Donald O'Connor tap dancing on roller skates

Donald O'Connor in a roller-skating routine two years before Gene Kelly attempted a similar one. The song 'Life Has Its Funny Ups and Downs' is sung by Noreen Corcoran

[@derry667dingo]

Gene Kelly was really cool and all that, but I’ve always had my eyes glued on Donald O’Connor throughout Singing in the Rain. He was just so mesmerizing!

[@moniqrupley6019]

Yes. Singing in the Rain is perfect except for Debbie picking Gene. I'd have picked Donald.

[@davidrichards9654]

Maybe it was because Lena Lamont was after Don Lockwood aswell.

[@Chattycrafter2580]

I wasn’t a fan of Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire I thought was amazing. As for Donald O’Connor,I always wondered why he didn’t have the same success that Astaire and Kelly had, he had something special and he’s style of dancing seemed more relaxed it flawed. When you compare Kelly and O’Connor, Donald seemed to glide across the stage more in the style of Astaire, Gene Kelly had a gangly style more like Ray Bolger or Buddy Ebsen. Nevertheless they were great entertainers and we will never see the likes of them again.

[@Shazzadut1]

Me too. I always liked OConnor more than Kelly.

[@PatrolOfficer161]

One very good reason O'Conner only starred in one movie with Kelly. Kelly had cast, song, dance, and script approval in all his movies. The same reason Michael Kidd held a major grudge against Kelly after "It's Alaways Fair Weather" for cutting his (Kidd's) scene dnacing with the children. He (Kelly) insisted that anyone dancing with children would be him. Watch Kidd's acceptance of his special Oscar where he says that he almost didn't accept it until his wife told him it was time to forgive and forget.

[@rubenjames7345]

Amazing. Donald O'Connor was one of the most underrated entertainers... ever.

[@GeneralG1810]

I think he was the first one to do the run up the wall backflip in singing in the rain

[@djmotise]

Underrated? Says who?

[@susanjones9009]

Agreed!

[@LaundryFaerie]

The Academy still needs to give him a Lifetime Achievement Award.

[@macrumpton]

I remember seeing singing in the rain, and wondering why Gene Kelly got all the praise, when Donald O'Connor seemed to have the harder part.

[@stephaniecarrow4898]

Donald O'Connor has never gotten the full credit he deserves. What an amazing talent.

[@mcstreamy8866]

Some people thought Donald O'Conner was not an "A-List" talent during his career, but, during those years, I was an avid movie-goer, who was in awe of his substantial abilities as a dancer, a skate-dancer and singer in popular musicals of the day. He was always and still is, an A-Lister in my book.

[@barbarafox6128]

I met Donald O'Connor when I was 12 and he was probably on his mid thirties at Freeland Amusement Park in the Bronx, NY. I did a little skit with him which lasted about 15 minutes. I know I was only 12, but right then and there, I feel he love with him He had the most beautiful blue eyes. He was underrated and he was a fantastic performer and wonderful person I will never forget him.

[@karengerber8390]

Thank you for sharing your experience!

[@pamelajordan2890]

Wow one of those moments you'll never forget..I always loved these musical's .😸❤️

[@lottiestanley7696]

Lovely ❤️ He’s one of my favorite people 😊

[@christinegangadia2395]

How lovely to hear this story. ♥️

[@suzannejensen275]

I too was very lucky to have met and danced with Donald O'Connor. He was at a fundraiser my mother had taken me to. I too was 12 years old but I had no clue who he was I really wish I would've known I would've made a bigger deal about it. My mother told him I tapped dance I couldn't believe she did that and he asked me to come up on stage with him I didn't what to but she told me to do it. He asked me if he showed me some steps could I follow him and I told him yes. We danced a short routine and afterwards they gave me an autographed picture. I wish I knew what happened to it it has gotten lost over the years which makes me very sad. It wasn't till years later that I realized what an honor I had been given not only to have meet but also danced with Donald O'Connor. I was the only young female in that room full of women. Donald O'Connor was brought in to get the women to donate more money. I may not have his picture any longer but I still have my memories what a thrill. Sadly I didn't keep up with any of my dance classes either not only did I discontinue my tap but also ballet and jazz too school activities took over with gymnastics, track and cheerleading sadly became more important and my dream of becoming a dancer faded away. Donald O'Connor came from a time where the entertainers were triple threats they could sing, dance and act now days they can barely act.

[@ScreenTeamShow]

And it's not like he was some professional roller skater. He's a dancer who was like "i think i'll try rollerskates for this next movie."

[@neomatrix6749]

Ommg!!;) ive never realize who this guy was intil now!;)

[@carl_anderson9315]

@@neomatrix6749 Watch "Singin' In The Rain", with him, Gene Kelly and Princess Leia's mother Debbie Reynolds. It the greatest musical ever made and one of the greatest movieS EVER!! And I'm not even a big fan of musicals.

