Broadway Melody of 1936 - Eleanor Powell last scene

[@lorrell1965]

Omg. 😮How could she stand after that spinning???? Out of this world.❤️❤️❤️

[@jackrenglish]

YEP..I MET ELEANOR POWELL WHILE I WAS IN THE ARMY ON SPECIAL DUTY AT THE 1960 8TH WINTER OLYMPICS AT SQUAW VALLEY . MY BUDDIES & I WENT OVER TO RENO TO SEE ELEANOR IN A SHOW & SHE BROUGHT ME UP ON STAGE....SWEET LADY...JE..7/2020..WEHO

[@susanfowler4228]

When asked by Dick Cavette who was the best dancer, Astaire or Kelly, the Nicholas Brothers said 'neither'. They agreed the best was Elanore Powell. That was ultimate compliment.

[@esmeephillips5888]

Fayard Nicholas and Eleanor were close friends. He was once asked if he and Harold minded not getting the breaks in movies that less talented white dancers got. Fayard replied: 'Well, we weren't more talented than Eleanor Powell. Nobody was.'

[@mariestreeting4213]

We will never see the likes of this again. Perfection ❤️

[@DCFunBud]

Eleanor Powell was Hollywood's most technically proficient dancer. She is able to control her explosive energy with a formidable technique. AND she was a beauty.

[@Mike-yg8ig]

Hell yeah she was!

[@marijooneill8015]

@@Mike-yg8ig

[@JbBarnes88]

Her spins are just so, can’t even describe it… she’s definitely one of my dance inspirations!

[@esmeephillips5888]

Tappers had been expected to emphasize movement of legs and feet, staying stiff above the waist. Ellie's ballet background gave equal importance to port de bras, and her overall lissomness made it look as if she was made of mercury. Others would tap as lightly and fast, but to combine it with such fast and repeated spinning was her unique forte. Vera-Ellen came close, but Ann Miller, who had never taken ballet, could not manage such dazzling turns. MGM chose to publicize Ellie as 'Queen of Taps', bc that style was the rage, but it was her melding of styles that truly raised her above the rest. Only Fred was as imaginatively versatile.

[@KennyBFunky]

Young people watching this might think those spins are CGI-generated because they're so incredible!

[@angelaarnold3740]

Eleanor Powell Was Such A Gifted Dancer. She Had Star Quality Written All Over Her. That Era Was "Priceless "😂❤❤❤

[@TheAnn2shoes]

I'm addicted to watching Eleanor Powell. I have simply never seen a better dancer, ever.

[@charlesrichardson2655]

Shes on my top favorite list neck to neck with Micheal Jackson, James Brown, Nick Brothers, and Jackie Wilson. Eleanor Powell is my baby. she was Dangerous.

[@lgr6709]

¡¡ME TOO!!

[@kalevala29]

Ann Miller was good too. They just don't make tap dancing pictures like they used to. God, I sound old.

[@ms.ntropy3187]

Me too. So glad when I'm stressed by current events I can be transported by an Eleanor Powell dance number.

[@jonathancummings6400]

She's awesome, so was Ann Miller, and Ginger Rogers, for ladies. Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, and the Nicholas Brothers for men. The 1930's and 1940's seemed filled with talented song and dance people. Those studios' movies became legendary because of the vast number of exceptionally talented people available for hire at the time.

[@alwaysblake148]

Eleanor Powell was not only a legend for her supreme talent, but she was also adored by casts and crews for her down to earth realness. No other star, except perhaps Stanwyck, was so beloved.

[@alanjacobs6211]

What an honour to see the greatest tap dancer of all time!

[@jackjules7552]

But Eleanor did have a life long feud with her costar Ann Soiuthern from the movie Lady Be Good. Apparently the feud had something to do with Eleanor Powell being cut out of the first half of the film Lady Be Good to favor giving Ann Southern a star build up and an additional song.

[@johnmitchelljr]

I’m also addicted to greatness, thank you for sharing.

[@rosgembrun]

Thank God for films like this, a record for all time of the astounding talent and skill of performers like Ms Powell. We can, thanks to KZbin, enjoy her performance anytime we want.

[@rebeccacares3468]

Those spins at the end are astounding.

