Gene Kelly - God of Dancing: Anchors Aweigh [1945]

Anchors Aweigh is a Musical Rom Com directed by George Sidney. Gene Kelly plays the lead with the great Frank Sinatra as his sidekick. They later acted together for another classic "On the Town" in 1949.

The story is about two sailors who get a four day leave in Los Angeles. Joseph Brady [Gene Kelly] is the Dude, the proverbial ladies man. He is on his way to meet his muse Lola in Hollywood. Clarence Doolittle [Sinatra] a fellow sailor is a shy, introvert guy. As he doesn’t have any plans he follows Joseph. Both of them end up in Susan Abbott’s [Kathryn Grayson] home. Susan is an aspiring singer, Clarence falls for her and Joseph promises to help him out to woo her. From here the story evolves to a love triangle which is enacted so beautifully by the three actors. It’s such a pleasure to watch the tension, doubt and emotions the characters go through and none of it seems contrived.

As a musical it has some great songs and choreography. The most unique part of this movie was the dream sequence where Gene Kelly dances with Jerry the mouse. You just have to watch it to gasp in awe at the performance.

The movie won the Oscar for Best Music -Scoring of a Musical Picture. Gene Kelly was nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role and it was also nominated in the following categories - Best Cinematography, Best Music -Original Song and Best Picture. 

Our film makers can learn a thing or two from such classics; I’m not talking about ripping it altogether. Simple things, like the way the story cuts to a dream sequence or how the scenes naturally progress to the song and dance routine.

Gene Kelly is truly an inspiring personality. He is an amazing dancer and choreographer, that’s obvious but he is also a Singer, Director and most of all a superb Actor. I’ve just seen three movies of Gene Kelly and already "Singin in the Rain" is my all time favorite musical. 

Gene Kelly - the God of Dancing :)

Cheers

Pradeep