Gene Kelly Talks About His Most Difficult Dance Number | Carson Tonight Show

[@cluelessbeats]

It's sad that this era of television is over, but I'm thankful for the memories, and these uploads so we can relive them. RIP Johnny, you were a true class act.

[@rawyld]

Exactly we can watch classics on KZbin now thanks to people who recorded this.

[@TurboGent]

What an incredibly wonderful clip. Gene Kelly was a true gentleman in every sense of the word, truly a gentle man. I’ve always been mesmerized by how easy he made his dancing look, and equally amazed at his gentle demeanor. Such an elegant all-around entertainer with no ego. I forgot how much I admired him. A true role model. He has brought me so much joy.

[@fredansell9276]

Gene Kelly had no ego? Gene Kelly was a fine dancer and many of his movies are great. But any movie he directed shows that he had an enormous ego. How about the Broadway number in Singin' in the Rain? That ends with a group of people including Kelly and then a close up that blows up and obliterates anything else and the camera stays uncomfortably long on his smiling face covering the entire screen.

[@uppityglivestockian]

Kelly was a very athletic, gymnastic dancer, crackling with kinetic energy and sporty charm. Astaire was elegant, smooth, feline, with a lithe legato and a gracious gleam. The greatest movie ever made, in my book, is An American in Paris, starring Kelly and Leslie Caron. The next in line is Singing in the Rain, with him, Donald O'Connor, Debbie Reynolds and Jean Hagen. Astaire and Kelly were both fine actors who could also sing. Back then, for the studios to give you the time of day, you had to be the whole package. Thanks for sharing this segment from a great show that will never be matched. Paz.

[@finn-fredriklange6610]

Well described. The pirate movie took a great gymnast as well. I used to dislike musicals when i grew up. Now I cant Get enough. Thats entertainment 1,2,3 comes in a box I have watched numerous times. ❤️

[@uppityglivestockian]

@@finn-fredriklange6610 In my library too 👍✌

[@nancywood9531]

When Fred Astaire had a screen test the directors watching him posted..... " Can't sing! Can dance....a little".... FACT!

[@uppityglivestockian]

@@nancywood9531 Well without a citation to where they wrote that or it was documented I'm gonna say ALLEGEDLY! lol But let's pretend what you say is true: were they right and he got way better, or were they wrong and later wore egg on their face? Either way, it's all academic now. ✌

[@phillipecook3227]

If Gene Kelly hadn't danced a step I believe he could have been a successful actor: in his infrequent acting roles he actually had an intense sinister quality.

[@threeballedtomcat9380]

Gene Kelly was the best of the best at what he did. No-one danced like him, no-one starred in as many movies as him that I know of. "Singing in the Rain" was just a great, great movie. Great upload, thanks for the memories this brings. 47 years have flown by since this show, and now they are gone from here. They will be forever missed....

[@geraldmoran6387]

Fred starred in 31 musical films... Gene in 22...he retired from screen dancing much...much earlier than Fred!

[@threeballedtomcat9380]

@@geraldmoran6387 Good info, thanks ! I was just going by what I had seen, I didn't look anything up. My mother was a big fan ( RIP, Mom)

[@carollund8251]

My favorite will always be Donald O' Connor. Incredible dancing.

[@trhansen3244]

@@carollund8251 O'Connor did things that neither Kelly nor Astaire could possibly do. He was totally unique.

[@tdunph4250]

Only Johnny could interview such iconic stars like Gene! Both gentlemen had such class!

[@starbellak5154]

Gene Kelly & Fred Astaire..❤ ❤ Two of the greatest dancers of all time !! And good friends.

[@wendymoss1214]

Very athletic dancer, loved his choreography, great movies!!!

[@bellsfs]

The newspaper dance Gene talked about is from "Summer Stock" (1950) with Judy Garland. Unbelievably talented! ❤️ Love him

[@kayedeedid]

and because it's a prop, getting that to tear just right probably took a lot of practice and a lot of small tweaks and then--the board wouldn't squeak.