[@esmeephillips5888]

The novelties she brought to tap in movies were (a) spinning while tapping; (b) stopping dead during a routine and restarting without missing a beat (also an Astaire trademark); and (c) accelerating the spin, as at 4:17. Fred was not a spinner or back-bender because he had never had ballet tuition, although more than most popular-idiom dancers he kept a straight back and used his whole body.

[@cathydixon1626]

Peerless and in.a class of her own...what a breathtaking performance.

[@barrygrant2907]

Simply amazing! They don't call it the Golden Age of Hollywood for no reason.

[@nobodyaskedbut]

She was not only the greatest dancer of all time but also one of the top 10 female athletes of all-time. Factor in her beauty and effortless grace and you have the perfect performer.

[@MJ-zh4el]

I love how loud and clear her taos are!!! Pure fire!!!

[@BringItMAGA]

She was absolutely the best tap dancer in Hollywood.

[@cantalope67]

Amazing woman there will never be another one like her rest in peace

[@secretariatgirl4249]

Just, wow! I grew up watching her "old" movies as a kid and watching again...boy, was she incredible!

[@kapuso7kapamilya2]

I was truly delighted,awestruck,and nostalgic while watching the all-time best Lady Tapper Ms Eleanor Powell in her incredibly-vigorous and notable trademark of rapid-fire footwork and acrobatic-dancing style.In this famous and fascinating finale number in Broadway Melody of 1936 Ms Powell wearing her fabulous glittering cutaway tux & top hat had splendidly demonstrated her superior skill and her exhilarating performance in tap dance to the beautiful musical background of Broadway Rhythm.

[@beverlybarnes3122]

Wow just wow. I have never seen anyone dance like this before. She was awesome!💖💖💖

[@MauriatOttolink]

In a video where she dances "When They Begin the Beguine" with Astaire, Sinatra's voice was heard before it started "Ya can sit around and wait a hundred years! Y'ain't gonna see anything like this again!" How woefully true his words were!

[@ardendorney9991]

The world will not see such dancing talent again....

[@kathleenhartnellharper7234]

I download Everything they have of Elenor Powell hoofing it up. It’s absolutely astounding! And then she gave it all up to raise her son. Wow! She presented a tribute to Fred Astaire in I think abound 1986, and she was radiant! A year later she was dead from Cancer. RIP, and thanks for all the incredible dancing 💃!!!!

[@esmeephillips5888]

The American Film Institute tribute was in 1981. She died in 1982.

[@kathleenhartnellharper7234]

@@esmeephillips5888 Thanks for clarifying that!

[@partycentralsales]

Bit of trivia: In the closing scene of BM1936, a prescient Robert Taylor reprises “You Are My Lucky Star,” singing to Eleanor Powell, “You are my Shearer, Crawford, Hepburn, Harlow, and my Garbo.” Taylor was the only actor who starred as the romantic leading man opposite all five of these legendary actresses.

[@jasminecrawford42]

Robert Taylor himself, was one of the most beautiful men I'd ever seen so like good for everyone 😂.

[@agnesobelfan8855]

Eleanor is jaw dropping phenomenal talent.

[@RobertLaub-gb1cr]

😅

[@bettypins1]

This lady was born to dance and there will never be another like her. Boy, the days of great talent and beautiful songs written by say, Cole Porter with lovely lyrics and musicality is nowhere to be found today. It is wonderful to have these old videos to satisfy our longings for the good old days of old. 12/24/16

[@vegas1a]

There are a lot of people these days that will tell us that "the good old days" were not that good, I am NOT one of those people. This channel in its own way shows much of the good old days.

[@sleeper600]

I'm speechless! There are not enough words in the dictionary to describe this heaven sent performance my Eleanor Powell. She was like a pixie. Pure magic, beauty, grace, rhythm and joy.Thank you for posting.

[@alanhickey123]

Sleeper CF TV

[@sleeper600]

Alan Hickey I don't understand your meaning CF TV? What does that mean? Do you like the amazing choreography and performance by Eleanor Powell? I think it is remarkable! Sleeper

[@zacklove3794]

Couldn't possibly say it better than you did.

[@AuntieMamie]

Eleanor Powell is to worship. She’s a well kept secret it appears. She’s actually known as the Queen of Tap. A rare human being as well as philanthropist. I could actually watch this all day. Mesmerizing

[@tinamariarandez]

A talent and energy unparalleled!!❤

[@samueldavidrucker7514]

She was so athletic and at the same time so graceful and beautiful....she must've been an elf...

