star power is a funny thing. It's interesting how appealing both Bobby Van and Debbie Reynolds are in every way. Bob Fosse was the better dancer and Barbara Ruick was the better singer and this song was clearly their moment, but you still can't help but watch the other two even before they join the number.

[@ritabarker6802]

Yes I agree!

[@happyclam1266]

Fosse put everything into dancing, and there wasn't much left for anything else. He wanted to be the MC in his own production of Cabaret the film, but the producer wanted Joel Grey instead. It was actually a good call. Fosse could do it all but his dancing spoke louder than anything else on screen. You can see that in the Snake in the Grass dance from The Little Prince--it's wonderful but I don't think he could carry a whole film as a leading man or central character.

[@aliciablankenship6663]

Anyone notice the guy sitting at the table on the left is the actor Robert Fuller, he was a dancer before he started acting.

[@davidsigalow7349]

Bob Fosse was the best showman of his generation. Plus, like all the great ones, he made the superhuman look effortless.

[@supme7558]

Oh his and all they came after his gen hello

[@sandykravetz4523]

Fosse and Van were also featured dancers on “Kiss Me Kate.” Great to see this clip of them.

[@2KRW]

I'll forsake enlightenment, ANYTHING, just let me dance like Fosse!

[@hamsterdiving7593]

So i watch this clip of Debbie Reynolds dancing, and she's great! I dont understand then, why she was so intimidated after getting the role in "Singin' In The Rain", saying in interviews that she had to learn how to dance because she had no experience... 🤔🤨

[@elliestar88]

Why havn't all the classics like this come out on DVD??? It's so frustrating!

[@fabricepawlicki3285]

Yes....Madame Williams Rouick.... Woah, quelles classe quelle élégance.... Beauté chanteuse et danseuse, j'adore... Vraiment une très grande Dame, disparu trop jeune malheureusement... RIP.... # catherine Nasic

[@shadowknight9807]

I saw "All That Jazz" years ago - story about Bob Fosse. I will never forget the scene when they open up his chest for heart surgery. They put some contraption that opens up his ribs bilaterally!! He wore himself with work and cigarettes I would guess. Never knew he actually danced - simply thought he was a choreographer.

[@latejanaurbana1589]

He is gorgeous at every angle and saucy.

[@Weesperbuurt]

Bobby Van reminds me of Ray Bolger here.

[@pedroluginick21]

Bob Fosse before Cabaret.old lovely days.

[@bobtheblindbedroomguitaris8742]

It's so nice to see how many people still remember and love Bobby van Bobby van was my dad's first cousin I had met him several times he was such a nice guy and it's a shame besides so early p

[@goldpet66]

l adored Bobby Van. He should have been so much more recognized because his talent was amazing. That he holds his own against Bob Fosse is a testament to how gifted he was. I'm so sorry that your family lost him so early. He was a gift to the world. Thank you for sharing your story and many blessings,

[@deeannemason7003]

Bouncing Bobby Van!

[@MrRichiekaye]

This number, don't forget Judy and Mickey, I wish I were in love again! So similar!!

[@KoreyHill]

Just enjoy the video. Goodness.

[@dilaylaacosta1411]

Thanks very much 😊😎

[@MrRichiekaye]

FANTASTIC

[@maxlinder5262]

I didn't know Debbie Reynolds could sing & dance....😊😅

[@Dan-vt3nk]

Awesome!

[@classical7745]

Hubo un tiempo en que la cultura y el arte estaban vivos.

[@reportergirl900]

Carleton Carpenter was supposed to do this movie but unfortunately since MGM wanted his public to see him in more manly roles they put him in Take The High Ground which is a typical rigorous training camp for soil sets about to go to war, plus Carleton had worked so well with Debbie in Two Weeks with Love and Three Little Words, plus he was also in a relationship with Barbara Ruick. I think that Carp should have done this movie. He probably would have made it a hit.

[@flickrennels]

Wow 🤩 Fosse

[@angeliqueli5270]

pretty Bárbara!!!

[@aliciablankenship6663]

Robert Fuller is sitting in table on right of stairs!

[@lavenderliberal]

Wow! 5 stars!

[@kwdrm1]

Bobby Van in his younger days before he excelled as a game show host.

