Gwen Verdon
Рождение : 1925-01-13, Culver City, Los Angeles, California, USA
Смерть : 2000-10-18
История
Gwyneth Evelyn "Gwen" Verdon was an American actress and dancer. She won four Tony Awards for her musical comedy performances, and served as an uncredited choreographer's assistant and specialty dance coach for theater and film. With flaming red hair and a quaver in her voice, Verdon was a critically acclaimed performer on Broadway from the 1950s-70s. Having originated many roles in musicals she is also strongly identified with her second husband, director–choreographer Bob Fosse, remembered as the dancer–collaborator–muse for whom he choreographed much of his work and as the guardian of his legacy after his death.
By the time she was six, she was already dancing on stage. She went on to study multiple dance forms, ranging from tap, jazz, ballroom and flamenco to Balinese. In 1942, Verdon’s parents asked her to marry family friend and tabloid reporter James Henaghan after he got her pregnant at 17, and she quit her dancing career to raise their child. After her divorce, she entrusted her son Jimmy to the care of her parents. Early on, Verdon found a job as assistant to choreographer Jack Cole. During her five-year employment with Cole, she took small roles in movie musicals as a "specialty dancer" She also taught dance to stars such as Jane Russell, Fernando Lamas, and Lana Turner. Verdon started out on Broadway as a "gypsy," going from one chorus line to another. Her breakthrough role finally came as second female lead in Cole Porter's musical Can-Can. Verdon's biggest success was George Abbott's Damn Yankees. Verdon won another Tony and went to Hollywood to repeat her role in the 1958 movie version Damn Yankees. Verdon won another Tony for her performance in the musical, New Girl in Town, and won her fourth Tony for Redhead. Verdon and Fosse continued to collaborate on projects such as musicals Chicago and Dancin', as well as All That Jazz. After originating the role of Roxie opposite Chita Rivera's Velma Kelly in Chicago, Verdon focused on film acting, playing character roles in movies such as The Cotton Club, Cocoon and its sequel. She continued to teach dance and musical theater and to act. She received three Emmy Award nominations for appearances on Magnum, P.I., Dream On, and Homicide: Life on the Street. Verdon appeared in Alice and Marvin's Room). In 1999, Verdon served as artistic consultant on a Broadway musical designed to showcase examples of classic Fosse choreography, called Fosse. which won a Tony Award for best musical.
Verdon appeared in the movie Walking Across Egypt, as well as Bruno. Verdon received a total of four Tonys, for best featured actress for Can-Can and best leading actress for Damn Yankees, New Girl in Town, and Redhead. She also won a Grammy Award for the cast recording of Redhead.
Verdon was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 1981, and in 1998, she was awarded the National Medal of Arts.
Herself (archive footage)
Merely Marvelous is a celebration of the art and life of Broadway's greatest dancing star, Gwen Verdon. She overcame many obstacles, including rickets, the Hollywood system, a loveless first marriage and a difficult second marriage to choreographer/director Bob Fosse, to become a multi-Tony Award-winning performer. Gwen's life is told through interviews with family members and theatre associates as well as a mine of rare footage from her Broadway and Hollywood careers. Merely Marvelous is the story of a brave woman who rose to the very top of her profession.
Self (archive footage)
A retrospective of Chita Rivera's film, television and stage career, including interviews with Dick Van Dyke, Ben Vereen, Carol Lawrence and others. Originally aired as Episode 2 of Season 43 of the PBS series Great Performances.
Lola (segment "Damn Yankees")
Бродвейские короли и лауреаты Тони Томми Тюн, Кэрол Ченнинг, Роберт Гуле и Харви Фирстайн станут вашими ведущими для этого третьего сборника великих музыкальных представлений из архивов трансляций премии Премия Тони®. Легендарные звезды из легендарных шоу демонстрируют свое мастерство в 23 спектаклях, которые вошли в историю Бродвея.
Roxie Hart (segment "Chicago")
The golden age of the annual Tony Awards ceremony lasted from 1967 to 1986 — the period during which Alexander H. Cohen and his wife, Hildy Parks, were the producers of the show. This film offers a compilation of performances from Tony Award broadcasts during those years. They are presented with color-corrected footage and digitally re-mastered sound.