[@williamhenry9609]

The fabulous thirties, wish I was 25 back then. Now Im in my 70s enjoy those numbers.

[@crazymaner2003]

I didn't know it was humanly possible to spin that much without falling down. Incredible.

[@jackanthony976]

You haven't been to a ballet have you?

[@tomnesler2089]

Or seen Ice skating at the Olympics...:-)

[@esmeephillips5888]

@Miraak It is quite a shock to watch a pas de deux by such as Nureyev and Fonteyn, or a solo in classical ballet on Russian or French lines. Compared with the syncopated vivacity and flow of an Astaire-Pan or Powell routine, to my eyes the best ballet looks stilted and ponderous: a string of stunts and poses inviting admiration but drained of exhilaration. Fred looked down on 'toe dancing' and guyed it in 'Shall We Dance'. Ellie insisted that ballet training and practice were the sine qua non for a hoofer, but she went way beyond it on film. Fred began to incorporate it when they collaborated on 'I Concentrate on You', and hit the heights with Cyd in 'Dancing in the Dark', but it was never the bedrock of his art. The truth is that the Hollywood musical snatched the baton of progress in dance from ballet and left it behind. Men such as Balanchine, Kelly and Robbins tried to reunite the styles, but with limited acceptance. Like opera, ballet became a coterie art- an expensive taste for cognixcenti and conspicuous consumers.

[@theID2]

the spinning isn't quite what it seemed. had her head spun at the same rate as her body she WOULD have been dizzy as hell, but it wasn't. her head snapped around independent from the rest of her body. incredible feat to be sure but that's why she didn't end up dizzy.

[@michelles2299]

Spotting

[@rastus338]

"I don't regard Eleanor Powell as the greatest female dancer; I regard her as the greatest dancer, period." - Fayard Nicholas

[@shimmeringfairydust3275]

BV Bill definitely a good argument for that. I don't recall any other dancer - male or female - putting such difficult balletic moves in a tap dance. And the spins! The only person of that era who could compete with her in spinning was Sonja Henie - and Sonja wore figure skates!

[@wallymarcel1]

Agreed. Watching her do those, especially in the Hula dance clips, is like being transported to an alternate universe.

[@agnesobelfan8855]

That's great complement by such impeccable dancer. I am not surprised. She is jaw dropping talent. Fred Astaire was intimated by her. Eleanor is such phenomenal talent. Here is his full quote: “Eleanor Powell was one of the very greatest, period, bar none,” said Fayard Nicholas of the Nicholas Brothers dance team, who understood greatness. “Not one of the greatest woman-one of the greatest, period.” Dynamic and versatile, Powell danced with a melodist’s sensitivity to the essential musicality of tap. “She was a musician,” Nicholas said, using the word tap dancers tend to reserve for their highest praise.

[@coreycox2345]

@@agnesobelfan8855 I love watching her face. She seems to enjoy dancing. Maybe that is what made her great.

[@Vinterfrid]

@@agnesobelfan8855 Do you mean that Fred Astaire was "intimidated* by her? That he was afraid of her?

[@dukegotpowers]

Amazing performance with high speed and perfect balance..without loosing the spot where you start to spin......

[@militarymom6690]

This just amazes me everytime I watch it. Her talent is astonishing, which is why it is so entertaining. She was Not vulgar nor provocative - she was just mesmerizing. We thank you Eleanor for sharing God’s gift with us. 🌹

[@melody2171]

Best dancer who ever lived! She had style. Beautiful co-ordination .

[@dicksanders8206]

And such energy!

[@profegino1707]

Beautiful Eleanor Powell, the best dancer of all times...

[@gwirgalon3758]

Wow! Thanks for the great clip! What an amazing presence!

[@jimr4319]

A genuine talent. Truly an amazing dancer.

[@taylordowning2533]

That was incredible! I love this era of films.

[@belinda9246]

thank you for this treasure! unless we, the lover's of this music, keep it alive, the young generation will never know about it.

[@sallysmith8081]

Wow! Doesn't seem to be that kind of talent today, does it? And Eleanor Powell and Robert Taylor were such beautiful people.