[@b0zzyk511]

SCREEN TEAM!!!!!! It's weird seeing you comment on a random video (granted it is 2 years ago). I love you Angie!

[@hearsthewater]

And your point is?

[@NoJusticeNoPeace]

Same thing with Michael Crawford. He's mainly a classically-trained actor, but did all his own stunts in _Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em,_ including the classic and absolutely amazing rollerskating sequence.

[@TheWriterWalker]

The little girl was so adorable. In the light of Donald's incredible feat, it's easy to forget that she held her own in this scene with him.

[@vintagegoldenage]

what movie?!

[@TheWriterWalker]

@vintagegoldenage Lol. "I Love Melvin" (a title I had never heard of before).

[@PatrolOfficer161]

You will thorougly enjoy her in the original "Angels in the Outfield".

[@TheWriterWalker]

@@PatrolOfficer161 Why, thank you, Sir! I didn't even know there was a previous, original version of that film.

[@PatrolOfficer161]

@@TheWriterWalker Not only that, it was superior in every way. A very early Janet Leigh who was georgous! Donna Corcoran will break your heart as you fall in love with her. One of Paul Douglas' better films with "Executive Suite".

[@kangadillo]

Donald O'Connor was a living miracle. "They don't make 'em like that anymore."

[@suesturges6022]

So talented....

[@milesarcher8502]

He could keep up with Gene Kelly, did that terrific "Make 'Em Laugh" routine in Singin in the Rain and was a gifted comedian, too!!!

[@singingfan]

Rick Blain truly iconic, in its truest form

[@colleenhoover7117]

Agreed! He was a treasure!

[@milesarcher8502]

@@colleenhoover7117 You have taste, Colleen!

[@bi-costalteacher1281]

He was dynamite! The triple threat! He could act, sing and dance! Loved him!!!

[@janwoodward7360]

Bi-Costal Teacher And he was really funny! That goofy grin,😄😍

[@kaleidoscope8743]

Sorry but if you look the wheels are locked. Still a feat of skill tho.

[@gabrielvidrio3210]

You know who also was a triple, maybe a quadruple or quintuple threat? Bobby Long, the child star from the 1947 movie "It Happened in Brooklyn". He was Super Talented too, but he never got to appear in Anything ever again. And no one knows whether he's dead, alive, or if (God forbid) he was murdered. Who would want to harm an innocent, talented, wonderful little boy like Bobby Long?...

[@Tomes23]

And easy on the eyes

[@hiccadoodledoo6545]

25 years ago I worked at a call center and he called to fix his account. He was adorable. I couldn't tell him I knew who he was. The second he said hi I knew who it was. He was polite and so personable. I remember seeing his movies when I was a kid.

[@de-lovely7859]

Hicca Doodle Doo Wow that’s so lovely to hear!😃💛

[@sherrimiller5258]

It’s so nice to hear when they’re as kind in private as the persona they show on screen.

[@belleferrar8898]

Donald O'Connor and Danny Kaye were two super talented, very special and gifted men who entertained us with nothing more than themselves. Aah, the good old days...

[@karenwoolsey1169]

Donald O’Connor was, without a doubt one of the best and most athletic dancers of his time. He and Gene Kelly made it look so easy. Man, this guy was skilled!

[@SOULRELIEF22]

Remember only you do for Christ will last! Time is winding up!

[@Tristramdeliones]

@@SOULRELIEF22 I'm telling him how much time you wasted botting on you tube fat chance getting into heaven!

[@mymelody2327]

He was so under appreciated for his talent. He's incredible

[@millierohenarivera9257]

A very good actor and dancer. Rest in peace

[@robertbyrne3169]

We do not have talent like Donald O'connor anymore such a shame

[@andredoracle6326]

The incomparable Donald O'connor. Seems to always have been playing second fiddle to the likes of Gene Kelly in movies, but boy, those movies would never be the same without him. Amazing talent!

[@paulkennedy8701]

More often than playing second fiddle to the likes of Gene Kelly he was playing second fiddle to Francis the Talking Mule.

[@jamilabrownie]

@@paulkennedy8701 lol

[@ManubibiWalsh]

He did my favorite part in Singing in the rain. It’s my favorite because he specifically played it. Amazing performer and yeah, definitely underrated.

[@MarkiplierTheHero]

"Don't worry about your worries,they're not pernament" is possibly the cutest thing I have ever heard

[@kurtiswichmann4699]

I'm most impressed at the length of the scene and the girl being able to remember and perform impeccable over the entire length! There are no breaks to study lines and movements!

