Gene Kelly: A Life of Dance and Dreams

Book Description

In this candid biography, the beloved dancer, choreographer, actor, and director is depicted for the first time not just as the genius and star whom millions still watch with awe, but as the complex and difficult man his family, intimates, and colleagues knew. Documenting Kelly's astonishing gifts--his innovations in movie choreography in such films as An American in Paris and Singin' in the Rain--the book also examines his late career struggles, stormy relationships, and political convictions. Structured as a retrospective of the star's life and artistry, this multi-dimensional portrait is the first to be drawn since Kelly died in 1996, and includes rare photos. Alvin Yudkoff, a producer of television, film, and video documentaries, is also a published fiction author. He lives in Water Mill, Long Island, New York.

Customer Reviews:

Shamefully shoddy.............2006-01-14

I have my own personal barometer to indicate whether or not a book is second-rate (or worse). I start counting the typos, and when I hit "five," I officially distrust the author/editors. I hit five by the third chapter and knew I was in for a bumpy ride. This author should have concentrated on spell-checking and fact-checking, rather than obsessing with his thinly veiled,homophobic assertions (as mentioned by another reader, his repeated reference to "Leo McCrary" nearly made me hurl the book across the room!). This really was a maddening read, and it is hardly the biography that the great Gene Kelly deserves. Makes one even sadder to ponder that Kelly's own autobiography was lost when his house burned down in the 80's. That would have been a helluva read.

I'd throw this away if I hadn't gotten it at the library.......2005-11-22

I'm currently only up to page 175, and for the first time in recent memory, I'm giving up on a book. I've wasted way too much time on this piece of utter garbage. I have to thank the other knowledgeable and discerning reviewers here on Amazon for making me realize that there's just no point in continuing with this thing.

From what I've actually managed to get through, it's clear that Yudkoff is many things, but, first and foremost, he's a bad writer. No, strike that: He's a horrible writer. One thing I've always felt is important with biographies is accuracy. Not Yudkoff. He seems to value contradictions and poor research. How poor? I just read the section about HUAC, and he expressed great disdain for director Leo McCarey. He had several paragraphs about him, and mentioned his name numerous times. Now, if you're going to mention someone over and over in your book, one would think that you would at least research him enough to get his name right. Yudkoff calls him Leo McCrary.

The inaccuracies aren't the worst part of the book, by far. Yudkoff seems to be a Communist sympathizer, and that viewpoint is one of the main thrusts of his book. A couple years ago, I read Myrna Loy's autobiography. She was one of those who let her politics run her life, instead of the other way around, and every opinion, encounter and experience was tinged/tainted by her political view. She seemed to have a desire to bed every man in Hollywood, but only if they were a "good Democrat." As awash with politics as her book was, though, it pales in comparison to the hammer and sickle-waving contempt for all things right of Lennin found here. Combined with the glaring inaccuracies (not to mention the outright libel in some passages--Yudkoff takes courage from Cary Grant being in the grave to state his rumored homosexuality as fact), it's impossible to take this book seriously, and nearly impossible to take it at all.

One thing that's essential when reading a biography is trust: you have to be able to trust the author and his account of the person's life, otherwise it's a wasted effort. Very little of what Yudkoff writes--outside of direct quotes (and even those are suspect based on his glaringly poor fact-checking)--can be accepted as fact. This book was clearly written with an agenda, but unfortunately, that agenda doesn't seem to include an accurate retelling of Kelly's life. Avoid this like the bird flu.

Bored me in the first chapter.......2005-08-09

I love Gene Kelly but I don't love this book. I don't see the point in the AFI tribute, just get to the history. The only good thing I can say about this book is that Gene Kelly's talent and determination come through, but that is nothing the author did, that was Gene Kelly and you can get that from any book, any movie, and any story told about him.

ONE star is TOO NICE . Is this a fictional account?.......2004-10-20

Ugh, where to begin? As others have written before me, there are so many basic errors in this book that I wonder at the author's "research." If he had spent more time getting the facts straight instead of pretending to know what Gene Kelly was thinking during the AFI tribute, then this book may not be the shambles we readers have had to endure. As I was reading, finding the errors actually became a game for me. I would sit there with my book and pen and paper, just daring Yudkoff to pitch out another mistake. Here are the ones I found: (I'm sure there are several others.)