[@theID2]

there IS that kind of talent today. they're just doing different things. with very small exceptions, nobody 'tap dances' today.

[@frankscivier4874]

There is a quote by the 16th century artist, art critic & art historian Giorgio Vasari on Leonardo Da Vinci. The gist of it was that his talent was so enormous that he distanced everyone else &, it seemed to many people, to be supernatural. A gift from God. I feel the same thing when I watch Eleanor Powell dance!.

[@esmeephillips5888]

I agree. She opened the door through which half a dozen great lady dancers followed her, but Eleanor was the only star soloist and author of her work. She stands alone: in her position in the industry as well as in skill, determination and beauty of movement.

[@MsMairi12]

Absolutely flawless, never the likes of will be seen again.

[@Handiman544]

Most young people today wouldn't understand what we just saw.

[@tubedude54]

They say that everything that comes around, goes around, but I agree... this will never be seen again.

[@rosairedubrule60]

Jayne torvill

[@RustySax1949]

@Marianne Fitzgerald - I will say right up front that she's no Eleanor Powell, but this gal, Sutton Foster, is pretty darned good. This clip was filmed nine years ago, but you'll get an idea of her skill level - and this was a rehearsal!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5TWYWyQltien68

[@MsMairi12]

@@RustySax1949 Thanks for this link, enjoyed it enormously, Sutton Foster is fabulous. I was breathing for her at the end

[@rosehoary8906]

When people talk about singers or dancers, the first names are always men, but dancing and singing are meaningless without women. This girl is brilliant she is great 👌💎

[@spritelybird]

Girl was a phenomenon.

[@OldWriter205]

What most of you probably do not realize is that these movie clips we are watching, with all the glitz and glamour, were shot in the height of the 'Great Depression.' While much of the country was going hungry and maybe homeless, the movies were bringing in the bucks because even when broke, the public found a nickel or a dime to see a movie for escapism, and they wanted to see movies that for a while, made them forget their drab and dreary life. It was not until the depression was mostly over that movies like the Grapes of Wrath could be shown.

[@Arthur_McGowan]

John Hand Have you ever done any research on this? Seen "I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang"? "Wild Boys of the Road"? Or is it "Boys of the Wild Road"? There were LOTS of movies about poor people and the Depression!

[@sharonpeters2262]

I'm thinking 'live &l et live'. Most of my life i've been depressed. I am grateful to be able to get a lift from works of art.

[@MultiJaylea]

John Hand Thank you Karl....

[@missinformed4269]

Do you consider “escapism” a fault? I think it high art. Like the power of “The Wizard of Oz” to take us to another world.

[@ReggieTime]

Ohhh the Grapes movie was so good, helped me learn stuff

[@JudithProctor]

My goodness, she's incredible!

[@deborahdouville3926]

Thank God for movies capturing Talented people so that 70 - 80 years later we can see the talent of these people. Dancing so gracefully, singing beautifully and acting so glamorous. The dance routines were practiced for weeks til they were perfect.

[@Jchathe]

Those spins though, I expect it took a few moments for her eyeballs to stop spinning and return to their position when she finished! What a glorious dancer. Pure joy 💖

[@esmeephillips5888]

'I'd rather dance than eat.' (Eleanor Powell)

[@jackanthony976]

@@esmeephillips5888 She must have eaten her words after she retired from films after marrying film actor Glenn Ford. She only danced intermittently after marrying.

[@mathematicus3141]

Damn, the spinning at the end caught me off guard and just blew me away.

[@rhyfelwrDuw]

I'm presuming that was one shot - it was awesome!

[@MissLilRedRooster]

The most amazing thing about her work, especially give the time, is that she could hold an entire number by herself, and it would look just as hard, if not harder, than anything a male dancer could have done. Something to be commended, given that women were NOT encouraged to be athletic. She doesn't just dance this number; she ATTACKS it. That is not something very many women did, much less did so superbly.

[@esmeephillips5888]

The only movie performer of that era with as much confidence was Al Jolson, but he shamelessly wallowed in his celebrity. There are moments when Eleanor Powell seems all-commanding, such as her big close-ups (which modest, worrying Fred did not go in for- he liked MCUs and two-shots). But any hint of arrogance is dispelled by the twinkle in her eye, that sweet smile and her obvious pleasure in sharing her gifts with the world. As she told Fred 'We're just hoofers.' I wrote elsewhere about the eternal riddle of these performances: that blend of regal skill and carefree exultation. To me it lifts her that little bit above all the wonderful women dancers who followed in her steps. She transcends talent, even dedication; she was touched by God.