[@danielmalloy6093]

Gene's moves in The Three Muskateers were seemingly effortless, and very funny at times. Great movie.

[@lwdfn7479]

Such an interesting interview. Gene Kelly right away turned his attention to Shecky Greene. Such a thoughtful thing to do. And talking about their real names! Such a personal conversation. You felt like you were in their living room. I grew up watching Johnny Carson (when I was able to stay up that late) and I am only now appreciating that was his magic. Thanks for posting!

[@deserthound2605]

Shecky key is still with us today - 96 years old!

[@springstud]

i miss the old hollywood

[@sooz9433]

I had a huge crush on Gene Kelly when I was a young girl. I thought then and still do that he was so handsome. Love that little scar on he cheek he got as a kid. ❤️ Love Johnny Carson too. I miss the people I grew up watching.

[@January.]

Me too

[@marionlosquadro9845]

He had a lot of class as well as having a lot of talent.

[@rawyld]

Well there's going to be a movie about him.

[@hannahkirchner1656]

Interesting take on dancing. My parents were from the 50s and my grandmother from the 40s. Dancing was hugely important part of socializing. By the time I was growing up in the 70s, it was the disco era, but dancing was on its way out. I danced at a sockhop once, as part of my Catholic school. I felt like I'd missed something important. It's interesting to hear Kelly described dancing as a part of social interaction.

[@Will_DiGiorgio]

As bad of a rap as disco gets, I feel like it was starting to bring something back to dancing more akin to what dancing once was...

[@kirnpu]

I've always been envious of couples dancing because it looks like such a lovely way to enjoy music and someone's company together. I too feel like I missed out on something good. I participated in cotillion, learning to dance at 12 in the mid 60s, which I hated as a child. But by the time I was old enough to enjoy it the dance was gone. Disco was fun, but not the same thing.

[@dianab3t3s]

That is so true and sad. Dancing was the main form of social interaction for the young for CENTURIES. The fact that it just recently died out in history is a sad time to be in! :(

[@gordoncheyne5567]

The talent is in their ability to make it look effortless.

[@kellig.6819]

Thank you for uploading so many clips this week! I love it❤

[@Will_DiGiorgio]

Gene was a class act, of course most of the big Hollywood stars were back then... An era unfortunately long gone with rare exceptions.

[@redspice55]

I love Gene Kelly. I hear he was a very tough movie director but he produced perfection. He was a wonderful dancer and human being.

[@RoryVanucchi]

Can't go wrong with Gene Kelly.. people like him don't really exist anymore..

[@czechhockeyfan4403]

Sadly.

[@January.]

Absolutely AGREE

[@andrahunsaker4781]

Yes, such a “Class Act .”

[@secondstring]

He was a jerk. Widely known for poor treatment of fellow actors and workers on sets. "Dictatorial" was often used to describe his behavior. Total asshole. He is also widely known for "unwanted sexual advances" toward young actresses. And there weren't just a couple of instances of all of this behavior, it was pervasive throughout his career.

[@RoryVanucchi]

@@secondstring hadn't read that but plenty of stories on difficult actors and entertainers. Astaire was a taskmaster as well but his results are the legacy. Lucille Ball could be tough or Crawford Crosby etc. Hollywood it's own world. I respect Kelly highly though Astaire my favorite, can't deny some great musicals from both.

[@deniswilliams2212]

Wonderful man so talented and humble No one like it anymore

[@jamesfeldman4234]

This was an absolutely enthralling episode, featuring John, Edward, Sheldon, and Eugene.

[@Lava1964]

I have two left feet--so people like Gene Kelly always impress me to no end!

[@gerryyaum]

You can see the grace in his movements even at this more advanced age. Gotta love it.

[@YesYou-zy7kp]

The day when stars were stars. They were entertainers because they loved it. They would be who they were even if it paid nothing. Todays stars? Nothing but hot air.

