Posts Tagged ‘Fred Astaire’
synchronize
syn·chro·nize \ˈsiŋ-krə-ˌnīz, ˈsin-\
Function: verb
Date: c.1624
intransitive verb
: to happen at the same time
transitive verb
1 : to represent or arrange (events) to indicate coincidence or coexistence
2 : to make synchronous in operation
3 : to make (motion-picture sound) exactly simultaneous with the action
- Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary
The Barkleys of Broadway. Dir. Charles Walters. Pro. Arthur Freed. Perf. Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Oscar Levant. MGM, 1949.
Michael Jackson’s influences
Featured music:
Jackson, Michael. “Billie Jean”. Thriller. Epic, 1982.
“Nice Work If You Can Get It”
*Note how this scene is filmed in one take, without any cutting.
“Nice Work If You Can Get It”. Music by George Gershwin. Lyrics by Ira Gershwin.
A Damsel In Distress. Dir. George Stevens. Perf. Fred Astaire, George Burns, Gracie Allen, Joan Fontaine. RKO Pictures, 1937.
“Puttin’ on the Ritz”
“Puttin’ on the Ritz”. Written by Irving Berlin.
Blue Skies. Dir. Stuart Heisler and Mark Sandrich. Wri. Arthur Sheekman, Allan G. Scott and Irving Berlin. Perf. Fred Astaire, Bing Crosby and Joan Caulfield. Paramount, 1946.
“Hola Means Hello”
Sonia Manzano and Emilio Delgado are credited with introducing Latin culture and language to millions of American kids on Sesame Street since both joined the cast in 1971 as Maria and Luis. Long-time familiar faces, it wasn’t until 1984 with “Hola Means Hello” that the couple entered America’s hearts.
Manzano said when writing this sketch, she tried to think of the coolest thing she saw on TV when she was a child. She immediately thought of Top Hat (1935) — the screwball comedy musical featuring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers — which much of the “Hola” routine imitates.
Chemistry between Delgado and Manzano came easily on the set, and their characters were presented with such sincerity the public often mistook them for a real-life couple. Manzano recounts one of many conversations with fans:
Fan: “Oh, it’s so nice that you two are showing my children real love on television…”
Manzano: “Oh, actually, we aren’t really married.”
Fan: “Oh…well… that’s okay. As long as you really love each other.”
“Hola” scored such high ratings with test audiences that it was decided to finally write a romance between the two. After nearly 20 years of living on the Street, Maria and Luis were married in a memorable and much-publicized 1988 episode. Their union introduced a new cast member two years later, daughter Gabriella, who was played by Manzano’s real-life daughter for the first few years.
Both Delgado and Manzano continue to appear on Sesame Street. Delgado easily claims the longest running part for a Mexican-American actor in a continuing television series. His portrayal of Luis has garnered him universal acclaim and has charmed and inspired viewers for four decades.
After joining the cast with Delgado, Manzano shortly began writing scrips for the series. Currently, she holds 15 Emmy Awards for her outstanding contributions, and shares the same acclaim with Delgado and a few others senior residents who’ve decided they like the street on which they live.