[@lindaeasley4336]

Damn , I could watch this fantastic talent dance for hours ! 😎👍

[@lzollars]

First time I have ever seen Eleanor Powell dance and what a great show. People think doing the robot is dancing now.Not even close to what Hollywood used to do. Real pity.

[@flagcoco69]

It's one of the true failings of the Age of the Internet, a time where we can all experience the entire history of recorded music and moving pictures, and it's wasted on a generation that only likes explosions, overt sexuality, and mindless music. This should be a time when EVERYTHING has a place, a niche, and more people come to realize this is a level of talent you're not going to find these days. At best, who does a kid my age (a kid at 46) and younger remember from this era? Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly maybe, that's about it? I've been going back and forth between watching Miss Powell and the Nicholas Brothers most of tonight, and it just seems everything modern pop culture consists of in terms of dance is derivative of those three performers. EVERYTHING. Michael Jackson, James Brown, every hip-hop "artist", they all are descendants from this. And does anyone really think, after watching Miss Powell, that female acts like Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, or even Madonna can hold a candle to her? I mean it in all seriousness. There's almost nothing out there right now that can hold a candle to THIS.

[@vegas1a]

Flag Coco 100% agree. That thinking also applies to movies and TV, a total wasteland for the last 30+ years. An old B&W movie or 50's TV show could convey more value entertainment than all of the computer generated rubbish ever created. Thank you for your comment and stopping by.

[@LoveFlatfootin1]

+Flag Coco Could it be a result of television? The Eleanor Powell generation didn't have TV. They got out there and developed their talents and interests which it is hard to do seated in front of a mindless TV screen for hours each day.

[@Pro-Deo]

+Flag Coco, it's OK, don't worry. My kids who are 32, 16 and 15 know quite well the history of American dance and true talent. So do many of their friends. This is merely another day in age and there isn't one generation who ever thought differently than you. I am so glad I live in this day in age where we, through the ability of the internet can watch, enjoy and marvel at such talent like Miss Powell over and over again. How unfortunate for mankind we have no idea and extremely little knowledge of all the talent of music and dance going all the way back to prehistory. I wish I could go back and record it all. Before Miss Powell, a movie in 1928 called Broadway Melody, was the first sound film to win an Academy Award for Best Picture. It was also one of the first musicals to feature a Technicolor sequence. It fails to have most people's attention and liking. But there is a dance number in it: The Wedding of the Painted Doll which is so outstandingly superb. The entire dance number is pure genius. For me, it doesn't get better than that. But's that's just me. You won't find it on KZbin. It was removed. Figures. But you can find it on TMC by googling the dance name and TMC. Have you ever heard of Anna Pavlova? Have you ever seen the videos of her dancing? It never did and is impossible to ever get better than that in ballet. There has and always will be incredible talent, with little appreciation within that generation. Crazy as it sounds Mozart is one such example. When the flappers came into being, many people were infuriated. When movies came out many were infuriated. When rock an roll came out many were infuriated. Our generation is no different than any other in that regard. And yet, I have no time or patience for people like madonna, lady gaga, britney spears, hannah montana, justin bieber and all the rest of their kind of epic fails. Just like my kids and their friends. We prefer true art. True talent. My youngest kid with her choir class will be giving a concert next month. One of the numbers is them all doing the Charleston dance. True talent. It's always been here and will always be as long as we are here. One just has to look for it in it's many different forms. Right now it is of course different than then what used to be because everything is always relative to time and place. An example of current talent and genius is a music piece: UNITED PIANOS - World's first 22 hands piano piece on KZbin. It truly is a first and awesome piece. There is so much talent and pure genius in other countries which the American media prefers we not take any notice of. So most Americans have no iota about any of it. All one has to do is look for it and thanks to the internet we can find it. Indeed Bette Davis' words hold true when she said in the movie Now Voyager...'don't let's ask the moon. We have the stars.'

