Jacques d'amboise, Gordon MacRae, Sheree North - Song and Dance!

[@seagrapegrove727]

After all these year I never get tired of Gordon Macrae. What a great singer he was--NO ONE sings like this anymore. I had no idea Sheree North could dance like this!! The dance number with Jacques was STEAMY, to say the least. His arms and shoulders are unbelievable in their strength. Thanks for posting.

[@mobydoug]

Sheree North was a stunning dancer.....up there with screen greats like Ginger Rogers and Cyd Charisse. North and D'Amboise are brilliant together. Xtremely sexy and technically accomplished. And Gordon McRae's voice is great. Many of us have forgotten what a big star he was back in the early '50's. Thanks for posting this.

[@hermajesty52]

Jacques was a phenomenal international ballet dancer. That is why the lifts look so smooth. They were dynamite together.

[@leswainwright5343]

Gordon MacRae did some great films what a voice he had, seemed like a nice guy too RIP Gordon

[@brad1596]

I first saw this as a Saturday afternoon movie on TV here in Australia back in the '70s - the "Birth of the Blues" number was a real stand-out for me back then - and I still enjoy watching it now.

[@petradonovan5161]

OMG...That lift and flip he does with her! Brilliant!! That number is hot!! Wow..it's as vital and relevant to anything done today. What dances..what a voice..what an arrangement!!

[@perpieta]

Gorgeous Gordon! And Jacques's not too hard on the eyes either. What a great dancer he was. Thanks so much for sharing this

[@varadero1839]

+perpieta Gordon's always been a favorite of mine! He's not seen much here, but lovely Sheree North and brilliant Jacques D'Amboise steal all the thunder. Super-talented Sheree arrived just a little too late in Hollywood to have been given the correct representation and exposure. I 1st saw Jacques dance with the New York City Ballet, when I was about 9! Been a fan ever since! Thanks so much for your message! varadero

[@perpieta]

+varadero1839 I envy you, I never had the pleasure of seeing Jacques dance in person. He is just amazing here, so thanks again for posting this! And you are so right about the talented Sheree's timing.

[@varadero1839]

Jacques is really special in so many ways! I saw him dance when I was very young and was impressed even then. Thanks a lot for writing!

[@sharlynnehibbert1679]

I'm ashamed to say I never knew Shared North was a dancer what a dance treat. Jagues &Sharee were just perfect for each other Thanks for posting this clip.

[@varadero1839]

Hi Sharlynne Hibbert, In an earlier post I stated that Sheree came along a little late in the Hollywood musical scheme of things; that was sad! She was an amazing dancer! Jacques could always bounce between New York Ballet stardom, and the periodic film. They really were lovely here together! Thank you for your mention! varadero

[@alwaysblake148]

One of the most sensual dance numbers in Hollywood history. The chemistry and artistry shown is extraordinary. Sheree North was terribly underrated. Here, she matches the great Jacques D'Amboise. No mean feat.

[@jillgooner]

what an incredible trio, jacque was a wonderful very versatile dancer and so sexy, the choreography was so creative and macrae had a wonderful powerful but smooth voice sharee was a perfect partner. what a gem!

[@meenyminymoe]

Never knew Sheree North could dance. Great number!

[@varadero1839]

So glad you liked this! Sheree never got the recognition she deserved; she showed up too late! Hollywood was getting over musical/dance movies around this time. Five years earlier and she'd have been a household name! Thank you for your message.

[@JudgeJulieLit]

A samplar of her versatility at kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZq9aJSEZrpqbLM, a tour de force jitterbug duet with Jerry Lewis.

[@varadero1839]

Yes! And only 78 years young. I'd thought that he had only 2 children, but later discovered he has 4! I saw him dance in New York for several years when I was between 9-11 years old! He's amazing!

[@jaytaylor7740]

Just watched Sheree North dance with Jerry Lewis in Living It Up. Though that was a crazy, all over the place number, it showed she knew a thing or two about dancing. This number shows the same. I love these three performers as well as the songs of DeSylva, Brown and Henderson. Thanks for sharing!

[@Coupal1]

Yes, Jacques d'Amboise was in the Carousel ballet the year after he debuted as Ephraim in "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers". Superb!

[@ninadelpeyrou2018]

Sheree was beautiful

[@Juliaflo]

The Best Things In Life Are Free---Such an underrated movie about an underrated songwriting team-DeSylva, Brown and Henderson.

[@emjaybee9040]

Fabulous choreography! Thanks for posting. (PS: I had no idea Sheree North could dance!)