[@joanwood9480]

Noreen Corcoran. She was Kelly on the series Bachelor Father

[@cz2165]

What’s incredible is how long the takes were. In recent dance musicals ( The Greatest Showman, eg) the camerawork is very choppy so there are hardly any long takes. Donald OConnor had to do more of his routine in one continuous shot. Really extraordinary.

[@mr.evasion]

With sound bites, edited, together, the delivery, loses it's ebb and flow...

[@kathrynmolesa1641]

Met him in Portland. He volunteered to act in the high school play for a Catholic School. What a gentleman, what a talent.

[@PoetGrl89]

Why do people feel the need to try and find what makes a movie a movie? Why does it matter if his skates were supposedly locked or not. Donald was so underappreciated, his talents were natural to him and he was able to do things because of his vaudeville background that regularly trained dancers aren't able to do. He was such a great talent, but not nearly appreciated enough.

[@johnnyy2604]

i 100% agree with you he was just amazing

[@2degucitas]

Because curiosity.

[@alisonbell3561]

He was one in a million, a true triple threat. It kills me that he never achieved the superstardom he so richly deserved.

[@marythompson3658]

Adrienne McNeil YOU ARE SO RIGHT!! HE WAS AMAZING!!!

[@kevinebarron]

Well put, forth with description, and ponder.... not sure either.

[@GinaBlythe]

Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers did a roller skate tap routine in SHALL WE DANCE, but Donald O'Connor KILLS it in this scene. Not many people can tap in skates, but he did and no one EVER tops Fred, but he DID!

[@thankyouverymuch]

Astaire probably got the idea from Charlie Chaplin's blindfolding skating dance the previous year. Chaplin didn't tap dance, but I imagine that if Astaire had seen him dancing around on skates while wearing a blindfold, and all the attention the scene was getting, he probably would've gotten the idea to incorporate skates into a routine of his own. (or whoever came up with the idea for him to do it) And Chaplin probably got the idea from someone else. All ideas come from somewhere. :)

[@larrylund2682]

Grace did everything Fred did only she did it in HEELS.

[@JustinShaedo]

@@larrylund2682 in heels and BACKWARDS!

[@hoodatdondar2664]

Clever, but look at Rogers, she is good, but can not QUITE keep up with Astaire.

[@GinaBlythe]

@@hoodatdondar2664 She did a fair job, but I think it was Powell that was the ONLY one who COULD keep up with Astaire and I think he said he never wanted to dance with her again because of it...but don't know if it was as a joke or serious...if he said it at all...

[@catballou5304]

I love Donald O’Connor - he was a rare talent! To those who give a thumbs down, better reevaluate your life. We are in dark times my friends. Find joy now where you can and pray for peace.

[@m.oriley8260]

Actually we are living in very good times. Human beings never had it better.

[@suzannejensen275]

@@m.oriley8260 Well considering we have been in a worldwide pandemic for over a year now. It's mutated into a stronger strain so people are still getting it even though they've been vaccinated and getting it more than once. So many have died from it and others can't recover from all the systems. I'm one of the long timers after suffering from the worst sickness I've ever had for five and a half weeks only to still have health problems now from it. They can't find any reason for the low oxygen level in my lungs and the ringing in my ears they just say they think it's a side effect from having the virus.

[@fabianagrassi5903]

What's the movie?

[@randywhite3947]

@@fabianagrassi5903 I Love Melvin

[@gatsbymaguire]

@@suzannejensen275 we have gone through worse but the exposure the internet gives to the bad stuff going on now does male it seem like things are worse than before

[@1stsharkb8]

He never got the credit he deserved for being an amazing dancer and hilarious to boot.

[@nathandodge665]

Yes he did

[@mehitabel1290]

D O'C was an incredible gymnast, with a lot of stage presence and charm. I've always been baffled why he never quite made the A list..

[@Realmasterorder]

He was Really great,but i think he might possibly have been overshadowed some,by the 2 biggest legends of that time, Gene kelly and Fraid Astair

[@CarolP2045]

That is so sad because he was better than both Gene and Fred put together. His taps were incredible.

[@markwakeman8232]

I agree, and the studios wee writing for those two, leaving D O'C to play second fiddle, as it wee. A giant talent.

[@nancyclark5067]

+CarolP....yes Donald was better than copy cats Gene and Fred.

[@ms.sonshine8878]

Mehitabel He did have that series of seven popular Francis the talking mule movies, which made millions.

[@acb1618]

No roller skates were harmed during this movie! Donald O´Connor, a wonderful artist who could perform with children, animals and Gene Kelly without being upstaged.

[@matthewwolski4581]

loved Donald O'Connor in all he did. 78 now and still watch whenever I can. and noreen, bless her and her role in I love Melvin. she passed away January 15, 2016. R.I.P.