[@bacchuslax7967]

What a gentleman. That’s elegance.

[@skylark...]

Gene was my favorite dancer!❤️

[@TrueBagPipeRock]

Most versatile dancer I've ever seen I think. I am becoming more of a fan of ballet and ballroom and definitely missed out on a lot. In fact, I think a lot of frustration comes from the fact that there was never been another dancer like Gene. Not one who has done as much. I do like Derek Hough and a bunch of other dancers. I can even name them. No one I can think of comes close to Gene. What bothers me is the talent is out there, but we don't see it until it's too late. Steven McCrae could've been there if there were more cinematic roles to feature him, but I think by about 36, the age takes it's toll.

[@CasperLCat]

Kelly was a truly American artist - he transformed dance from something European and effete, into something straightforwardly masculine, athletic, and full of humor and wit - a celebration of the ordinary man’s joys and passions.

[@meijer78]

Any chance you can upload when Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire were on the same show? The date was May 4, 1976.

[@OTseven]

We are so lucky to have them both, at the same times, in our lifetime. I'm grateful for that. 😊

[@lynnwood7331]

I have watched the newspaper Dance was a fantastic, , I have watched it over and over😸

[@jillkjv3816]

I believe that was in Summer Stock, with Judy Garland.

[@4508bluesky]

The dance in Summer Stock ❤️

[@chrischristoferson1191]

This guy was a class act.

[@bakerman10]

Love the cigarette smoke emanating across the screen at the beginning of the video.

[@January.]

It makes me think of all the poisonous fumes of secondhand smoke that cause cancer.

[@seanohare5488]

Gene Kelly did such influential art of dance on film and in the terrific singing in the rain film there s so many great numbers in oit

[@daedralord1]

I like to try guess the year just by looking at johnnys hair and clothes before I look in the description

[@manofiske3318]

"Sadly", I don't have to 'guess'; seen all of these when they initially aired.

[@Gods2ndFavoriteBassPlyr]

This was the age of GIANTS. And they were known for ONE thing.. TALENT. I miss this age.

[@lwdfn7479]

And Shecky Greene is still kicking around at 96 years young in 2022!

[@felixthelmocevallosmorales41]

Eugene Curran Kelly (Pittsburgh, 23 de agosto de 1912 - Beverly Hills, 2 de febrero de 1996), más conocido como Gene Kelly, fue un actor, cantante, bailarín, director y coreógrafo estadounidense.

[@uppityglivestockian]

@Felix, bravo. Similar a los dos gigantes de opera que existieron en el mismo epoca, el Gran Placido Domingo y Luciano Pavarotti, rivales amistosos, asi fue con Kelly y Astaire. Grandes, todos, que hicieron el otro mejor como artistas. Paz.

[@franknemeth7430]

Moses suppose 'es with Donald O' Conner a true gem .

[@chevelle68100]

I adore Gene Kelly 💚

[@cynthiawilliams737]

Gene Kelly did well because he realized early in his career that he had to show many talents he could tap well but he knew Ballet would put him over the top as a dancer!

[@jessenone3708]

I went by Eugene till I was about 5 or 6. My friends use to sing a song at me "Eugene, Eugene, Bluegenes". It upset me so much that when I found out my oither name, I stopped going by Eugene. and haven't for about 70 years now

[@petegobeckli1386]

Jesse none. Eugene is uh great name. No reason for u to be ashamed of it, because others r immature & ENVY! u & your name. To heck with 'em.

[@fredansell9276]

One consequence of his going by Gene rather than Eugene was when he met the woman who became his last wife. She worked for PBS, a series of individual programs on famous performers. One day the group was told that some of them would be working on a program on Gene Kelly. Many of her colleagues were very interested in working on that one, but this woman had never seen any of Kelly's movies. And she was the one picked to work on the show. As she tells the story, she had never even heard of Gene Kelly. She did not even know, based only on hearing the name, whether Gene/Jean Kelly was a man or a woman!