[@tnate6004]

I don't think I've ever seen Bobby Van in anything that wasn't a game show.

[@rosemorris7912]

Then check out Small Town Girl with Jane Powell, Farley Granger, and Ann Miller.

[@ianedwards4400]

Yes, this is an exquisite dance sequence from the MGM musical-comedy, "The Affairs of Dobie Gillis' starring MGM's darling, Debbie Reynolds and those two twinkle toed dancers, Bob Fosse and Bobby Van, plus the lesser known Barbara Ruick. While Bob Fosse choreographed many Broadway stage musicals, he did also grace a few films like My sister Eileen and Kiss me Kate. Bobby Van had a memorable sequence in the film 'Give a girl a break'. He was caught in the tail-end of the MGM's reign of musicals. Debbie's famous number from this film was "All I do is dream of you the whole night through'. Later, this film was made into a TV series with Dwayne Hickman and Tuesday Weld, in which Warren Beatty also guested.

[@rony41165]

Beatty wasn’t a guest on dobie gillis he was a cast member but left to pursue film work.

[@ianedwards4400]

@@rony41165 Thanks for the information. I saw him in only one episode in which he was remarkable. A great looker and true-blue movie star of the 60's. I loved his Splendor in the grass, All fall down and The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone.

[@rony41165]

@@ianedwards4400 I think he appeared in 10 episodes but when he got a movie offer he abruptly left the show

[@CarmenZynger]

Does anyone here know if Bobby Fosse choreographed this dance? It's brilliant, and it looks like early Fosse. Still holds up 60 years later. Awesome!

[@trentdotson1522]

BAM! POW!

[@sickheadache9903]

Barbara Ruick was married to Composer John Williams until her sudden death in 1974.

[@susan174]

💔💖💗💞

[@peppertree8244]

WOW!!! Somehow, I've never seen Bob Fossee dance. Holy smokes! Bobby Van has ALWAYS been good but kind of looks like he's just walking through the moves next to Fosse. Same as all great tenors put next to Pavarotti. A few just have that something extra.

[@perpetual61]

The name of the song is " You Can't Do Wrong Doin' Right."

[@miltsar]

There is a rare cd of a studio recording of OH KAY an early Gershwin musical. Barbara Ruick sings the lead and she has a very beautiful voice...sort of in the Doris Day style. I was surprised to hear how lovely her voice was...not " jazzy " like in this number

[@nicholaswhitman1757]

Good part

[@rettathomas837]

What’s the name of this movie?

[@cs_fl5048]

Bobby Van is good.. Fosse -- it was almost like his joints weren't fully attached or something. He could MOVE, and his kick were arrow straight.

[@RJS1974]

Debbie Reynolds is easily the best dancer of them all. Not even close.

[@lexdunn4160]

???? Bob Fosse.

[@panvas1975]

@Καλλιόπη Κατσικαβέλη.....your favorite Bob Fosse....

[@patrickhawkins4677]

The set is very reminiscent of the set used several years later on I Love Lucy when they moved to Connecticut. The fireplace looks very similar except it been refaced with different stone for I Love Lucy. Plus the staircase turns instead of going straight down. I wonder if it is the same set?

[@MrCrowebobby]

Fosse's a far better dance, but Van has the superior star quality.

[@bingovegas4867]

BOBBBY??? REALLLY?

[@AstralPixie]

I have to say, much like Gene Kelly, Bob Fosse had such a relaxed style. Their movements just seem to flow, as if it hadn't had been planned, it was just their bodies natural flow and movement ;) Your eyes are drawn to them.

[@TrinityRex-i6o]

Overall it was a nice performance but it do have some pointers. Many times during the dance it looks as if you don't have enough energy to complete it, such as the beginning. It gave the impression that you didn't enough force to start that way. That made it look slightly sloppy. Again as I said it still looked very well done overall. Bravo!

[@feoktistivanovich990]

Time when men where men, women were women. How beautiful they are!

[@claudermiller]

I was gonna ask which one was Fosse.....never mind. 😅😅😅

[@JustineWittich]

Fosse's fluidity is amazing in this one. Always liked Bobby Van, but he looks sort of awkward next to Fosse. Sigh

[@wwrigle2]

What's the name of the song please?