[@derrytaylor7417]

I had the honor of meeting Donald O'Connor when I was about 20 years old. What a Lovely Man ♥️♥️⚘⚘

[@evelynkrueger2878]

He was underappreciated and was a great dancer, skater and actor!

[@ninan3913]

Evelyn Krueger and a great singer

[@MirlitronOne]

A true genius. The master. He consistently out-acted, out-sung and out-danced Gene Kelly in "Singin' in the Rain."

[@Pheebs77]

I think he was just as good a dancer as Gene Kelly. Watch them in the Moses Supposes routine, he matches Kelly step for step. Legend.

[@76marji]

not to mention the accompanying facial expressions!! 😂

[@iflarnted]

Better than Gene by a mile; a natural.

[@mijajajaja]

Or "Make 'em laugh" where he effortlessly bounces off the walls and performs stunts that are still being used in film and on stage today. He truly was one of the pioneers!

[@izzybella100]

GingerNinja I love that routine! Lets face it, it didn't hurt that Gene Kelly was so handsome and a brilliant chioreographer

[@roxannemaggiacomo1462]

Wait til you see "Are You With It" and the math dance.

[@NjorunsDream]

And to think I broke my leg only walking down stairs because I missed a step. This guy is incredible.

[@clarefeinson7201]

I broke five bones in my ankle the same way! As one of my doctor friends said, "You are always so thorough!"

[@rsoubiea]

I fell in love with him in those “Francis the talking mule” movies, then again in Singing in the Rain. He was such a great song and dance man. ❤️❤️

[@Lepton68]

The thing that impresses me in these movies is look how long each shot is! If you filmed this number today it would have cut every couple of seconds. Not these guys!

[@reneebevere7590]

You know he had a fever of 103 when he filmed singing in the rain

[@barbarabastron6152]

Rhonna Marsden I loved Francis!!!

[@barbarabastron6152]

Renee Bevere Actually that was Gene Kelly.

[@reneebevere7590]

@@barbarabastron6152 I stand corrected my bad

[@chloekim7933]

Donnald should be evaluated again as a genius. Such a great dance and act!

[@musket-hc1fc]

This was cute. Donald O'Connor was an amazing talent. It's hard enough to roller skate without falling, but to tap dance and engage in all the other action here is incredible.

[@phoenixman8569]

My elderly dad passed away five years ago, he loved all the classic golden oldies like this. Now that I'm no longer a youngster myself, I can now start to see the appeal of these classic old films dad enjoyed so much in his youth!!!

[@lynnetedder-ward3164]

He was on of the most underrated actors could sing and dance as this clip proves very talented actor.

[@michaelberes6660]

All done without a millisecond of CGI.

[@WhatDoesMyChannelNameMean]

Yeeeeaaaah... just a little swap into fake movie-prop skate in the middle.

[@michaelberes6660]

@@WhatDoesMyChannelNameMean Film editing is not CGI and CGI is not film editing.

[@shaleenaf.7095]

Prop skates or not while tapping, they were NOT fake while he was going down the stairs. One wrong move and he'd be screwed. Far cry from CGI

[@claytonskids6764]

I've loved this guy since I was six years old - a stupendous dancer (off skates and on) and a most pleasant manner and character. People like this enrich our lives and should know how much we appreciate them and their work.

[@Pammyspoint]

Incomparable! And very UNDERRATED!!! As much as I love Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire, I think Donald O’Conner was the best of the best!

[@gabrielvidrio3210]

He was. But there is also a lost star who could've had his share in the spotlight too. Bobby Long* He was the multitalented little boy from the 1947 movie musical, It Happened in Brooklyn. He vanished after doing that movie. Never to appear or do anything Ever again. But he was Super Talented too, and boy did he show it. I wish that he could've had the chance 2 become the star he never got to be and dance with the likes of Donald O'Connor or Gene Kelly or Fred Astaire or even Anne Miller. Bobby Long would've had a BLAST working with any one of them.

[@shelleywantiez7964]

I completely agree 💯. Spot on. He was smooth and flawless. Took dancing to an entirely new level.

[@bovnycccoperalover3579]

No special effects. It's all Mr. O'Connor!❤❤

[@bagoquarks]

Donald O'Connor always managed to make his sidekick character roles 60% of whatever movie he was in.

[@LoquaciousByNature]

Wow! Is there anything the man couldn't do? Donald O'Connor will always be a favorite of mine :)

[@joefreeman8667]

Amen brother. :)

[@lorrainethompson1624]

Absolute, what talent. Sort of like Mickey Rooney. God given talent with practice

[@fiseditor]

Joe Freeman

[@myearsloveit]

Me 2

[@gabrielvidrio3210]

You should see Bobby Long from the 1947 musical, It Happened in Brooklyn* He was Beyond AMAZING*

[@holyspacemonkey]

I ❤ Donald O’Connor! When I was a kid, I got to see him play Cap’n Andy in “Show Boat.” My dad, who was a big fan, took me to see it.