1. Shirley Maclaine's dress at the AFI Tribute is BLACK not RED. An error that is SO basic, it shows how careless this author is throughout the entire book.

2. In For Me and My Gal, Judy Garland's character was NOT engaged to the George Murphy character. Hey Yudkoff, it would help if you saw the movies of the person about whom you're writing, don't you think???

3. Again, in For Me and My Gal, the Judy Garland and Gene Kelly characters are NOT "immediate sensations," as the author states. Sheesh.

4. Yup, another one regarding For Me and My Gal: the "author" (I'm beginning to use this term more loosely) states that Gene Kelly's character is a solo act in Europe. NOT TRUE. Watch the movie you careless dolt!

5. In Living in a Big Way, Yudkoff says that there is a dance with a trained dog and a dance with a statue. AHEM! They are the same dance. Yikes, this is getting embarrassing! I'm glad I'm not this author!

6. Here's one of the worst: When Yudkoff refers to Vera-Ellen's character in On the Town as "MISS SUBWAYS!" Oh my gosh. Her title was "Miss Turnstiles." Hmm..sounds like someone really needs to sit down with some of the movies before writing any more books.

7. Now here's something I've never seen before in any book, using the exact same quote TWICE. On page 197 and on page 202 he uses the same GK quote in referring to the pioneering on-location film technique of On the Town. (Of course, by this time, who knows if those are even real quotes? So much has already been fabricated!)

SHAME ON THE AUTHOR, THE EDITOR, and THE PUBLISHER who bought the book!!! Gene Kelly fans have waited for 20 years for an updated biography of this legendary dancer, choreographer, and director. The readers deserve better and so does Mr. Kelly himself.

Other annoying things are the way the author's internal monologue Gene Kelly is having with himself at the AFI Tribute(which I gave up on and stopped reading) basically just criticizes and insults everyone. And don't even get me started on the way he keeps hinting at homosexual rumors and portrays a young Betsy Blair as this side of a nymphomaniac. Plus, the book only focuses on about half of Gene Kelly's life. Twenty years are sideswiped in a couple of paragraphs and 40-some years are glossed over in a few pages. How about giving Gene Kelly some credit for being a single widowed father who raised his two younger children who lost their mother to cancer at ages 8 and 11? How about informing your readers that this generous father turned down numerous projects so that he could provide a stable home for his children and this was when he was in his 60's? All Yudkoff cares about are the glamour days. Not a nice way to treat your subject, who you claim to admire.

If you're as frustrated as I am, do what the author did, just learn what you can about Gene Kelly from the 1974 book written by Clive Hirschhorn. You get several treats in one: ACTUAL quotes from Gene Kelly and those who knew him, ACTUAL facts about the man, and a thoroughly enjoyable read.

As for this book: IT IS A DISGRACE! The entire thing is written like the author is wearing a neon sign saying, "Hey everyone! Look at me! I'm writing a book about Gene Kelly!" OK! So you wrote your terrible book, now do something useful like apologize to your readers. If I was Betsy Blair, or Kerry, Timothy, or Bridget Kelly, I would sue the pants off this guy. Ugh, ugh, and again I say, UGH!