[@varadero1839]

I'm honored, and very grateful for your remark! Though beautiful Sheree has left us, Jacques is still teaching the world to dance! If you have the opportunity, here on YT, look up Charlotte d'amboise. She's Jacques' daughter, she dances with her brother honoring their father who is watching from a box seat. He's being honored; think it's at the Kennedy Center. Thanks so much for writing!

[@Celluloidwatcher]

Ah, I remember seeing this film years ago on the tele. Good musical tale of Henderson, DeSylva, and Brown. Nice to see some scenes on KZbin. Thanks for the upload.

[@varadero1839]

Thanks so much for your comment! This was a great film indeed! I'm delighted to have heard from you! Best, varadero

[@larrybillman2027]

Thanks so much for posting this great -and unseen - dance. Rod Alexander choreographed it and Jacques is about to honored by the Anaheim Ballet International Dance Festival on August 9th and the Choreography Under the Stars Festival in Palm Desert on November 9th.

[@JEFFIE-jp6kj]

GREAT Sheree North dance, a great dancer & actress

[@simplyblues1]

This is a great clip, it's the first time I've seen it since I was ten or eleven in 1956. Sheree North was not appreciated properly by me at that age obviously. That dance scene is hot, particularly for 1956. My only regret is that the full vocal of Gordon MacRae isn't shown. He was clearly getting better as an actor when he quit for TV and nightclubs, partly brought on by his own personality, preferring the golf course and bar at the Lakeside country club to chasing good parts. Apparently his wife got jealous at the closing party for this movie because Gordon and Sheree were getting just a bit too friendly with each other. I think Gordon was a bit of a dark horse with women from what I've read. Probably the best male singer Hollywood ever had. Just what I think.

[@davehshs651]

+Arkle Sparkle It's hard to believe this dance scene made it into a movie in the '50s. It is really hot, especially when compared to Astaire, Kelly, etc.

[@richardlee8495]

Gordon was much too square. Good voice, but.. Howard Keel was the real deal.

[@varadero1839]

Lovely Sheree North just seemed to arrive a little late! I can't speak for the studios, but suspect they were positioning her as a replacement for MM! As for dancing, Sheree seriously kicked it! Observe her dance here with brilliant Mr. d'amboise! Talk about holding your own! Thanks so much for your comment!

[@alexpoor2452]

This is from the movie The Best Things In Life Are Free and it was in CinemaScope in the theatres. Would be great to see it in that format again.

[@varadero1839]

Hi Alex Poor, Thanks for writing, and you're right in every regard! I don't think CinemaScope even exists these days, but I recall seeing many amazing films in that format! Those films were beautiful, as were the young artists seen here. Happy to know that Jacques is still with us, but sad to say that Sheree's gone. Best always, varadero

[@JackSparrow-op8eo]

This is one of my favourite songs and movie. Thank you for sharing.

[@varadero1839]

You're welcome! I'm so grateful and honored to hear from you. I'd known of Jacques from my youth, but though I'd seen him onstage dancing with brilliant ballerinas, I'd never witnessed this until I was much older! Happy you wrote! Sheree North was brilliant here! Best to you, varadero

[@JackSparrow-op8eo]

I have this on Video "The Best Things in Life Are Free". It is one of my favourite movies. This story revolves around Henderson, De Sylva and Brown, 1920s musical writing team. Thank you again for sharing.

[@varadero1839]

Indeed it was! Methinks that some censor was sleeping on the job, or The Breen Office was on vacation that week! This one is "steam-city," and I'm so glad it's still here! Also, thanks for writing and more to follow....

[@Mia7189]

I had no idea that Sheree North was a dancer. I only remember her from her later films. WOW!

[@varadero1839]

Muito obrigado pelo seu comentário gentil. Sheree era uma beleza e um excelente dançarina. Ambos Jacques e Gordon completar esta peça linda!

[@watchingover3592]

This is from the 1956 film “The Best Things in Life Are Free”. It’s a musical about the lives of the 3 song writers who wrote many hit in songs in the 20’s and 30”s- Desilva, Brown and Henderson. My grandfather was Ray Henderson and he was the composer, Desilva and Brown wrote the lyrics. All the songs in the film were written by a combination of the 3. My grandfather was plaid by Dan Dailey in the film. Most of the songs became what is referred to as American Standards - classics . The list of famous singers who recorded their songs goes on and on for generations. At one time in the 20s they had 5 broadway shows going on at the same time -

[@melclo3641]

Have you heard Matt Monro sing thi? It is outstanding.