[@jeannemartin7332]

Always loved Donald O'Connor in movies. I really miss the old musicals.

[@matthewstavrowsky9998]

What a truly great entertainer. There are none like him around anymore.

[@faith4094]

You are so right - no one more talented or more adorable...fabulous in solos and romantic numbers...see Call me Madam, Walking My Baby Back Home, Anything Goes, There's No Business Like Show Business, and so many more...of course, Singin in the Rain w his iconic, Make 'em Laugh...for which he won the Golden Globe...he was also a teen idol...adorable teen movies and an Emmy winner for his T.V. show....so much more...

[@judithwilkinson2999]

This is entertainment. Not murder movies, drug cartel movies, horror movies, and so many others which are being sent to us to supposedly enjoy.

[@oliviamcqueen3355]

He's soooooooooo beautiful here. Thanks for sharing all your gifts, Mr. O'Connor. You made the world a brighter place.

[@courtrosss]

HOW IS THIS EVEN POSSIBLE HOW CAN SOMEONE HAVE THIS MUCH TALENT

[@paulajeffrey6706]

I know ,don't know why I just really taken notice of him but gonna hunt out all the film's I can find with Donald O'Connor, it's just magical to watch him.

[@NiennaGreycloak]

They don't make 'em like they used to! Donald is a legend!

[@namj8145]

Yeah, I always thought the wheels were at least tightened for the fast tap part, but this doesn't distract from the number. As a tap dancer in my youth, who took some roller skating lessons and tried to copy Donald, Gene, and Fred tapping on skates, I realized how difficult it was, beyond just staying upright. Tap shoe soles are flexible to do toe and heel work, and cushion landings. Skates are rigid, to keep the wheels aligned and rolling. Just doing basic steps was like re-learning everything you thought you knew about how to tap. While Gene's bit had remarkable steps on rolling skates, I think O'Connor's footwork here is a hair more intricate and precise. So if they had to tighten the wheels for a few seconds and cut it together, I consider it part of the process. Hey, it wasn't actually raining for Singing in the Rain, and Fred couldn't actually dance on a ceiling either. But they all had superhuman talents which amaze me anyways.

[@bb22602]

George Burns, who was a dancer and singer as well as a comedian, said that for dancing, at least two of the skate wheels would be locked.

[@2piecesofwood1pieceofrope]

They had to locked for that part, but the scene was incredibly entertaining.

[@SocialBurrito3]

A seriously under-rated actor, he was a legend. He was amazing.

[@katelinkins4202]

Actor, athlete, comic....and stunt man!!! Incomparable!!!

[@joyhaswell751]

If Donald O Connor ever did this for me, he'd steal my heart immediately! No doubt!

[@lewistrotter1039]

I know! I envy the little girl so

[@jb6712]

If he was still alive, he'd steal mine, too! Well, except he'd be 94 to my 66...

[@patriciaegan8149]

Donald O'Connor and one of the most talented young girls I've ever seen made a delightful clip together. I know neither but what I saw was purity at it's best.

[@carol29carnegie]

I loved Donald O'Connor and I think the ONLY reason he wasn't more appreciated was because he was around at the same time as Danny Kaye and they both had similar abilities, I was only a young kid when they were at their peak and I think I was a little bit in love with both of them lol, they are both sadly missed they don't make em like that anymore xx

[@charlottekey8856]

I used to get them mixed up

[@karenbarringer-brooks2346]

They were all so talented and we can still enjoy watching them, O'Connor, kaye, Kelly, Astaire, Singing, dancing, acting. Their talent will live on and maybe someday another great talent will come along in the mean time.

[@sandiegotrojandawg]

Beautiful....so much wisdom in the words of this song. Donald O'Connor may not have received as much acclamation for his talent as the great Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire; however, Hollywood insiders knew that Donald was the best of the three. He was so easy to work with and had a very pleasant personality--no hard-driven ego. I greatly miss him.

[@carola8068]

bahaha, as a rollerskater for over 60 years, you just couldnt "lock" the skates and then move like these guys (Gene Kelly and Donald O'Connor) did. Its pure ability and talent. Besides these were 'strap on' skates from many many years ago. I doubt they could lock them. would have had to turn the wheel nut soo tight. just enjoy it and stop criticising, especially if you cant do better.

[@ssppeellll]

I don't think anyone is criticizing. Comments I have read so far are just making observations and conjecturing how he did it. As for not being able to lock the skates--do you really think professional prop people couldn't create a pair of roller skates with non-functioning wheels?