Strange but true . . . sort of.......2004-09-27

This is a rather strange little tome that succeeds to some extent almost in spite of itself. It has a cheap look and feel. It is not especially well-written, and it contains many, many factual errors. But it nevertheless turns out to be a fairly interesting read -- especially once Gene hits the big-time on Broadway and in Hollywood. (The first -- and dullest -- part of the book contains way too much detail about Gene's life and times running his chain of dance studios in Pittsburgh, PA, and the surrounding 'burghs. This part may be of some regional interest to those from the Pittsburgh area, but otherwise it can easily be skipped by the reader.) In any event, the author takes the high road throughout, focusing almost exclusively on Gene's many professional successes (and, of course, a few major failures) as he climbed the ladder to 1940s and 1950s superstardom. A bit more information about Gene's family life, particularly with his first wife, actress Betsy Blair (who was blacklisted as a Commie sympathizer during the Red scare of the '50s, and had to leave the United States to find work -- which this book doesn't mention, by the way, and who, also by the way, a few years ago wrote a wonderful and heartfelt memoir of her exceptional life -- including the periods before and after her marriage to Gene -- entitled "The Memory of All That," that is well worth reading) and his three children, might have added some additional interest. But it would also appear Gene may have had a few . . . ummmmm . . . pecadillos (concerning his attraction to "barely legal" young ladies -- one of whom, the aforementioned Betsy Blair, he married when he was over thirty and she was just 18) that are best left to the imagination, so the author's discretion in terms of Gene's personal life may be a blessing in disguise. Anyway, this is not a bad book for what is it, and it may come in handy as a ready-reference the next time "For Me and My Gal," "Cover Girl," "An American in Paris," "Singin' in the Rain," "Brigadoon," and many other film's graced by Gene's one-of-kind talent appears on TV. But if you want a true taste of Gene's genius, get ahold of a copy of the DVD entitled "Gene Kelly: Anatomy of Dancer."

Book Description

Performed by Nayden Todorov, piano; Accompaniment: Plovdiv Philharmonic Orchestra; Conductor: Nayden Todorov Gershwin's masterpiece is now available in a thrilling MMO version! The piano concerto that transformed modern music and integrated jazz sensibilities into 'serious' music is a magical experience for player and listener alike. This deluxe edition includes a new enhanced -20% reduced-speed version for your practicing ease. This pack includes the printed score for solo piano with orchestral reduction; informative liner notes; and a digital stereo compact disc, voluminously indexed for your convenience, containing a complete version with soloist; then a second performance of the orchestral accompaniment, minus you, the soloist.

Average customer rating:

Rhapsody in Blue
A 2007 Association of Jewish Libraries Notable Book for Younger Readers
No CD Included
Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue

Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue W /CD
Anna Harwell Celenza
Manufacturer: Charlesbridge Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Bach's Goldberg Variations
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ASIN: 1570915563

Customer Reviews:

Rhapsody in Blue.......2007-02-19

Very nicely done...excellent for classroom use to teach the history and
circumstances surrounding the composition of the tune. I would use it in
conjunction with a unit on Tin Pan Alley or Gershwin, or music of the times. Great gift for aspiring pianists!

A 2007 Association of Jewish Libraries Notable Book for Younger Readers.......2007-01-28

A fictionalized account of the creation of George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" details how the composer was pressured to create a new concerto in just a few weeks, how he was inspired by the rhythm of a train ride, the klezmer band at his brother's Bar Mitzvah, the harmonies of nightclub dance music, ragtime, and the blues, and the enthusiastic reception the piece received at it's first performance. Kitchel's illustrations authentically depict the spirit of the roaring twenties, an author's note gives readers additional information, and the included CD recording provides added value.

No CD Included.......2006-12-22

This is a wonderful book but I was sad to discover after receiving not only my first order without a CD, but my second REPLACEMENT order as well, that Amazon does not include your CD recording with your purchase as described. I would recommend searching elsewhere for this book.

Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue.......2006-10-13

Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe arrived in the United States as learners of American culture and within a generation became its creators. In print, on stage and screen, on radio and in the world of music, their children created now iconic works which consciously or unconsciously melded their Jewish roots and American experiences. A prime example is George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue, a work that contains elements of Jewish, ragtime and blues music. The concerto is a living example of how a "melting pot society" led to the development of a uniquely American art form.

Through invented dialogue, the author reconstructs Gershwin's thought processes as he begins to envision the music and then creates the work. The only mention of Gershwin's Jewish heritage are references to klezmer music - e.g. "the klezmer band at Ira's bar mitzvah" - but the term is not defined. The terms "ragtime" or "blues" are also not explained. In life, Gershwin was very much influenced not only by the Jewish music of his youth but also by his exposure to African American music.

