Donald O'Connor tap dancing on roller skates

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  • Опубліковано 24 гру 2024

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  • @rubenjames7345
    @rubenjames7345 5 років тому +2147

    Amazing. Donald O'Connor was one of the most underrated entertainers... ever.

    • @GeneralG1810
      @GeneralG1810 5 років тому +65

      I think he was the first one to do the run up the wall backflip in singing in the rain

    • @djmotise
      @djmotise 5 років тому +28

      Underrated? Says who?

    • @susanjones9009
      @susanjones9009 5 років тому +10

      Agreed!

    • @LaundryFaerie
      @LaundryFaerie 5 років тому +56

      The Academy still needs to give him a Lifetime Achievement Award.

    • @macrumpton
      @macrumpton 5 років тому +79

      I remember seeing singing in the rain, and wondering why Gene Kelly got all the praise, when Donald O'Connor seemed to have the harder part.

  • @derry667dingo
    @derry667dingo 3 роки тому +453

    Gene Kelly was really cool and all that, but I’ve always had my eyes glued on Donald O’Connor throughout Singing in the Rain. He was just so mesmerizing!

    • @moniqrupley6019
      @moniqrupley6019 2 роки тому +20

      Yes. Singing in the Rain is perfect except for Debbie picking Gene. I'd have picked Donald.

    • @davidrichards9654
      @davidrichards9654 Рік тому +5

      Maybe it was because Lena Lamont was after Don Lockwood aswell.

    • @Chattycrafter2580
      @Chattycrafter2580 Рік тому +10

      I wasn’t a fan of Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire I thought was amazing. As for Donald O’Connor,I always wondered why he didn’t have the same success that Astaire and Kelly had, he had something special and he’s style of dancing seemed more relaxed it flawed. When you compare Kelly and O’Connor, Donald seemed to glide across the stage more in the style of Astaire, Gene Kelly had a gangly style more like Ray Bolger or Buddy Ebsen. Nevertheless they were great entertainers and we will never see the likes of them again.

    • @Shazzadut1
      @Shazzadut1 Рік тому +6

      Me too. I always liked OConnor more than Kelly.

    • @PatrolOfficer161
      @PatrolOfficer161 8 місяців тому +4

      One very good reason O'Conner only starred in one movie with Kelly. Kelly had cast, song, dance, and script approval in all his movies. The same reason Michael Kidd held a major grudge against Kelly after "It's Alaways Fair Weather" for cutting his (Kidd's) scene dnacing with the children. He (Kelly) insisted that anyone dancing with children would be him. Watch Kidd's acceptance of his special Oscar where he says that he almost didn't accept it until his wife told him it was time to forgive and forget.

  • @stephaniecarrow4898
    @stephaniecarrow4898 3 роки тому +263

    Donald O'Connor has never gotten the full credit he deserves. What an amazing talent.

  • @robertbyrne3169
    @robertbyrne3169 8 місяців тому +54

    We do not have talent like Donald O'connor anymore such a shame

  • @belleferrar8898
    @belleferrar8898 5 років тому +101

    Donald O'Connor and Danny Kaye were two super talented, very special and gifted men who entertained us with nothing more than themselves. Aah, the good old days...

  • @kangadillo
    @kangadillo 10 років тому +1811

    Donald O'Connor was a living miracle. "They don't make 'em like that anymore."

    • @suesturges6022
      @suesturges6022 5 років тому +21

      So talented....

    • @milesarcher8502
      @milesarcher8502 5 років тому +32

      He could keep up with Gene Kelly, did that terrific "Make 'Em Laugh" routine in Singin in the Rain and was a gifted comedian, too!!!

    • @singingfan
      @singingfan 5 років тому +8

      Rick Blain truly iconic, in its truest form

    • @colleenhoover7117
      @colleenhoover7117 5 років тому +8

      Agreed! He was a treasure!

    • @milesarcher8502
      @milesarcher8502 5 років тому +2

      @@colleenhoover7117 You have taste, Colleen!

  • @barbarafox6128
    @barbarafox6128 6 років тому +435

    I met Donald O'Connor when I was 12 and he was probably on his mid thirties at Freeland Amusement Park in the Bronx, NY. I did a little skit with him which lasted about 15 minutes. I know I was only 12, but right then and there, I feel he love with him
    He had the most beautiful blue eyes. He was underrated and he was a fantastic performer and wonderful person
    I will never forget him.

    • @karengerber8390
      @karengerber8390 3 роки тому +21

      Thank you for sharing your experience!