[@2degucitas]

Theres a pause between the skating and tap dancing scenes that allow for changing the skates. That's how it was done.

[@randomcringeyyoutuber6750]

Carol A I swear me and my friend cad do this. Not as good but it's easy as long as you know how to move your feet without making it go

[@statrat5474]

In "It's Always Fair Weather" Gene Kelly has a routine ("I like myself") were he alternates tapping and skating throughout the routine, so it is possible to tap without locking the skates. Whether O'Connor does it I don't know.

[@statrat5474]

Kelly also has given interviews in which he stated that the skates in his routine were not altered or locked. www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/database/kelly_g_interview.html

[@ktkat1949]

If Donald had been born maybe 10 years early he could have be a major major star like Gene Kelly. He had it all. Great charm, talent, could sing and dance. Had the athleticism that made Kelly great. Such a pity he didn't. I love his movies.

[@yana1955]

He lacked Astaire's graceful class or Kelly's leading man handsomeness. But I found his comic genius much more fun to watch on screen.

[@TD402dd]

Apples and oranges. O'Connor was a physical dancer like Gene Kelley, and he was a huge star. I think what's sets him apart is his comedy which the other two dancers didn't have.

[@gabrielvidrio3210]

Can you imagine if it was Bobby Long doing that routine. I'm sure he would've been excellent too. Bobby Long was the multitalented little boy from the 1947 movie "It Happened in Brooklyn". It was his only movie and he never got to appear in anything Ever again. No one knows what happened to him. He just vanished, never seen or heard from again. Until now. Please look up his video, you'll be amazed just like I was and if he got to be the star he wanted to be, then he would've had the same opportunities of dancing with the likes of Mr. O'Connor or Gene Kelly or Fred Astaire or even the lovely Anne Miller. Bobby Long would've had a BLAST dancing with any one of them.

[@ruthmaryrose]

kate baxter I always thought Gene Kelly had a stiffness about him but Donald was more limber and relaxed in his dancing, and that made him the more pleasant to watch imho.

[@gabrielvidrio3210]

Hi Ruth, I read your comment and yes Donald had so much ease and relaxation doing his routines. I can imagine the same thing for Bobby Long if he was in his shoes. Or should I say, if he was in his skates lol*

[@jb6712]

What amazing surefootedness! Donald O'Connor was one of the very best dancers of that age, and nobody dances like that anymore.

[@theemaygoogleme151]

Just amazing, if anyone remembers roller skates of that era, everything he did on them was next level. Decades before roller blades and modern trucks, iron age tech.

[@Rockerita21]

this man was magical....

[@jennyq4979]

Donald O'Connor was so talented and you just don't hear enough about him any more! I loved his movies and his singing and dancing, and he did a lot of dancing "stunts" that other dancers wouldn't even try. Sure wish that he was still here, but R.I.P. Mr. O'Connor, we still love you to this day

[@shelleywantiez7964]

It's just a travesty he never received a lifetime achievement award. Go figure, he's was acting since 13 months old.

[@lizcrabtree893]

Donald was a superb dancer and this episode of dancing on skates was Brilliant. He was underrated really and should have had more recognition by Hollywood...

[@marynichols438]

And to think that I was so proud of myself when I “stood” on my skates while hanging into some railings.

[@marilyns8497]

Ha ha! Me too x

[@WhatDoesMyChannelNameMean]

Go ahead and feel proud! :) The guy in this video was using fake movie-prop roller skates. Your accomplishment was much better, since you had real skates.

[@pumpupjam54]

I saw this great man when he came for a show in my hometown, that was in the early 80's. I also saw Yul Brenner too, but Donald was something else, he danced for us. Best show ever saw, miss this guy so much, and so many like him.

[@jonasbrothers3000]

What a talented guy

[@janeiwasduncan8463]

I'll give a 10 for that preformance😎

[@knitdesignbycaroline]

See, this is why Donald O'Conner is my favorite.

[@harrymills2770]

Right down to the signature crash at the end as the finale.

[@roxxigirl1320]

When movies where worth watching. Actors back then had something called talent.

[@victoriaodegaard1]

Impressive! Especially with the swinging around the gazebo polls! Stop that with the whole locked/unlocked debate and the "who did it better, him or Gene Kelly thing! Donald O'Connor did it first and I think he's amazing.

[@QueenAnitaSoul]

+Victoria Odegaard Gene Kelly was also amazing

[@victoriaodegaard1]

+QueenAnita Soul He is, I love Gene Kelly... and you don't need to tell me that dude. I just have a special place in my heart from O'Connor.

