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(The website referenced is Gene Kelly: The Legacy.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQOBYM0TzzA&feature=youtu.be
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I’ve watched your video. And three things came to my mind:
1. I wasn’t happy to see Debbie Reynolds who offends Gene Kelly wherever she can.
2. What has Liza Minnelli done with her face?
3. I’m looking forward to what Patricia Kelly has planned for Gene’s centenary.
I hope it’s going to be something really special. And I wish some more Gene’s films were released on DVD – available worldwide.
Luckily, Warner Bros Archive, which has just released “Living in a Big Way’ made it available in Europe, too (Region 0 – for all DVDs everywhere)
I’ve always enjoyed Debbie Reynolds’ comments about her experience on singin’ in the rain. Far from being offensive she gives an honest and humorous account of, what was for her, a very trying experience. Not everybody found Gene to be the faultless demi-god, as hordes of his fans attempt to portray him; quite often the less sycophantic comments provide a more invaluable insight into his personality and work ethic.
Patricia Ward Kelly has nothing planned. She will only be reporting what others are doing. I think that Europe is leading the way, and the little town of Puckaun in Co. Tipperary, Ireland, where Gene stayed often—there is a plaque to Gene in the pub there which the locals toast each evening…….Gene would love that!—and they are going to have a Mass in his memory among other things. Grassroots!
Grassroots is what Gene’s celebration should be all about and what he would have wanted. Patricia Ward Kelly is only about taking credit in some way for what others will do and for extending her time in the spotlight. [...]
As for Debbie Reynolds she has never said negative things about Gene Kelly, only praise and appreciation for what he taught her, crediting him with giving her the work ethic and lasting power in the business that she has had. The story she told was a harmless anecdote that was funny and did not in any way disgrace Gene’s memory. He was human and was not a demi-god of perfection. People of extraordinary talents and intelligence are most assuredly human and flawed like the rest of us.
Oh, one other thing I failed to mention: In one interview at the TCM film festival, Ward Kelly is asked about the book she is writing and she answers it has been postponed yet again, even though this would be the appropriate time for it to be released. Again, this is proof she is extending her fifteen minutes for as long as is possible to keep her spotlight going and her opportunities to give her any kind of credible work continuing.
Gene belongs to the people [...].
Postponed may be a nice way of saying that she is having difficulty finding a publisher who will publish her story. [...] Over the years there have been reports of at least three publishers. When Gene hired her in 1986 to help him, the publisher did not want her. She tells us not to believe what we read, yet after 25 years we do not have the publication that is suppose to be the truth.
You are telling it like it is, Carol. Gene was one of the warmest, most affectionate man I knew….with people who truly loved him.
Betsy Blair’s book is spot on.
That’s cool! Thanks so much for sharing!
Boy, I am glad to get back her. I about gagged on my coffee when I read the interview with PWK in which she continually spoke about “her” show at the Lincoln Center. Wow. Talk about using your connections. I am only glad that people are questioning her motives. All of her information consists of stuff you could find on any website or book. There is no imput from his kids (that should tell everyone something) or Gene’s secretary’s daily diaries from 1945-1990 (because PWK doesn’t have access to them…..again, that should tell you something).
For Gene and his kids, who are still mourning the loss of his grandson (notice PWK never said anything about that?) earlier this year, we will celebrate him and love him the way he would want, and without her control. How I wish I could be at Kennedy’s Pub in Puckaun, Co. Tipperary on his birthday. He will be there in spirit!
Just read the foreword of Betsy Blair’s book, and you have the facts.
Cindy, I was so upset to see no mention by that woman of the loss of Bridget’s son. She is a cold cruel individual to say the least. But you know? I don’t think Bridget and the family would have wanted her to say anything at all. And yes, I have seen the foreward to Betsy Blair’s book. I don’t know as much as maybe some of you do but I have seen that and watching her escapades is really all anyone needs. I was so disgusted by her references to “her shows” all over the place. It’s very sad but like the things Gene Kelly stands for, there is joy beyond her and what she is doing will fade so quickly into the sunset one day.