[@jessenone3708]

@@petegobeckli1386 yea but I was 5 years old when that happened

[@jessenone3708]

@@fredansell9276 my aunt called me Jesse jene

[@karenleemallonee684]

Heaven, I'm in Heaven... 😍

[@mary11976]

I can't hear that song anymore without thinking of The Green Mile. 📽️🍿

[@karenleemallonee684]

@@mary11976 That does kinda put a bummer on it, but I'm pretty sure all the other times it's been used can remake it a beautiful tune! ❤️

[@bluetickfreddy101]

Good ole days

[@noeldown1952]

Shecky is still with us. 96 years young, still going.

[@January.]

Great news 😊

[@phillipecook3227]

Who is he? ( from the UK)

[@joebunda]

@@phillipecook3227 Old time Borscht Belt comedian. Of course, I'm assuming you're asking about Shecky Green and not Gene Kelly.

[@phillipecook3227]

@@joebunda Thanks.

[@elizabethhestevold1340]

Priceless.😍😍🇩🇰🇺🇸🌅🎶🎵📽️

[@luishumbertovega3900]

11:29 Johnny: "Why don't you do that sometime..." I died laughing !!! 🤣

[@NorthWalesKid]

The greatest of all time. Astaire danced in a way that made you feel inferior, Kelly danced in a way that made you feel you could dance that way too

[@JimmyBmusic1]

To me, no one is better than this guy. Only guy that could keep up was Fred Astaire and Donald O’Connor

[@felixthelmocevallosmorales41]

JOHNNY CARSON 23 DE OCTUBRE DE 1925 23 DE ENERO DE 2005 79 AÑOS

[@4508bluesky]

My favorite ❤

[@JimC]

Gene Kelly discusses the newspaper dance from the movie *Summer Stock:* kzbin.info/www/bejne/rn-cmn9seaubh8U

[@equine2020]

Wow. Talent & looks.

[@genataylor460]

My name is Eugenia, named after my grandfather, who died in 1918, during the flu epidemic. I have never used that name, always used Gena. I even had my social security card under the name Gena until I joined the Army in 1967, where the recruiter told me, correctly, I needed to have my birth certificate name on my social security number.

[@saran3214]

Shecky Greene is 97 now. He was a successful Las Vegas performer, said to be extremely funny in person.

[@deerhoda7574]

Gene Kelly ❤❤❤

[@LauraC-hq7sm]

I wish I could dance with Gene Kelly

[@qui_etes_vous]

Wow, gene is a looker. Beautiful soul :)

[@anniecrestani1121]

That's Gold baci x

[@Momsdailyagenda]

To see the big cloud of smoke is too funny! Times have changed.

[@manofiske3318]

Oh they've ('times') changed, alright. Still 'the big cloud of smoke' only now it's a bunch of jerks toking away, openly, publicly and shamelessly on their stupid "weed" that's become the common source.

[@redspice55]

@@manofiske3318 I agree. I hate, hate, hate smoking of any kind!

[@kennethwayne6857]

He looks great for 63!

[@markbirchette8740]

Singing In The ☔!!

[@mexicanspec]

I wanted to see the ad. I have a cough.

[@Scathingly]

IMO, the greatest male dancer of all time was (and through the magic of videos and old films still is) Gene Kelly. Why? He was the most innovative, artistic, athletic, fleet-of-foot, romantic, wide-ranging contemporary dancer who fairly oozed testosterone. Others, of course, may think otherwise and I would never deign to question their choice simply because in this field, all choices are subjective. To quote Lily Tomlin-"and that's the truth."

[@jgoel3266]

How was Gene Kelly not the top guest?😳

[@toinimoore3463]

He no doubt was but he lived in L.A. hills he probably called said he was going to be late because of traffic going to Burbank and I so enjoyed Gene Kelly his personality is wonderful and he is so talented and I enjoyed his honesty!!