[@leslauner5062]

Almost...if you look close, when they go from the rolling parts to the tap dancing parts and back again, there's a quick cut. CLEARLY those skates were locked for the tap dancing...there's no way he could've done those particular tap moves if they were loose. GENE KELLY's routine, on the other hand, wasn't edited but full run sequences where he was rolling and then tapping and then rolling again with no quick cuts to lock the skates. YES, Donald 'O Connor is amazing, but Gene wins at roller skate tapping.

[@EricBrownBey]

Les Launer it is still amazing

[@leslauner5062]

I agree it is still amazing. I just think Gene's tapping on loose rolling skates is more amazing, that's all.

[@elliottbradley4272]

""You just can't touch them!!!!!"".... O'Connor, Kelley, Astaire, Garland and Day they were truly what you would call "triple threats"in every way...MGM, Warner Bro.produced so much talent, casting ✨💖😀⭐⭐⭐⭐✨

[@fredericrike5974]

And unfortunately, destroyed much of that talent. Judy Garland's story was a real tragedy, and it started on a "Yellow Brick Road". FWIW, Howard Hughes, in the few years he owned RKO turned out a tremendous amount of talent- but hewas a "ladies man"- which was social code for something else. United Artists was a much cleaner operation, but Sam Goldwyn and his crowd hated the performers who ever worked there. FR

[@elliottbradley4272]

@@fredericrike5974 """Yes , I realize ""all of the dramatics that allegedly went on behind the scenes.... I was just focusing on all of positive images that we all ✨💖✨

[@fredericrike5974]

@@elliottbradley4272 Kewl! FR

[@t4705mb6]

That man had more talent in his little finger than most 'celebrities' do in their entire careers today ..... and one HELL of a FINE ASS!

[@jddj2952]

Scenes like this one is so refreshing to see and was so unique. Thanks for the joy that was brought to so many with this kind of talent.

[@dddaaz]

What an amazing performance! He was a dancing genius.

[@julianna11924]

Why don't you all try to tap dance in roller skates and then complain in comments on these videos about whether his skates are locked or not. I mean come on, why don't you all comment of the joyfulness of this video or the wonderful dancing? I mean it's so happy and enjoyable to watch! It's beautiful and unbelievablely hard whether it be on skates or not! So much respect to Donald

[@ssppeellll]

You are the third person (all women's names--coincidence?) who perceives people complaining where all I find are people conjecturing and commenting on how he did it. No one is saying he's not amazing, talented and--let's face it--the cat's meow.

[@julianna11924]

With all due respect, I don't understand the point of your comment, especially the part about all female names. I was simply stating my opinion on the matter, much like everyone else. I respect everyone's opinion on this matter, I just wanted to give my insight. Pardon me for doing so. Do elaborate on why it was important to state we were all females.

[@ssppeellll]

As for the point of my comment, you complained about others complaining. Which would be fine if others had complained. I don't think anyone did. I didn't get the sense that anyone was complaining or being critical of anything in the video clip. So I have to wonder how it is that you did perceive others as complaining. As for the female names, I just thought it was an interesting coincidence that all three of the comment posters who criticized other for complaining or criticizing had poster names with similar characteristics--all common English female names, all with first and last names (except one with just an initial for the last name): Carol A., Sherry Gaillard and you, Julianna Miller. With all the unusual names (Mehitabel), obvious pen names (Bi-Costal Teacher), men's names (Alan Pat) and one-part names (Pibly) that commenters have, the three people who complained about others complaining were strikingly similar in these attributes. I wasn't trying to make any kind of point. I just thought, "What a quinky-dinky."

[@neomatrix6749]

Yeaaa!;) i respect this guy maan!;) ive never realize he was sooo talented maan!;) i just saw him in a movie tales from the crypt. String along. ;) i didnt realize he was such a talented person!;) hads off for him!;)

[@fredericrike5974]

@@julianna11924 Point to Julianna!

[@carolbradley2639]

That takes a lot of talent to tap dance on roller skates. Donald O'Connor is the first person I've seen to tap dance on roller skates.

[@libertygiveme1987]

Is she the MOST ADORABLE?!!! And Donald, PLEASE, they don't get ANY BETTER THAN HIM!!!!

[@TheWriterWalker]

Yes, she is! Lol.

[@lepetitchat123]

A dancing stuntman..donald dancing always leaves me speechless

[@rickferrier3496]

It really doesn't matter to me whom is the best dancer when it comes to the likes of Astaire Kelly Kaye or O'Connor they all were the best at the time that they were on the stage or screen I get such a good feeling watching the old movies . Watching these old shows is the equivalent to having a home cooked meal with my family on a cold and rainy day when I was young. It is just a good or great feeling of appreciation.

[@sjcohen4444]

Rick Ferrier "Whom is the better dancer?" What school did you go to?