HI Cindy,
Have been reading this blog with great interest, By-the-way I have heard about you through a mutual friend of ours and you seem an incredible lady!
Anyway I have been reading with interest various interviews PWK has been giving and have also listened to a radio interview PWK did recently on a NY Radio Station, what interests me is whether it be radio or newspaper interviews there is no mention or no questions regarding Mr Kelly’s children how they are doing, is PWK and the family getting together to celebrate the Centenary of Mr Kelly’s birth? I do appreciate there are ‘issues’ between PWK and Mr Kelly’s family but would you be aware if Mr Kelly’s family are going to be doing anything in celebration. This whole situation to me is so sad particularly I feel for his children (to me it really should be his children leading the celebrations but that’s my own personal opinion) it would be great to hear from his two younger children I do realise that Mr Kelly’s youngest daughter is still probably in mourning for her son, but we never really hear from them its usually Mr Kelly’s eldest daughter. Just thought I would ask, I am just a humble fan from Ireland who thinks his contribution to film and dance was incredible.
Kindest Regards
Brenda
Gene’s kids are fiercely dedicated to their dad, and honor his memory in their own way. you have to remember a few well-known facts which have already been published about her:
1. Pat had Gene’s body cremated before the children even saw it. There was nothing for them to say goodbye too; instead, they got to see all of the flowers that were sent to PWK.
2. By the time Gene had his second stroke, Pat had gotten rid of Gene’s doctor, lawyer, all of his old friends and his secretary since 1945. The kids were not welcome to visit, thought they did come whenever they could, nor was his former secretary.
During their marriage, the newspapers at the time in Beverly Hills were full of reports of her affair with a younger man and her having her own residence.
Based upon news accounts from that city, she won’t allow the city of Pittsburgh to erect a statue in Gene’s honor. She won’t permit any activity unless it includes her or she is paid a fee for permission to use his image. You can draw your own conclusions, but those are the facts based upon newspaper reportings.
Celebrate Gene in your own way, or, like the people of Puckaun, Co. Tipperary where he stayed and loved the people, have a Mass said for him, have a drink to him, and tell great stories about him. He loved children, good conversation (the Irish would say ‘craic’), singing together, hearty food (not vegetables, but meat and potatoes and lots of chocolate), great books, French wine, and poetry, especially Irish poetry. He gave great hugs, was very tender-hearted, and a great old Irishman who did not suffer fools. He now is an angel with a celestial smile. Celebrate him the way he would want to be celebrated: In your own home over a beer.
PWK does not “own” Gene anymore than she owns the sky. He belongs to all of us.
How deeply sad and disturbing it is that women who met and married Mr Kelly in his declining years could become the mouthpiece and gatekeeper of his legacy. She was married to him about 5 years and supposedly “never knew who he was before she met him.” How ridiculous. How devastating to his children who have honored and loved their dad for fourty plus years more than Genes last wife. I don’t understand why Mr. Kelly did not tie these details up before he married his last wife. The heart break of losing a beloved father and then the additional grief of his legacy controlled by someone who barely knew him.
[...] Anyone who studies Gene’s life in depth will realize that he was first and foremost a humanitarian in the truest sense of the word. It’s a pity that the person in charge of his image doesn’t seem to be a better representative to his fans and of his legacy.