[@flagcoco69]

+LoveFlatfootin1 Perhaps. TV was notorious for creating the short attention span. I'd blame MTV more so than the invention of television. I mean, compare the architecture of a pop video featuring dancing, even from someone as praised as Michael Jackson. They're all spliced and diced, covered from every angle, the dance cuts away to the singer, then to some unrelated thing, then to another unrelated thing, then to the singer, then the dance, then the singer, and on and on for three minutes. Nearly random. Conversely, all these dance sequences we're praising were full takes, much less cutting, and if so, usually just to change to a different camera angle. As such, you'd watch 30 seconds straight of Eleanor Powell or Fred Astaire, even longer, so you'd get to watch the grace unfold, you'd watch the steps, you'd listen to the music and the dance would flow with it, as of now, it's 2 seconds here and there and there and there and the dancing is crammed in as nearly an afterthought. Don't misunderstand me, what Michael Jackson did in the early 80's was pure art, but one, everything that's come after in popular dance is almost entirely derivative of him, and two, Jackson would have been the first to tell you he learned his craft by watching the very people we're praising in this thread.

[@jackanthony976]

I actually showed this clip of Eleanor Powell to my 11th grade class when we were covering 1930's entertainment and culture. The class was actually amazed that anything this good ever existed of a female dancing star on film. Most of the class was not even aware that film musicals like this featuring strong female or even male dancers existed. The class wanted more!

[@sillybitty]

and not just tap dancer, DANCER. period.

[@mrmarvellous5378]

Fred Astaire no less described Eleanor Powell as the greatest dancer. better than himself. Now I see and understand why, magic.

[@leonpse]

Mr Marvellous Physically, she’s like a model too,

[@coreycox2345]

@@leonpse More than a model, Leon Powe.

[@lgr6709]

¡¡IS TRUE!! ¡¡INDISPUTABLE!! ¡¡ELEANOR IS WONDERFUL!!

[@californiancondor6860]

The most talented of all dancers (ask Fred Astaire ). She had the lot, great dancer, good actress and stunningly beautiful. Ford must have been crazy to cheat on this lady !

[@gwirgalon3758]

He couldn't face his own lack....or more honestly, didn't own his own choices..

[@Nightturkey1]

Astaire once confessed he was actually intimidated by her.

[@juttaschoner4302]

There was something wrong with her marriage. Glenn Ford was definitely not the right choice.

[@christinechandler5690]

@@juttaschoner4302 he was an alcoholic and it ruined their relationship.

[@rmcfete]

I don’t know what she ever saw in hom

[@Jacquetta0791]

I don't know how I stumbled across this video but this was beautiful😊...truly amazing😁

[@vegas1a]

Karma

[@dorothybeck7559]

Eleanor Powell and Fred Astair were the very best!!!

[@DavidAusman]

I never heard of her till coming across this video randomly. All I can say is it’s one of the greatest dancing performances ever. Is there anybody who can do stuff like this now?

[@esmeephillips5888]

This was only the start. She refined the spinning-plus-tap combination (her own idea) wearing male evening dress in the finale of 'Broadway Melody of 1938'. She took it into the stratosphere in her solo masterpiece, 'Fascinating Rhythm' from 'Lady Be Good'. In more ways than one, Ellie never stood still. Her games with male/female stereotyping and her magisterial attitude to the audience were decades ahead of their time. But it was done with such grace and good humor that few appreciated how subversive she was (and is). Moviegoers were left feeling up in the air, not down in the dumps.

[@theID2]

the answer is yes. there are ALWAYS outstanding talents rom every generation.

[@jerrybrownell3633]

The beautiful talented and athletic Eleanor Powell truly one of America's National Resources and one of Hollywood's true Superstars.

[@EandMetal]

It's absolutely insane how fast and consistent her spins are at 4:06. And the routine itself as a whole is super too, a lot of energy and fun.

[@esmeephillips5888]

And at 4:16 she accelerates in mid-spin. I doubt one dancer in a thousand could do that.

[@radagastdk]

Yes, she makes magic right there.

[@Robotsg1]

How awesome was that!! simply the best!

[@michaelspilman5220]

The greatest female dancer ever . I liked ruby keeler too. From Michael from Yorkshire and proud of it .

[@DarlinAkaDarlene]

That ending gave me goosebumps!

[@esmeephillips5888]

The over-the-top, ruffled frou-frou of Ellie's gown at 0:27 rubs in the contrast with her masculinized attire when she goes into her dance. Those old studios never missed a trick.