[@soleil2934]

Actors like these deserve to have their legacys continued. I hope that people still watch these in 20 years or so. They are so iconic and i hope people will still realize that

[@vergilmontiero2558]

Same

[@merleboyd9962]

Loved Donald O'Connor and the last time l saw him was a guest on Frasier as a train enthusiast and slid down a pole into his sitting room. Great episode. 🤗

[@ZLLi661]

Loved Donald OConner watching the old movies growing up. There was never enough of him. He was far more exciting to watch than most of the dancers and singers of the time.

[@suisuimat]

Oh my God what a talented man...i can't but help but smile every time I see him dance. Makes me wish I had been born back then so I could have had the chance to watch him and Gene Kelly live. Sooo much talent!

[@Raidoven]

its so surreal to know that little girl is 70 now...

[@douglassharpe55]

Faizal Ali Time flies... and what a '50's beauty, as a child and as a teen on Bachelor Father!

[@marycassidy1695]

I remember her as Niece Kelly on Bachelor Father. I didn't realize she was a child star too. She's so likeable.

[@lindaf4836]

One of the dozen or so CORCORAN kids who tried their hands at acting. KEVIN, TOMMY, etc.

[@jessiemichelle5642]

Who is she? She was a cutie! Love that giggle!

[@musket-hc1fc]

Didn't she die this past year?

[@kerryannmurphy2936]

Holy Shit that was awesome! Just loved Donald, what a blessed talent. Gone but never forgotten and truly missed. RIP ❤️

[@welshpete12]

He was such a modest man and such a wonderful dancer !

[@emeraldryder3496]

how can anyone be anyhting but happy when watching Donald? I absolutely loved him in Singin' in the Rain! Which musical is this one from?

[@riven64]

I Love Melvin

[@emeraldryder3496]

Thanks

[@wenglishsal]

:D It's 'I Love Melvin'.. With the delectable Debbie Reynolds too .. :D

[@tinajung666]

I know right? He was such a happy funny guy! 😊😊😊

[@DakariKingMykan]

Now all three of them are gone... RIP Gene... Debbie... and Donald

[@micaelaroyo4837]

That little girl sings so freaking good! I wish we had more kids like her for musicals nowadays

[@SamSanders072764]

Noreen Corcoran who later starred in Bachelor Father on TV.

[@vergilmontiero2558]

@@SamSanders072764 last name sounds familiar

[@theoriginaloutlawdance]

This man was phenomenal!! i loved him and Debbie together

[@madokakaname4775]

He's amazing, and the little girl was so sweet too!

[@debcharlesworth187]

Love this! Donald O'Connor was always a favorite of mine...so wonderful!

[@likespurple2261]

Why is Donald O'Connor so underrated? He is amazing.

[@nathandodge665]

Not underrated

[@M-Is-For-Margaret]

Donald O'Connor rocked!!! I can't skate and so I suppose that's why I just love and envy his athleticism. His routine on the steps would have me in the ER! Wow.

[@Lolly1122dooda]

Donald O'Connor was so underrated. He did amazing things in movies. I always enjoyed him.

[@anitaruiz8136]

Donald was such a bad ass. Good stuff.

[@jmcassonetto]

We had those kind of roller skates when I was a kid - straps & a key (to adjust the front clamps)

[@dougoverhoff7568]

Yeah. They sucked compared to the newer ones.

[@kunegund9690]

I miss them. You could take them off and walk when you got to the shop.

[@gwenmartinsen3979]

Mine were always falling off.

[@jmcassonetto]

Gwen Martinsen - mine too - but depends on stiffness of shoe soles...I wore sneakers most times - being a little smarter now, I would’ve glued something with more ´stickiness’ to the clamps. (but I also had another pair with leather strap belt without clamps too)

[@lawrenceray3545]

Donald O’Connor what a great talent!!!

[@eriklindhurst5793]

This scene was absolutely charming. Donald O’Connor was a so wonderfully talented. And the little girl was such a sweetie! Thank you for posting it.

[@onwego1946]

I've been in love with Donald O'Conner for as long as I can remember. He's always been at the top of my "to watch" list. I've even seen all the "Francis" movies. He has more talent in his baby toe than most people have in their whole body. (The little girl in this clip ain't too shabby either).

[@TheBigDaddy51]

Many people only seem to remember Gene Kelly dancing on skates, but Mr O'Connor kills it

[@Ashes2Ashes_Blush2Blush]

I will admit that I have never seen this before and I am AMAZED. I fell down and broke my legs on those stairs just watching! I'm obsessed

[@genebigs]

Donald O'Connor was truly one of the greats. I enjoyed watching him in so many movies. He left a truly great legacy!