Louise & Carol: You are so right on point that I don’t know where to begin. I’ll just say that although I am very proud of Europe for taking the lead in celebrating Gene’s centenary, I am appalled by America’s lack of input so far. We all know that the main reason being that Patricia Ward controls Gene’s image in marketing and advertising, etc. Whatever. The recent Kelly tribute by American Arts & Sciences held in Hollywood in May is a case to my point. This “tribute was so poorly advertised that many of his fans were unaware its existence and thus, many could not attend. Worst off, many of the celebrity guests who paid tribute to Gene were really atrocious! Ok, may be there are not many stars from the Golden Era around today but why not get individuals who can speak directly to Gene’s contributions to dancing on film? People like Debbie Reynolds, Andre Previn, Leslie Caron, Liza Minnelli, even Stanley Donen (although he may be a bit hard pressed to show up!) would have been great. Even Gene’s children were conveniently left out; I don’t get that at all! I would have even appreciated Paula Abdul’s presence, who has had success as a choreographer and had met Gene rather than showing Justin Timberlake–who’s tribute was an utter embarrassment! There are so many ways to market Gene’s centenary to be a major success and bridge the Glee! and Dancing With the Stars fans with this major icon! Off the top of my head, you can do outdoor film festivals in major cities, dance contests, fundraisers, etc. Final note: Recently I wore this t-shirt made with Gene leaping in the air with a caption: Dancing Gene Kelly Style: Simply Cool ! Man, so many people in NYC hit me up to ask where I got this shirt–it was crazy! I totally agree, I doubt that Patricia Ward has any real plans–she has had too many years to get it together! How ridiculous…
After purchasing a copy of the May 17th centennial tribute program on eBay, I asked the seller (who had attended the event) what her impression was of PWK’s presentation during the evening. She replied that while her presentation was polished and professional, it was “from her own calculated point of view.” She said the program was well orchestrated to show her as his protector and all-knowing and loving wife. She further said that she spent quite some time trying to dispel the notion that she had been a gold-digger.
Perhaps by having someone such as JT speak, she is trying to appeal to and win over a younger audience who is unfamiliar with her history. At least that’s the impression I got when she appeared to play up to the younger attendees at TCM’s recent film festival in Hollywood.
I haven’t been back here in some time so I never read these posts. I thought the thread was pretty much dead now..lol. As a huge Gene Kelly fan I’m so glad to know that others who are attending these events given by PWK are seeing right through her like the lady who sold the Centennial Program on Ebay. It’s just been sickening to see so many fawning all over her and thinking they truly believe her. You are so right about Timberlake and others who had no busy being part of a tribute for a man that deserves so much more and he most definitely deserves a better representation than his widow being in charge of it all. I wonder how Gene’s family is bearing up under all of this. Does anyone know? Has anyone on here ever met Gene Kelly? I wonder how people truly feel about PWK’s latest grandstanding at Lincoln Center. It’s truly just so heartbreaking to to see her elevating herself in some ways more than she is Gene. Sorry Michelle for responding so late.
I’m sorry for the late reply. That is an interesting perspective about PWK’s presentation at these events. It seems to be a general consensus of her public persona, based on public opinion. Ultimately, that’s all it is …”public opinion!”
BTW, She still could’ve chosen someone else besides JT; he was really atrocious!
Did you enjoy the centennial tribute?
Carol, thanks for sharing that about the Centennial Program seller. As I told Michelle, I didn’t check in for a while because I thought this thread was finished. I’m sick at seeing what’s going on with Gene Kelly’s legacy and these events so controlled by PWK for her own fame. I love Gene Kelly and care very much for his memory being honored correctly and for his dear family to be the ones to stand up for him. Let’s all stay positive for Gene Kelly the way he would have wanted it. The true fans are the ones who really know!
Yes, the Centennial Tribute program is a nice memento of the evening — especially for someone who was unable to attend. It’s the size of a standard page and there are only six pages, two of them list the movies (with credits) from which film excerpts were shown and songs played during the evening. Another page is a brief writeup about each special guest. The first page gives a short overview of his career while the second begins the schedule for the evening. Two popular photos are shown on those pages. On the last page there is a photo of Gene leaping and was taken during the filming of Cover Girl. The back cover reads, “For changing the look of dance on film, that’s how I’d like to be remembered.” – Gene Kelly
Hi, Louise and Carol, you should be able to check a box below to receive follow-up comments via email (that way, you won’t have to keep “checking back”).
Hi Kelli, Yes, I’ve since checked those boxes so I hope that will work. I think I’d forgotten to do that last time. My mailbox acts weird sometimes though and I had some difficulty posting here today at first..had to do it again. Thanks!