[@piesusan17]

From the film The Best Things In Life of Free (1956) Song: Birth of the Blues Gordon McRae, Jacques d'Amboise & Sheree North

[@larsbonner]

Thanks for this - another forgotten piece of great Hollywood dance. The pas de deux ranks right up there with Cyd Charisse and James Mitchell in "Deep in My Heart." Sheree and Jacques arrived in films at the wrong time. Picture them in "Chicago," "Moulin Rouge," etc.

[@johncowie1257]

larsbonner Deep In My Heart.

[@ria1636]

Jacques didn't arrive at the wrong time, he was offered a seven year contract but decided to go back to ballet. Wise decision.

[@larrybillman2027]

You are a breath of fresh air on KZbin - ageless and ever curious. And inspiring others. I can only wish I had seen Jacques and Tanaquil dance. Sending you gratitude and best wishes.

[@stephenjoeagi]

Sheree North's dancing is fantastic. She was a fabulous dancer. Gordon MacRae's singing is beautiful, but this song 'belongs' to Bing. Great clip. Thanks for posting.

[@Beauregard9]

I think you're thinking of Dean Martin, not Bing Crosby when you write that, right? Although for me, Gordon MacRae was magical, beautiful, and passionate.

[@jansumi]

Wow. I can't fathom how it is that I've never seen this before. Wow..

[@footstompinleroyscott6892]

Outstanding stuff !!!

[@varadero1839]

Both so young at the time, but their talent excelled! Wish we still had Ms. North; she was amazing. Gratefully, Jacques is still with us and continues to astound! Thanks again, varadero

[@writeract2]

Can't believe this was 1956 - that dance sequence was not typical.

[@varadero1839]

Hi, I suspect the censors were out to lunch during this incredible dance choreographed by Rod Alexander. He'd dance on and off for years, but this was one of only a few which he actually "designed!" He'd just finished "Carousel" which also featured wonderful Jacques D'Amboise. He was married for a time to wonderful dancer Bambi Lynn. Here's a link to see her with lovely Shirley Jones and unsung James Mitchell: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6iwd4uJe7CFeLc Thanks so much for your observation! It inspired me! varadero

[@emerybayblues]

Out to lunch is right is right. Too bad Sheree North was presented by her studio as some sort of Marilyn Monroe successor because no way Marilyn could dance like this!.

[@pamvaughan9009]

Great dancer. He will be sadly missed.

[@metuberous]

Jacques D'amboise is fabulous in this. A lot of male ballet dancers simply serve as anchors for the ballerina, but this guy has some great moves of his own. And those long legs...

[@angelseari4]

I grew up in the 60's and 70's and only knew Sheree North from films like Don Siegel movies and tons of television shows. I never knew her this way. It's said that she was supposed to be a Marilyn Monroe knock-off. I don't believe that Monroe could have aged into work that North did. She held her own in film scenes with Richard Widmark in Madigan, Sidney Poitier in The Organization, John Wayne in The Shootist, Burt Lancaster in Lawman and stole scenes from Walter Matthau in Charley Varrick and Charles Bronson in Breakout. She could do it all....so many tv westerns, medical dramas and had terrific comedic timing on just about every situation comedy on television during the 60's thru the late 90's as Kramer's mother on Seinfeld. Monroe could not have had such a rich and varied body of work. I thought it was a shame that her passing wasn't even recognized on the Emmy Awards in 2005 after decades of good work. Only the Screen Actor's Guild acknowledged her passing. She was good at everything she did and was underappreciated. This is the most beautiful dance sequence I've ever seen on film.

[@KendallSirmon]

Two of the Best singers, ever !!!!

[@JudgeJulieLit]

Gordon MacRae and Jacques d' Amboise also costarred in the 1956 film of Rodgers & Hammerstein's Carousel.

[@varadero1839]

Thank you, and you're right! Mr. MacRae sang beautifully throughout the film, but Jacques had only the brief beach scene with lovely Susan Luckey! I'm sorry that both Gordon and Susan have left us; they were great talents! Fortunately, Jacques is still with us, with 2 amazing dancing children, and hundreds of other youngsters that he's taught dance over the years!

[@JudgeJulieLit]

Brief but indelible, of record for the ages. I saw him perform several times at The New York City Ballet.

