Vera & Fred in "Baby Doll"

Vera-Ellen and Fred Astaire in the musical number "Baby Doll" from the 1952 movie "The Belle of New York".

[@brucer9572]

Here's what I'm reminded of. I once saw Vladimir Horowitz play the piano. I was astonished. And also I thought that with six months of practice I could do as well as he did. That's how easy Mr. Horowitz made it look. Same thing for Mr. Astaire.

[@GiaielPace]

My goodness what an incredible talent, it’s magical

[@valeriebrandt9857]

Vera Ellen is amazing. Of course do is Fred.

[@deniaridley]

She's the only partner of his (other than Ginger) who could make it look as effortless as he did! Quite a feat.

[@afpctube]

Maravilhosos.Belissima melodia.Fred & Vera:inigualaveis forever.Congratulações

[@barbarahourigan8462]

❤️❤️

[@atelierbentoche]

Quelle inventivité !

[@darthvirgin7157]

Fred was always known for making his dances look effortless and seem as if he’s very light on his feet. of all his partners, i think VeraEllen came the closest to dancing like him: light, airy, and effortless.

[@JoMarieM]

For some reason, this scene reminds me of the "Marian the Librarian" scene in "The Music Man!"

[@serenettiepumpknpie]

I’m taking you off the shelf..😂now a days if foreplay & courting were “ Dancing” very little men would ever get that “ date”

[@fr-ep4fv]

WOW!!! I guess I was supposed to watch this! THIS was the song dance number that was supposed to be in the movie "Take me Out to the BALL GAME" which I just watched last night ! Gene Kelly and Esther Williams were the subject but they dropped it out of the film! Is this a coincidence or what?

[@GravityBoy72]

If only people broke out into song in real life.

[@amahra100]

I love Astaire and Allen, but I'm not feeling their dance connection. Of course, no one can compare to him and Ginger, but I loved his dance connection with Cid Cherise in Band Wagon and Jane Powel in Royal Wedding.

[@WitoldBanasik]

Cyd Charisse you meant ? Sure, Cyd and Rita Hayworth both were blessed with longer legs... and it's very important for any dancer... believe me. But Vera's dance abilities were of absolutely stunning quality... flexible, agile and rhythmical lady. Good for Her !

[@amahra100]

Never criticized her dancing, just don't feel her connection to Astaire. @@WitoldBanasik

[@pasimaenpaa2360]

I would say that fred was so good dancer that it wasn't really matter even his dancing partner could have been even better. Vera-ellen was one of the best dancers. But, if you want chemistry between dancers, then only option is fred and ginger. That's all.

[@Ruby-cz4gz]

Well, this whole thing is creepy somehow. And please don't get all huffy anyone. I'm not against Vera Ellen or Fred Astaire.

[@ArasAudioDump]

Naw I totally agree

[@jackjules7552]

Apparently MGM agreed. Miss Vera Ellen was dropped by MGM after the release of this film. They kept Fred for another year. I don't think Vera Ellen was showcased very well here. She seems to be always in some long period dress. Of course, Vera Ellen finally got to shine in White Christmas where her assets were capitalized on.

[@chattyroz2934]

@@jackjules7552 "Dropped" is not exactly the right word. His next picture, The Band Wagon was one of his most successful. Funny Face with Audrey Hepburn was made at her studio but with pretty much the full MGM team and his last leading man role, Silk Stockings, was also made at MGM (where he had started his film career). Musicals were going out of fashion at that point and Fred Astaire has been active in them from the early black and whites to the latest stereophonic wide screen colour extravaganzas.

[@helenhamblin1468]

I, always, prefered Gene Kelly,.(not Fred) Gene was athletic & strong, He could dance with a lady up in his arms. Gene looked good with anyone. He wasn't afraid to let the ladies out-do 🤣him Fred was skinny, looked weak. Vera-Ellen looked like she had to be careful

[@yana1955]

Also, Gene Kelly had a work ethic like nobody's business and the only female dancer who matched him in this regard was Vera-Ellen.