    • @pamelajordan2890
      @pamelajordan2890 3 роки тому +14

      Wow one of those moments you'll never forget..I always loved these musical's
      .😸❤️

    • @lottiestanley7696
      @lottiestanley7696 3 роки тому +8

      Lovely ❤️
      He’s one of my favorite people 😊

    • @christinegangadia2395
      @christinegangadia2395 3 роки тому +9

      How lovely to hear this story. ♥️

    • @suzannejensen275
      @suzannejensen275 3 роки тому +33

      I too was very lucky to have met and danced with Donald O'Connor. He was at a fundraiser my mother had taken me to. I too was 12 years old but I had no clue who he was I really wish I would've known I would've made a bigger deal about it. My mother told him I tapped dance I couldn't believe she did that and he asked me to come up on stage with him I didn't what to but she told me to do it. He asked me if he showed me some steps could I follow him and I told him yes. We danced a short routine and afterwards they gave me an autographed picture. I wish I knew what happened to it it has gotten lost over the years which makes me very sad. It wasn't till years later that I realized what an honor I had been given not only to have meet but also danced with Donald O'Connor. I was the only young female in that room full of women. Donald O'Connor was brought in to get the women to donate more money. I may not have his picture any longer but I still have my memories what a thrill. Sadly I didn't keep up with any of my dance classes either not only did I discontinue my tap but also ballet and jazz too school activities took over with gymnastics, track and cheerleading sadly became more important and my dream of becoming a dancer faded away. Donald O'Connor came from a time where the entertainers were triple threats they could sing, dance and act now days they can barely act.

  • @bi-costalteacher1281
    @bi-costalteacher1281 8 років тому +949

    He was dynamite! The triple threat! He could act, sing and dance! Loved him!!!

    • @janwoodward7360
      @janwoodward7360 5 років тому +12

      Bi-Costal Teacher And he was really funny! That goofy grin,😄😍

    • @kaleidoscope8743
      @kaleidoscope8743 5 років тому

      Sorry but if you look the wheels are locked. Still a feat of skill tho.

    • @gabrielvidrio3210
      @gabrielvidrio3210 4 роки тому +1

      You know who also was a triple, maybe a quadruple or quintuple threat?
      Bobby Long, the child star from the 1947 movie "It Happened in Brooklyn".
      He was Super Talented too, but he never got to appear in Anything ever again. And no one knows whether he's dead, alive, or if (God forbid) he was murdered.
      Who would want to harm an innocent, talented, wonderful little boy like Bobby Long?...

    • @Tomes23
      @Tomes23 4 роки тому +6

      And easy on the eyes

    • @marypasco2213
      @marypasco2213 Місяць тому

      @@kaleidoscope8743-How can that be when he was skating not seconds before and after?

  • @bovnycccoperalover3579
    @bovnycccoperalover3579 Рік тому +52

    No special effects. It's all Mr. O'Connor!❤❤

  • @millierohenarivera9257
    @millierohenarivera9257 Рік тому +56

    A very good actor and dancer. Rest in peace

  • @mcstreamy8866
    @mcstreamy8866 4 роки тому +151

    Some people thought Donald O'Conner was not an "A-List" talent during his career, but, during those years, I was an avid movie-goer, who was in awe of his substantial abilities as a dancer, a skate-dancer and singer in popular musicals of the day. He was always and still is, an A-Lister in my book.

  • @karenwoolsey1169
    @karenwoolsey1169 6 років тому +138

    Donald O’Connor was, without a doubt one of the best and most athletic dancers of his time. He and Gene Kelly made it look so easy. Man, this guy was skilled!

    • @SOULRELIEF22
      @SOULRELIEF22 6 років тому +2

      Remember only you do for Christ will last! Time is winding up!

    • @Tristramdeliones
      @Tristramdeliones Рік тому +1

      @@SOULRELIEF22 I'm telling him how much time you wasted botting on you tube fat chance getting into heaven!

    • @johnbgood52
      @johnbgood52 5 місяців тому

      @@SOULRELIEF22 There's always one...

  • @caroleblunt6442
    @caroleblunt6442 Рік тому +19

    Great dancing Donaldhe was very underrated so so talented love that ❤❤❤

  • @raymondvaughan6262
    @raymondvaughan6262 4 роки тому +8

    The very talented Donald O'connor enough said he was brilliant all round entertainer will not see talent today like this so underated bloke

  • @hiccadoodledoo6545
    @hiccadoodledoo6545 5 років тому +235

    25 years ago I worked at a call center and he called to fix his account. He was adorable. I couldn't tell him I knew who he was. The second he said hi I knew who it was. He was polite and so personable. I remember seeing his movies when I was a kid.

    • @de-lovely7859
      @de-lovely7859 4 роки тому +7

      Hicca Doodle Doo Wow that’s so lovely to hear!😃💛

    • @sherrimiller5258
      @sherrimiller5258 3 роки тому +14

      It’s so nice to hear when they’re as kind in private as the persona they show on screen.