Herself
Broadway: The Golden Age is the most important, ambitious and comprehensive film ever made about America's most celebrated indigenous art form. Award-winning filmmaker Rick McKay filmed over 100 of the greatest stars ever to work on Broadway or in Hollywood. He soon learned that great films can be restored, fine literature can be kept in print - but historic Broadway performances of the past are the most endangered. They leave only memories that, while more vivid, are more difficult to preserve. In their own words — and not a moment too soon — Broadway: The Golden Age tells the stories of our theatrical legends, how they came to New York, and how they created this legendary century in American theatre. This is the largest cast of legends ever in one film.
Creative Consultant
Fosse is a three-act musical revue showcasing the choreography of Bob Fosse. The musical was conceived by Richard Maltby, Jr., Chet Walker, and Ann Reinking. It won the Tony Award for Best Musical in 2000. In 2002, Fosse, featuring Reinking and Ben Vereen, was aired as part of the "Great Performances — Dance In America" series on PBS television. This filmed Broadway tribute strings together acclaimed director/choreographer Bob Fosse's "greatest hits."
Mrs. Drago
The story of a unique young boy genius, Bruno, whose expression of his own individuality leads his family and community along an emotional journey.
Alora
An elderly widow befriends an orphaned juvenile delinquent.
Edith Cooper
Sarah and Harriet have been best friends since childhood. They married at the same time, had children within the same year and now find themselves facing uncertain futures after the sudden deaths of their husbands. Though they have much in common, Sarah is a relaxed nature lover, while Harriet is intense and set in her ways. Sarah has been able to move on with her life with the help of her mother, her maid Katie and Will, the new man in her life. Harriet is unable to cope with her loss and her relationship with her daughter Pammy is strained. When Harriet is diagnosed with a serious illness, she and Sarah learn a lesson about love and friendship.
Self
A profile of composing team John Kander and Fred Ebb, who have written many Broadway musicals. Highlights include interviews with Lauren Bacall, Joel Grey and others, as well as the two men themselves, plus clips of performances of their songs.
Ruth Wakefield
Две сестры совершенно не похожи друг на друга. Кроткая сердечная Бесси посвятила всю себя другим. Именно она возложила на себя ответственность за семью, взяла на себя заботы о старом больном отце, а потом сама тяжело заболевает. Вспыльчивая, неуравновешенная Ли, замкнувшаяся в собственном эгоизме, потеряла контакт с семнадцатилетним сыном, отношения с которым приходится восстанавливать с большим трудом.
Etta Pell
История, рассказанная от лица Люси Марсден, вдовы конфедерата. Все воспоминания посвящены её мужу капитану Уильяму Марсдену, который в тринадцатилетнем возрасте ушёл на гражданскую войну. Многое пришлось пережить юному Уилли за годы войны, и тяжёлые ранения, и смерть лучшего друга-сверстника, которого убили прямо на его глазах. Даже спустя многие годы душевные раны капитана Марсдена давали о себе знать. Он так и не смог расстаться со своим прошлым. Он жил войной.. А еще он страсть как любил строгать детишек..
Alice's Mother
Богатая, скучающая, помешанная на магазинах жительница Манхэттена мечтает познакомиться с Матерью Терезой. Эгоистичный муж постоянно ей изменяет. Но тут жизнь внезапно и навсегда меняется, когда она попадает к доброму и таинственному человеку с Востока, обладающему чудодейственными способностями вплоть до гипноза.
Self
Ведущий преподаватель актерского мастерства, воспитавший некоторых из самых известных исполнителей сцены и экрана, Сэнфорд Мейснер был одним из основателей Group Theatre. Групповой театр, кооперативный театральный ансамбль, стал ведущей силой в театральном мире 30-х годов. Мейснер выступал во многих самых запоминающихся постановках группы.
Herself - Narrator
A documentary profile of director/choreographer Bob Fosse. Includes clips from his films and television specials as well as interviews with Fosse, remembrances from his friends, and commentary by Gwen Verdon. A Dance in America presentation, broadcast as part of Great Performances.