The book offers a very well written and illustrated glimpse into the creative process of a musical genius and could serve to open further discussion with young readers on the contributions of Jews to American music.

A CD of Rhapsody in Blue (from an original piano roll played by Gershwin himself) accompanies the book. For ages 8-10. Reviewed by Norman H. Finkelstein

Rhapsody in Blue: Setting for Piano and Wind Ensemble (The Donald Hunsberger Wind Library)

Average customer rating:

Rhapsody in Blue: Setting for Piano and Wind Ensemble (The Donald Hunsberger Wind Library)
George Gershwin , and Donald Hunsberger
Manufacturer: Warner Bros Pubns
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Plastic Comb

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ASIN: 0769269923

George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue Piano Solo

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George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue Piano Solo
George Gershwin
Manufacturer: Harms, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Sheet music

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ASIN: B000MFPPAI

Product Description

Vintage Piano Solo edition of "Rhapsody in Blue" by George Gershwin.

Rhapsody in Blue (Original) (Belwin Edition)

Average customer rating:

Clear score, beautifully laid out
A Cornerstone of Piano Literature
George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue -- piano solo
Rhapsody in Blue

Rhapsody in Blue (Original) (Belwin Edition)

Manufacturer: Alfred Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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The Complete Gershwin Keyboard Works (Essential Box Sets)
The Complete Gershwin Preludes for Piano
50 Gershwin Classics
The Annotated Rhapsody in Blue
George Gershwin's Concerto in F for Piano and Orchestra: Two Pianos, Four Hands

ASIN: 0769234461

Product Description

Two-piano edition, with second piano playing a transcription of the orchestration. Two copies are necessary for a performance.

Customer Reviews:

Clear score, beautifully laid out.......2007-05-21

This two-piano version has been corrected and updated to reflect the original Gershwin "chamber" version, which is now commonly available for full orchestra. If you are listening to recordings, it is the version used by James Levine in his recording with the Chicago Symphony, as opposed to the old classic Bernstein/NY Phil. A great buy for the price, very accurate and easy to read, with a helpful analysis of the work at the beginning.

A Cornerstone of Piano Literature.......2004-11-14

Simply said, I am using this as the feature of my senior piano performace recital at my college. This brilliant work is something to behold in its concerto form, something to enjoy it its orchestral form, and something that every one should study in its piano solo form.

Gershwin himself wrote this arrangement, so it can be safe to assume that everything in this piece is exactly how Gerswhin wanted it. I would imagine he would best realize what he original thought to be the important parts...

Ryan

George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue -- piano solo.......2002-06-08

Overall excellent. Deviates in some areas from traditional orchestral renditions -- leaves out a few minor portions and adds in others. Some sections very difficult (e.g. apparently carry-overs from 4-hand/2 piano version). But a great work nonetheless.

Rhapsody in Blue.......2001-06-19

This is a great edition of this great piece of music. It one of the only full and true editions for the piano. It's a challenge that's for sure. But I'm very happy about my purchase.

Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue (Cambridge Music Handbooks)

Average customer rating:

Informative and Interesting

Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue (Cambridge Music Handbooks)
David Schiff
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0521559537

Book Description

The Rhapsody in Blue (1924) established Gershwin's reputation as a serious composer and has since become one of the most popular of all American concert works. In this richly informative guide David Schiff considers the piece as musical work, historical event and cultural document. He traces the history of the Rhapsody's composition, performance and reception, placing it within the context of American popular song and jazz and the development of modernism. He also provides a full account of the different published and recorded versions of the work and explores the many stylistic sources of Gershwin's music.

Customer Reviews:

Informative and Interesting.......2000-11-29

The Cambridge Music Handbooks try to do what is rarely done-- bridge the gap between the dilettante "light" style of books on music that are written for the "general public" the esoteric style of heavy musicological writing. A noble pursuit, but one that runs the risk of pleasing no one rather than achieving a happy medium. Having read several of the Cambridge Music Handbooks, this one stands out as being one of the more successful. I especially enjoyed the discussion of the history of the forms which the Rhapsody in Blue has appeared ("jazzy" versions versus "classical" renditions), as well as the background of the work's first performance in Aeolian Hall in 1924. At times, the book tends towards the more "musicological" style, but all in all, it remains accessible and interesting to anyone interested in music. Schiff's style throughout is engaging and witty. If this is a piece of music you are looking to explore further, I highly recommend this book.