[@varadero1839]

Wow! I also saw him perform there. I was very lucky and had a great sister who took me to many shows. Just off the top of my head, I recall Arthur Mitchell, Tanaquil Le Clercq, Andre Eglevsky, Melissa Hayden and others! Thanks so much for your message! I closed my eyes and had a wonderful trip down memory lane! I posted this link long ago, but hope you'll enjoy JD in another of his cameo roles: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIq8Z3eeg6x9d80 Best regards, varadero/john

[@JudgeJulieLit]

Yw. My parents had a season subscription in the mid 1960s, and Tanaquil LeClerq had retired in '57 or '58. But I recall all the others you mentioned--and Edward Villella, Violette Verdy and Suzanne Farrell. The shows were fantastic, and we'd bring home the big glossy photo programmes with bio bits re the ensemble.

[@shoesareverybad]

I'm grateful that this is available here but wish we could see it with its original color restored and in the proper widescreen ratio of its original release.

[@user-vn7sj5ig8w]

R.I.P Jacque D'Amboise. ❤🌹

[@ninadelpeyrou2018]

Jacques ď Amboise was an amazing dancer and he was absolutely gorgeous

[@WakandaBabe]

I was fortunate to see him dance in NYC at the height of his career. Stunning.

[@ninadelpeyrou2018]

@@WakandaBabe You're so lucky

[@WakandaBabe]

@@ninadelpeyrou2018 I also saw Maria Tallchief dance 'Firebird.' See quite a few of the legendary dancers....Farrell, Nureyev, Alonso, Baryshnikov to name a few. Very lucky indeed.

[@UNOwen1]

Man, oh, man! I've loved Ms. North, and I've NEVER seen this, before. What a TREAT! Great choreography, and Mr. d'amboise (I know his daughter, Charlotte), and Sheree are terrific! I don't think she was a dancer, by training, but, she really does a terrific job keeping up with him. A few of the moments I love; (2:03, 4:58, 5:03). they're those moments you see/hear something, and you get a chill because it's so beautiful (at least I do). As Freud said; 'sometimes a cigar's justa cigar'.

[@varadero1839]

Hi U.N. Owen, So glad you liked this clip! I'm the poster and saw Mr. d'amboise dance many times when I was about 9-10 years old in the New York City Ballet. Since then, I've been a big fan! Came across this beautiful bit some years ago, and couldn't resist posting it. Both he, and lovely Sheree are amazing here! This is one of those that I'm surprised passed the censors; happy it did! I'm grateful to hear from you! Best wishes, varadero

[@UNOwen1]

I'm not dancer (wish though), and … I dunno, when I see someone performing certain things, I get a CHILL down my spine. Hadn't had one in awhile. This certainly did it for me😉 As for the 'KZbin police'…'shhh'! enjoy it while it's here.

[@varadero1839]

My lips are sealed! Take care, and best to you, varadero

[@varadero1839]

Though flawed by the time-keeper thing, this one is really superb! Please watch: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZWXlqqnpKt1Zqs Regards, varadero/john

[@p.vanaert5310]

U.N. Owen q

[@varadero1839]

Dear Larry Billman, Please accept my apology for having taken so long for this reply. I often get dupes on another "KZbin" sight and get befuddled as to which I've answered. Let's just say I'm pushing 70 from very close to the wrong side, OK? I'm thrilled to hear from you and wish I could have been there to see Mr. D being honored. To add to the fright aspect, I watched Jacques and Tanaquil LeClerque dance live together when I was around 10 years old. That even scares me! Best to you Larry!

[@lotteweill]

Bobby Banas in the cell with Jacques, playing a tin plate and forks.

[@varadero1839]

Hi Deborah HIgginbotham! As regards the choreography for this number, it's listed as one, two or three of the following: Michael Curtiz and/or Rod Alexander, and Bill Foster! I agree that it's very hot! Never saw the lovely Sheree North in person but viewed Jacques many times at City Center in New York. Kind of literally harried right now! I'll write more later. Thanks so much for your query!

[@PRLambert63]

Sheree North started her career as Sheree Bethel. Under her original name , she danced in many Musicals at the LA Greek theatre before she went into films.

[@varadero1839]

+Paul Lambert Hi Mr. Lambert, I always liked Ms. North! I think it's sad that she "made it" in Hollywood when she did. I think the old studios were starting to re-think musicals when she was at the pinnacle of her beauty and talent. Also, she performed incredibly dancing with Jacques d-amboise. Wish they'd danced more together. I'm grateful to hear from you, and as Bethel or North she's an unforgettable talent! Thank you! varadero

[@PRLambert63]

+varadero1839 I saw her in a production of THE MADWOMAN OF CHAILLOT about 20 years ago ( !) at a little theatre in Hollywood and she was really good. She met with the audience after the play and seemed surprised that anyone would remember her at all ! I always liked her too. Thank you for sharing your video and keeping her name alive.