  • @TheWriterWalker
    @TheWriterWalker 5 років тому +169

    The little girl was so adorable. In the light of Donald's incredible feat, it's easy to forget that she held her own in this scene with him.

    • @vintagegoldenage
      @vintagegoldenage 10 місяців тому +1

      what movie?!

    • @TheWriterWalker
      @TheWriterWalker 10 місяців тому +3

      @vintagegoldenage Lol. "I Love Melvin" (a title I had never heard of before).

    • @PatrolOfficer161
      @PatrolOfficer161 8 місяців тому +4

      You will thorougly enjoy her in the original "Angels in the Outfield".

    • @TheWriterWalker
      @TheWriterWalker 7 місяців тому +1

      @@PatrolOfficer161 Why, thank you, Sir! I didn't even know there was a previous, original version of that film.

    • @PatrolOfficer161
      @PatrolOfficer161 7 місяців тому +2

      @@TheWriterWalker Not only that, it was superior in every way. A very early Janet Leigh who was georgous! Donna Corcoran will break your heart as you fall in love with her. One of Paul Douglas' better films with "Executive Suite".

  • @mymelody2327
    @mymelody2327 7 років тому +458

    He was so under appreciated for his talent. He's incredible

  • @holyspacemonkey
    @holyspacemonkey Рік тому +7

    I ❤ Donald O’Connor! When I was a kid, I got to see him play Cap’n Andy in “Show Boat.” My dad, who was a big fan, took me to see it.

  • @m623
    @m623 5 років тому +14

    Movie brilliance and O'Connor was a master of his art ......................

  • @PoetGrl89
    @PoetGrl89 9 років тому +1876

    Why do people feel the need to try and find what makes a movie a movie? Why does it matter if his skates were supposedly locked or not. Donald was so underappreciated, his talents were natural to him and he was able to do things because of his vaudeville background that regularly trained dancers aren't able to do. He was such a great talent, but not nearly appreciated enough.

    • @johnnyy2604
      @johnnyy2604 8 років тому +53

      i 100% agree with you he was just amazing

    • @2degucitas
      @2degucitas 8 років тому +17

      Because curiosity.

    • @alisonbell3561
      @alisonbell3561 8 років тому +73

      He was one in a million, a true triple threat. It kills me that he never achieved the superstardom he so richly deserved.

    • @marythompson3658
      @marythompson3658 7 років тому +20

      Adrienne McNeil YOU ARE SO RIGHT!! HE WAS AMAZING!!!

    • @kevinebarron
      @kevinebarron 7 років тому +7

      Well put, forth with description, and ponder.... not sure either.

  • @andredoracle6326
    @andredoracle6326 5 років тому +156

    The incomparable Donald O'connor. Seems to always have been playing second fiddle to the likes of Gene Kelly in movies, but boy, those movies would never be the same without him. Amazing talent!

    • @paulkennedy8701
      @paulkennedy8701 5 років тому +8

      More often than playing second fiddle to the likes of Gene Kelly he was playing second fiddle to Francis the Talking Mule.

    • @jamilabrownie
      @jamilabrownie 2 роки тому +1

      @@paulkennedy8701 lol

    • @ManubibiWalsh
      @ManubibiWalsh Рік тому +4

      He did my favorite part in Singing in the rain. It’s my favorite because he specifically played it. Amazing performer and yeah, definitely underrated.

  • @derrytaylor7417
    @derrytaylor7417 3 роки тому +25

    I had the honor of meeting Donald O'Connor when I was about 20 years old. What a Lovely Man ♥️♥️⚘⚘

  • @patricialivingston5349
    @patricialivingston5349 Місяць тому +5

    What a sweet little girl, remembering that song, and doing it so beautifully.

  • @acb1618
    @acb1618 3 роки тому +18

    No roller skates were harmed during this movie! Donald O´Connor, a wonderful artist who could perform with children, animals and Gene Kelly without being upstaged.

  • @catballou5304
    @catballou5304 5 років тому +142

    I love Donald O’Connor - he was a rare talent! To those who give a thumbs down, better reevaluate your life. We are in dark times my friends. Find joy now where you can and pray for peace.

    • @m.oriley8260
      @m.oriley8260 5 років тому +2

      Actually we are living in very good times. Human beings never had it better.

    • @suzannejensen275
      @suzannejensen275 3 роки тому +2

      @@m.oriley8260 Well considering we have been in a worldwide pandemic for over a year now. It's mutated into a stronger strain so people are still getting it even though they've been vaccinated and getting it more than once. So many have died from it and others can't recover from all the systems. I'm one of the long timers after suffering from the worst sickness I've ever had for five and a half weeks only to still have health problems now from it. They can't find any reason for the low oxygen level in my lungs and the ringing in my ears they just say they think it's a side effect from having the virus.