Bess McCarthy
Продолжение истории о чудодейственном коконе, который когда-то забыли на Земле инопланетяне. Те же бравые старички, которые хотели омолодиться с помощью инопланетной силы, вновь ввязываются в увлекательную, но небезопасную авантюру- ведь чужаки в коконе опять вернулись на Землю, чтобы доставить массу беспокойства ее обитателям.
Vera
Надин и Вернон собираются разводиться. Однако, обнаружив у себя чужие документы и став невольной свидетельницей убийства, Надин обращается за помощью к своему «почти бывшему» мужу, и их любовь разгорается с новой силой…
Bess McCarthy
Обитатели дома престарелых обнаруживают, что если искупаешься в близлежащем бассейне, то начинаешь чувствовать себя совсем молодцом. Но вдруг выясняется, что на дне бассейна хранится чудодейственный кокон, поднятый из глубин океана и принадлежащий инопланетянам, когда — то навестившим Землю, а теперь вернувшимся. Старички резко возжелали омолодиться и увязались в увлекательную, но небезопасную авантюру, которая сопряжена со множеством нарушений и шума.
Self
This special is the second "Night of 100 Stars" to benefit The Actors Fund of America. Edited from a seven-hour live entertainment marathon that was taped February 17, 1985, at New York's Radio City Music Hall, this sequel to the 1982 "Night of 100 Stars" special features 288 celebrities.
Lola (archive footage)
A documentary film about dancing on the screen, from it's orgins after the invention of the movie camera, over the movie musical from the late 20s, 30s, 40s 50s and 60s up to the break dance and the music videos from the 80s.
Tish Dwyer
В искусных руках Дикси труба превращается в нечто большее, чем простой музыкальный инструмент. А женщина из обычного существа женского пола становилась богиней. Дикси был единственным, кто мог пройти по скользкой дорожке между музыкой и мафией. Пока однажды не встретил в клубе «Коттон» Веру. И жизнь Дикси стала еще горячей, чем его музыка.
Herself - Host
Dance routines from some of Broadway's greatest musicals (including The Boyfriend, Carousel, Finian's Rainbow, George M and Shenandoah) are recreated.
Maureen Comly
Three hopefuls -- Shanna Reed, Deborah Geffner and Maureen Teefy -- each wants to be a Radio City Music Hall Rockette, vying for the one open spot the hall's choreographer, Gwen Verdon (in her TV-movie debut), has to fill. Sheree North plays Geffner's ex-Rockette mother and John Heard is a magazine reporter who falls for each of the aspiring dancers. The film was shot partially at Radio City Music Hall and was given a single public showing there several nights before its television premiere.
(archive footage)
Золотые моменты из фильмотеки MGM, что включает как комедии и драмы, так и классические музыкальные номера.
Mrs. Moffat
The operator of a turn-of-the-century boarding house is haunted by a vicious female entity. The ghost drives all visitors away except for a young writer who becomes infatuated with it.
Audience
Liza Minnelli stars in a television concert directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse. She performs such songs as the title number and "Son of a Preacher Man." The concert concludes with a medley of songs from the film Cabaret (1972). The special, Minnelli and Fosse all won Emmy Awards. Bob Fosse also won the Oscar and Tony that year, in the only instance of any person ever winning all three in a one-month period.
Lola
Film adaptation of the George Abbott Broadway musical about a Washington Senators fan who makes a pact with the Devil to help his baseball team win the league pennant.
Specialty Dancer (uncredited)
Две шоу-герлз Бродвея, сестры Джонс, устают от суеты Нью-Йорка и решают попытать счастье в Париже, куда незамедлительно отправляются в надежде стать знаменитыми. Отбоя от потенциальных женихов у брюнеток нет, и обе хотят найти свою вторую половинку.
Abigail (uncredited)
Erie Canal, N.Y., 1850: Molly Larkins, cook on Jotham Klore's canal boat, has a love-hate relationship with her boss. She hires handsome new haul-horse driver Dan Harrow and the inevitable triangle develops (complicated by Dan's desire to farm and Molly's to boat) against a background of the canalmen's fight against the encroaching railroad.