[@ronfarbman7675]

Fred Astaire, the male Eleanor Powell. Thee four greatest dancers of all time, the two I just mentioned and the Nicholas Brothers. There can be no argument about it. Fred said he had to be at the top of his game when Eleanor was his partner.. If you were given just one thing to watch it would be Ms Powell. Absolutely in love with this woman

[@540Baseball]

Yes, the Nicholas Brothers must be included in the Mount Rushmore of Dancers...

[@jimsouthern1398]

I enjoyed Eleanor Powells dancing and the solid music, but a got a big kick out of seeing Jack Benny in the opening activity. I met Jack back in 1966 and will always appreciate his humor and his timing.

[@mariluleon7520]

Simplemente, brillante!

[@richardgornalle4536]

Such a grand scene. Brilliant!

[@stevenspaziani9159]

She sure could move, class, style and grace.

[@DCFunBud]

3:09. I love that teasing close up! Can you imagine her face taking up the entire screen in a movie theater?

[@carleavesceo709]

She had an amazing ability to twirl and spin.

[@davetoffen7944]

Best hoofer who ever lived....bar none

[@dennismurillodennis3079]

When I go to heaven I hope she is dancing so I can watch in person.

[@sophiahudson8434]

Simply wonderful

[@errolfan]

Yep. The greatest dancer, period. And easy on the eyes.

[@jourwalis-8875]

Magnificent!

[@elephantintheroom5678]

She's sunlight sparkling on water - scintillating!

[@BoninBrighton]

What a stunningly talented dancer

[@PeterMBauer]

What for a perfection and harmony between dance and music !

[@tonyadcock7347]

Goodness gracious ..the smooth grace ....

[@cherylreiff1929]

Back when movies were good!

[@keepthemusicplaying0]

Great work ! Wonderful to watch !!

[@msgigirogers1559]

Dang her turns are Amazing!!!!!

[@richardgornalle4536]

She really was a wow! Amazing!

[@noelnewlon]

Flawless.

[@mimosaschneider9016]

One Amazing Lady.

[@queenjenna2696]

Madame Powell was quite the Dish as well other her dancing skills. She was one of the reasons why I took tap dancing but unfortunately my adopted father didn't want me to persue in it. That ending is breath taking.

[@Coucoutchicou]

WOWEE ! No wonder Fred Astaire said she was too good for him...This dancer couldn't be second fiddle to ANYBODY...!

[@rickandosca8262]

WOW and WOW!

[@elisabethdakak878]

FABULOUS

[@sandrinedurand3203]

Encroyable!

[@juttaschoner4302]

Beautiful woman and female dancer. So sad, that her life ended not happy for her.

[@esmeephillips5888]

She died before she reached the Biblical milestone of 70, but her life after divorce 23 years before was serene. 'The Dancing Preacher' had reconfirmed her reputation by the 1961-64 comeback. She was surrounded by the love of family and friends and increasingly rediscovered by cineastes after 'That's Entertainment' in 1974. The standing ovation she received at the American Film Institute tribute to Astaire in 1981 was about her character and life of ceaseless service after stardom, as well as about performances such as this.

[@juttaschoner4302]

@@esmeephillips5888 I totally agree, she was and always will be an important Hollywood icon and irreplaceable dancer together with Fred Astaire.

[@esmeephillips5888]

Notice that at the beginning the band is playing 'I've Got a Feelin' You're Foolin'', which has already been danced by June Knight and Nick Long Jr. The reprise is to set up the revelation that Ellie was 'fooling' Bob Taylor by pretending to be La Belle Arlette, 'who won't be there'. Few things in musicals are an accident.

[@errolfan]

Eleanor Powell helped to end the RKO era . Why have two dancers, when one can handle the task. Powell was about the best tap-dancer of recorded time. And, she was a woman. Great clip.

[@malibudolphin3109]

Really She was a Woman ! Thanks for the update on the obvious 👍

[@karenkaren3189]

Miss. Eleanor. Powell.

[@MauriatOttolink]

Eleanor Powell wa asked in interview many years later "Why did't you marry Fred Astaire? Her reply was "He never asked me."

[@dicksanders8206]

That would have never worked. Astaire had to be the star, and Eleanor was every bit as good and in some ways better.