SLAUGHTER on 10th AVE (1939 film)

Here's the complete ballet from the 1939 film starring Vera Zorina and Eddie Albert. This is quite different than the version he choreographed in 1968 for Suzanne Farrell and Arthur Mitchell, although the broad strokes are there. For example, I was the boy who gets "bumped off" in the beginning in the 1968 NYC Ballet production, and it's exactly the same. This was edited down for the film version from the original 1936 one in ON YOUR TOES. In this version Balanchine uses Zorina's backbends to great effect, but in the Farrell version he mainly uses her high kicks. Also Eddie Albert was not a dancer, so all the Tap sections are mostly shot from the waist down; using a professional dancer...although Albert moves rather well in the other long shots. The camera angles are very inventive so I'm sure Balanchine had a big say in that. The sets and costumes are mostly identical in both this film and in the NYCB version...except for Farrell's which were much more revealing.

[@melaniewade4117]

One of my favorite Balanchine pieces. He could do anything! Love Vera Zorina and the chemistry with Eddie Albert. Wonderful music. Clever choreo. Brilliant!

[@yvonneleslie7681]

It's so great the see Eddie Albert tapping away in this! I only knew him as the millionaire farmer married to Eva Gabor in the 60's tv show Green Acres...

[@jcliff26]

As I said in my notes that is not Eddie Albert tapping. They substituted a real tap dancer from the waist down. He moves well but wasn't a dancer.

[@yvonneleslie7681]

@@jcliff26 Oops, my bad! It was still fun to see him in a different light, though. I am currently re-reading After Images by Arlene Croce. What I would really like to read is your book - any chance of that happening soon?

[@ernestcastro6238]

Thank you that was fascinating just wonderful.

[@cynthiafletcher9845]

Thanks for this very entertaining video clip!! It was so much fun to watch. C❤❤

[@ubergeraldine]

i actually prefer the choreography in this to the Gene Kelly version!

[@joelschnee6179]

albert had a double doing the tap stuff. notice the cuts from his face to his feet.

[@jcliff26]

I know. I said that in my note.

[@peggybrem2848]

I searched for this music for comparison to the solo guitar version released by Mick Ronson in 1974. Check it out!

[@mskarp]

A twist on Giselle

[@numberonefilmfan]

Don't know if you've seen this, but as it has the connection to the above, it might be amusing for you! It will start in the right place. ua-cam.com/video/KwZ-Q69jM7g/v-deo.html

[@walterbenjamin1386]

Thanks. Great link.

[@simaraft7373]

Hahaha pretty funny!