[@sundriesrebecakundomal2920]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@wynbock]

2nd LIKE!💋 6:30PM TEXAS 09/13/22

[@lawncuttingplusdelta]

Just north of Seattle wash …. Paul from delta bc Canada 🇨🇦 🇺🇸

[@Warp75]

London 🇬🇧 00:38 14/9/22

[@felixthelmocevallosmorales41]

MAZATLAN SINALOA MEXICO 05: 50 PM

[@Jim-qd2kv]

Classic!

[@Bigbadwhitecracker]

I don't remember that set.

[@kennethsouthard6042]

I think that was the 2nd set after the show moved to Burbank.

[@jillkjv3816]

Good thing! That upholstery was pure 1970's! ;)

[@vincentsolomitajr4029]

What year was this?

[@TrueWalker88]

Blowing smoke in front of the host's face as he's introducing a guest on a TV show is unimaginable these days. People just smoked everywhere back then, even indoors, in the workplace and doctor's offices, which seems so disgusting now.

[@rommeldumate6098]

Johnny Carson looks older than Gene Kelly...

[@MalEvansUSA]

Gene was a homosexual. Amazing man. He adored Latin men anyone darker than Tony Orlando

[@campbellsmom6787]

Did they really have Shecky Green on before Gene Kelly?

[@Chupatsups]

Imagine Trump and Kelly being in the same room. The contrast would be unbelievable.

[@sharksport01]

Get a life.

[@daveconleyportfolio5192]

Imagine you crying if they happened to get along. Guess you are unaware that Gene Kelly in private life rubbed a lot of people the wrong way because he often had a sharp tongue and a big ego. Many high achievers do.

[@manofiske3318]

'Imagine' you blessed of a _true_ imagination.

[@sashrill]

nowadays they dont even dance. they just pop molly and girate. :(

[@brendanjobe6895]

LOL @ Shecky Greene smoking a cigarette. He actually was a chain-smoker. I bet he died young from lung cancer and COPD. JUST KIDDING! He's still around at 96.

[@pauldockree9915]

Shecky Greene and Ed McMahon? Okay.

[@billwhelpley6825]

Who is the guy to Kelly's right 'Sheldon'?

[@kirnpu]

Shecky Greene

[@Lifeinthe808]

shecky green.....a comedian

[@mary11976]

And still living! He's 96. 😁

[@kirnpu]

Holy moly - I had no idea. I thought he was long gone.

[@Lifeinthe808]

@@kirnpu still alive..from Wikipedia Born: April 8, 1926 (age 96 years), Chicago, IL

[@kathrin-mariasamarrastehle6538]

[@josephconsoli4128]

It's interesting how much the world has changed. The homophobic comments were taken so casually - "....you'd be called a sissy (gay)" so what? "woman make the best dancers....to a man anyway". Yes, unless your gay! I grew up as a kid in this era and I see now how prejudice the world really was. "Be "normal" or be cast out"

[@mikecee3058]

People were much more honest back then. Now we have a country half-filled with snowflakes.

[@manofiske3318]

"homophobic" LOL You mean , normal. male(men) + female(women) = life Any other formula(go ahead keep lying to yourself) = death, ultimately for *humankind*

[@josephconsoli4128]

@@manofiske3318 First, don't attempt to get into politics, second, it's at least 2% of the population. No life choice will ever dominate and threaten humankind.

[@WGARVA]

Gene always made sure everybody knew he was Str8, didn't he....hmm. Anyway.... It's interesting that Gene would never get up and sing anything live on talk shows. Probably not his cup of tea, but I like his singing in the movies and on variety shows.

[@c450-v2b]

Donald Trump sounds like him.

[@jillkjv3816]

Maybe but the Don can't dance. 😁

[@redspice55]

I wouldn't put their two names in the same sentence together. Gene Kelly is a class act and a gentleman. Unlike the 'other' one.

[@Emptynestballerina1]

Such bad men . Genes son burnt there house down