George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue - Piano Solo (modified arrangement by Herman Wassermann)

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George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue - Piano Solo (modified arrangement by Herman Wassermann)
George Gershwin
Manufacturer: Harms
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Sheet music
ASIN: B000N8MRZU

Average customer rating:

By far the best version of this piece for the piano player!

The Annotated Rhapsody in Blue

Manufacturer: Alfred Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1576237028

Product Description

THE ANNOTATED RHAPSODY IN BLUE has been restored to Gershwin's original Manuscript by the talented Alicia Zizzo. This special edition includes the addendum to the two piano, four hands edition and the fully restored piano manuscript. 

Customer Reviews:

By far the best version of this piece for the piano player!.......2000-12-03

Being a professional pianist for over 10 years, I heard Rhapsody in Blue after buying the Fantasia 2000 CD. I was astonished. I immediately went to Sam Ash and I found this book. It is by far THE MOST COMPLETE sheet music book of this piece. The piano 4 hands or version for 2 pianos doesn't come close to what this book has. In the first several pages, it describes all of the changes and improvisations put on the piece since its debut. Then, it gives the player and FULL version, including, orchestra parts that can be played on the piano. Granted, it's a very difficult piece, but it sounds wonderful. Even if you're a beginner or intermediate player, you will find much information and joy from this book. I highly recommend it!

George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue / Miniature Orchestra Score

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George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue / Miniature Orchestra Score

Manufacturer: Warner Bros. Publications Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000GP2XDQ

Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue Sheet Music (Complete Piano Solo)

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Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue Sheet Music (Complete Piano Solo)
George Gershwin
Manufacturer: HARMS
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Sheet music

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ASIN: B000LR16TQ

Product Description

This is the complete piano solo.

Book Description

This book takes the reader through negative doubles, slam bidding, conventional overcalls, two-over-one game forcing, defensive signals, and so much more.

Customer Reviews:

The New Testament Bridge Bible.......2002-11-18

This book takes over where "Commonly Used Conventions" leaves off. It covers negative and other types of conventional doubles, overcalls - including Unusual NT and Michaels, slam bidding - including Blackwood and Gerber (with appendix coverage of Roman Key Card Blackwood) and two-over-one game force. There is an excellent chapter on defensive leads and signals.
For the newer bridge player, I recommend that you get all five of the ACBL Bridge Series books by Audrey Grant. They are used extensively by bridge teachers world-wide.
If you have a reasonable amount of bridge experience with modern (not just Goren) bidding concepts (e.g. "limit bids") and playing and defending techniques, skip the Club Series (recently retitled "Bidding") and go right to this book and "Commonly Used Conventions" as the sources of your next step forward in bidding and playing bridge.

Book Description

This volume, based on papers delivered at a conference in Bruges, Belgium, explores the development of European federalism. The contributors also examine the political systems of other countries such as the U.S. and Canada in order to gain insight into European integration. Some of the topics covered in the volume include recent attitudes of the German Lander towards European integration; citizenship and European union; federalism and the environment; the language problem in European integration; and the politics and administration of federalism. Contributors: Wilifred Martens, Daniel Elazar, Alain Gagnon, Michael Burgess, John Kincaid, C. Lloyd Brown-John, Stephen Schechter, Bruce McDowell, Kieran St. Clair Bradley, Joachim Jens Hesse, Ronald Watts, Nicolas Schmitt, Cheryl Saunders, Frans Vanistendael, Marcelo Duarte, Jean Beaufays, Wolfgang Renzsch, Reinhard Rack, Audrey Brassloff, Gary Miller, Jacob Landau, Alexander Murphy, Maureen Covell, Rudolf Hrbek, Karel Rimanque, and Andre Alen.

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