[@varadero1839]

+Paul Lambert Hi Mr. Lambert, This news is fascinating to me. In the few "serious" moments of her time on the big screen she proved herself to be a fine actress. I'd love to have seen her in that production! The last time I remember seeing her was when she portrayed Blanche Deveraux's sister on The Golden Girls. She was still lovely. If I can find more examples of Ms. North, I'll post them....YT permitting! Thank you for writing; please stay in touch! Best regards, varadero

[@marisamarcondes4165]

Sheree North é uma grande dançarina e a parceria déla com Jacques d'Amboise é simplesmente fantastica. Gordon MacRae também está numa de suas melhores fases. A coreografia de Rod Alexander...genial. Em resumo... é um grande clássico.

[@NancySmalls41]

They look so sexy dancing together ... I first saw her dancing with Jerry Lewis... And i thought she was amazing then... She is timeless

[@chichillguy]

gordon macrae rocks

[@weloveTM123]

Ephraim Pontipee! :D

[@varadero1839]

+weloveTM123 Double :D! Thank you, varadero

[@izegaegbe]

I was wondering when someone would mention that. Loo

[@robertkempert9315]

It took a little bit, but this scene is from the movie, "The best things in life are free". I agree, the dance number is hot and spicy!

[@mobydoug]

The prisoner playing the spoons in jail is Bobby Banas, a sensational dancer in his own right. He does The Real Nitty Gritty on the Judy Garland Show in this link. kzbin.info/www/bejne/boSWiqdjg92MZqc He was in many other important musicals. For example, one of the gang in Westside Story.

[@corriepitt7630]

Jacques, so underrated by Hollywood.

[@devydu]

Now that was a hot seductive dance number! And this was made in the '50s??

[@agenttheater5]

Not all of the 50s were tame and sweet.

[@anabudimir5015]

Hubba Hubba 🔥🔥🔥

[@varadero1839]

Who knows? Maybe the singer got the girl, and they strolled off together into the sunset! As for the guy with the torn shirt, I understand he managed to eke out a career in some obscure dance medium. He also had some kids. Not so very long ago they honored him at a tribute from the Kennedy Center. YT is less than charitable as regards links to other media. More to follow.....

[@gjm2669]

I just realized Sheree North played Blanche Devereaux's sister Virginia on an episode of The Golden Girls where she needed a liver or kidney transplant. Had no idea she was a full on trained dancer. Just beautiful.

[@WakandaBabe]

She also played Kramer's mother on Seinfeld.

[@RideHanna]

Hot Stuff!

[@varadero1839]

Indeed! Thank you for your comment! varadero

[@valeriecampbell9581]

Oh my

[@judylane7098]

😍

[@varadero1839]

Back atcha! You're very kind. varadero

[@babyboomerrodg]

sooo seductive especially for the time.Actually even now its a bit of a scorcher

[@miltsar]

Notice how the black men in prison are no longer on camera once Sheree's legs appear at the window? Sheree is a great dancer and would have been a bigger star if the studio system did not collapse and if musicals didn't stop attracting audiences. She's not as "elegant " as Cyd Charisse but she has a vibrancy in her dancing and a more "rock n roll" attitude in her moves. I like her lot

[@steveliveshere]

Yeah, I was about to comment on this. A small example of how censorship still had a hold. You couldn't have black fellas lusting after a white woman - would have had problems with the censors, particularly in the southern states.

[@UNOwen1]

One can 'find' a pattern in anything. There's not enough brain power to have created all the so-called 'conspiracies', 'sublimal messages', etc as people wish there were.

[@jackrenglish]

YEAH..THATS BOBBY BANIS IN THE DANCE GANG..JE

[@varadero1839]

Thanks! I posted this, but don't know which dancer is Bobby Banis! Please let me know, and thanks for your message.

[@Vancoin]

Blatantly sexist by today's standards, but still a master class on using dance as a story telling medium.

[@franklesser5655]

Is it just me or is there a lot of sexual innuendo in this?

[@WakandaBabe]

Sheree North played Kramer's mom on Seinfeld.

[@agenttheater5]

What film is this?

[@varadero1839]

This is from "The Best Things in Life Are Free," 1956. Hope you liked! varadero

[@agenttheater5]

That's masculinity right there....

[@emerybayblues]

Bobby Banas 6:24.

[@nallo69]

Very good choreography for those years, but very incorrect fir our times, mainly for the role of the woman in it.

[@Anaxiphile]

What kind of sick fantasy was North’s character having, dancing in front of criminals who couldn’t get at her?