Choreographer
Карточный игрок и превосходный фехтовальщик, Марк Фэллон (Тайрон Пауэр), отплывает на пароходе в Новый Орлеан, где собирается открыть игорный клуб. В дороге он знакомится с Анжеликой Дюро и ее беспутным братом Лораном, которого обыгрывает в карты. Чтобы расплатиться, Лоран отдает Марку фамильную драгоценность, принадлежащую его сестре. Фэллон пытается вернуть девушке семейную реликвию, но та отказывается, обвиняя его в жульничестве, хотя на самом деле, Анжелика влюбляется в Марка с первого взгляда, но боится признаться в этом даже самой себе.
Specialty Dancer (uncredited)
This semi-film within a film opens in the office of producer George Jessel, who never saw a camera he couldn't get in front of, who is holding a story conference to determine the screen treatment for the life of Eva Tanguay, and Jessel is unhappy with what the writers present him.He tells them to look up Eddie McCoy, Eva's one-time partner, for the real inside story on the lusty and vital Eva. Eddie's version is that he discovered her working as a waitress in an Indianapolis restaurant in 1912, wherein singer Larry Woods and his partner Charles Bennett get into a fight over her and both land in the hospital, and McCoy convinces the manager to put Eva on as a single to fill their spot. She flopped, but McCoy arranges for Bennett to be her accompanist, and she went out of his life. The writers look up Bennett, now head of a music publishing company, who says McCoy's story is phony, and it was Flo Zigfeld who discovered Eva for his Follies.
Specialty Can-Can Dancer (uncredited)
В посольстве государства Маршовия в Вашингтоне узнают, что одна из их соотечественниц - Кристалл Радек стала вдовой и ей от покойного мужа достались восемьдесят миллионов долларов. Посол и атташе бегут в дом вдовы с приглашением посетить родную отчизну, где должно состояться открытие памятника ее покойному мужу, но это только предлог, чтобы выманить женщину из США. Главная цель этих ребят и их короля, чтобы вдова не вышла замуж за иностранца: иначе ее деньги будут потеряны для родины. Надо, чтобы мужем вдовы стал подданный Понтеведро. Все высокопоставленные мужчины страны женаты, холостяк один - граф Данило, и ради "интересов государства" он должен жениться на ее миллионах...
Girl in Commercial (uncredited)
Thornton Sayre, a respected college professor - secretly formerly a silent films romantic action hero - is disturbed, feeling his privacy has been violated, and his professional credibility as a scholar jeopardized, when he learns his old movies have been resurrected and are being aired on TV. He sets out to demand this cease. However, his former co-star is the hostess of the TV show playing the films, and she has other plans.
Gwen Verdon / Sappho, Dancer in No Talent Joe (uncredited)
A Broadway star devises a scheme to win back her husband when she suspects he's being unfaithful.
Specialty Dancer (uncredited)
Вернувшись домой после битвы, Давид обращает внимание на чужую жену Вирсавию и влюбляется в неё. Грегори Пек показал царяДавида, яростного и стойкого в бою, но хрупкого по отношению к прекраснойсоблазнительнице. Давид отсылает мужа Вирсавии на войну, где тот находитсмерть. Царь берет в жены вдову. У них рождается ребенок, который умирает. Однажды Давид приказывает забросать камнями женщину, которая изменила мужу, когда тот был на войне. И тогда Бог Иегова посылает ему пророка Нафана, чтобы тот пристыдил его. Посланный голод на егоземли заставляет царя Давида признать свои ошибки, и тогда спасительныедожди смывают его грехи. Вирсавия, после умершего первенца родит Давиду мальчика и даст ему имя Соломон («Царь Мира»).
Girl in Nightclub (uncredited)
A brash young singer and an unemployed "jukebox girl" hire an elderly Confederate "colonel" to teach them to be "southern" so they can land a radio gig for sponsor Plantation Coffee. Comedy.
Cheerleader
During World War II three brothers go to enlist in the Air Force, but since they're farmers they're told they're needed at home more than in the service. Determined to join up, they enlist the aid of a pretty young girl whose father is head of the local draft board.
Specialty Ballerina (uncredited)
Сюжет переносит зрителя в Вену 19-го века и касается молодой жизнерадостной девушки герцогини Елизаветы Баварской, которую ласково звали дома Сиси, и которая хотела спасти старшую сестру Елену от морганического брака с их двоюродным братом «злым» молодым императором Австро-Венгерской империи Францем Иосифом.