    • @fabianagrassi5903
      @fabianagrassi5903 3 роки тому

      What's the movie?

    • @gatsbymaguire
      @gatsbymaguire 2 роки тому +2

      @@suzannejensen275 we have gone through worse but the exposure the internet gives to the bad stuff going on now does male it seem like things are worse than before

    • @dustydog6868
      @dustydog6868 8 місяців тому

      ​@@suzannejensen275 Hope you get your health back real soon. God bless you. ❤

  • @evelynkrueger2878
    @evelynkrueger2878 10 років тому +283

    He was underappreciated and was a great dancer, skater and actor!

    • @ninan3913
      @ninan3913 7 років тому +6

      Evelyn Krueger and a great singer

    • @MirlitronOne
      @MirlitronOne 4 роки тому +3

      A true genius. The master. He consistently out-acted, out-sung and out-danced Gene Kelly in "Singin' in the Rain."

  • @mehitabel1290
    @mehitabel1290 8 років тому +602

    D O'C was an incredible gymnast, with a lot of stage presence and charm. I've always been baffled why he never quite made the A list..

    • @Realmasterorder
      @Realmasterorder 8 років тому +54

      He was Really great,but i think he might possibly have been overshadowed some,by the 2 biggest legends of that time, Gene kelly and Fraid Astair

    • @CarolP2045
      @CarolP2045 7 років тому +51

      That is so sad because he was better than both Gene and Fred put together. His taps were incredible.

    • @markwakeman8232
      @markwakeman8232 7 років тому +11

      I agree, and the studios wee writing for those two, leaving D O'C to play second fiddle, as it wee. A giant talent.

    • @nancyclark5067
      @nancyclark5067 7 років тому +14

      +CarolP....yes Donald was better than copy cats Gene and Fred.

    • @ms.sonshine8878
      @ms.sonshine8878 7 років тому +14

      Mehitabel He did have that series of seven popular Francis the talking mule movies, which made millions.

  • @cz2165
    @cz2165 3 роки тому +116

    What’s incredible is how long the takes were. In recent dance musicals ( The Greatest Showman, eg) the camerawork is very choppy so there are hardly any long takes. Donald OConnor had to do more of his routine in one continuous shot. Really extraordinary.

    • @mr.evasion
      @mr.evasion Рік тому +2

      With sound bites, edited, together, the delivery, loses it's ebb and flow...

  • @kathrynmolesa1641
    @kathrynmolesa1641 3 роки тому +51

    Met him in Portland. He volunteered to act in the high school play for a Catholic School. What a gentleman, what a talent.

  • @MarkiplierTheHero
    @MarkiplierTheHero 7 років тому +50

    "Don't worry about your worries,they're not pernament" is possibly the cutest thing I have ever heard

  • @phoenixman8569
    @phoenixman8569 5 років тому +36

    My elderly dad passed away five years ago, he loved all the classic golden oldies like this. Now that I'm no longer a youngster myself, I can now start to see the appeal of these classic old films dad enjoyed so much in his youth!!!

  • @rsoubiea
    @rsoubiea 5 років тому +195

    I fell in love with him in those “Francis the talking mule” movies, then again in Singing in the Rain. He was such a great song and dance man. ❤️❤️

    • @Lepton68
      @Lepton68 5 років тому +7

      The thing that impresses me in these movies is look how long each shot is! If you filmed this number today it would have cut every couple of seconds. Not these guys!

    • @reneebevere7590
      @reneebevere7590 5 років тому +3

      You know he had a fever of 103 when he filmed singing in the rain

    • @barbarabastron6152
      @barbarabastron6152 4 роки тому

      Rhonna Marsden
      I loved Francis!!!

    • @barbarabastron6152
      @barbarabastron6152 4 роки тому +1

      Renee Bevere
      Actually that was Gene Kelly.

    • @reneebevere7590
      @reneebevere7590 4 роки тому +1

      @@barbarabastron6152 I stand corrected my bad

  • @matthewwolski4581
    @matthewwolski4581 4 роки тому +10

    loved Donald O'Connor in all he did. 78 now and still watch whenever I can. and noreen, bless her and her role in I love Melvin. she passed away January 15, 2016. R.I.P.

  • @wanderlust62
    @wanderlust62 5 місяців тому +13

    There is something about Donald O'Connor that keeps me transfixed. He is so captivating I am glued to his every move. He's so loose and natural.

  • @GinaBlythe
    @GinaBlythe 7 років тому +258

    Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers did a roller skate tap routine in SHALL WE DANCE, but Donald O'Connor KILLS it in this scene. Not many people can tap in skates, but he did and no one EVER tops Fred, but he DID!

    • @thankyouverymuch
      @thankyouverymuch 4 роки тому +5

      Astaire probably got the idea from Charlie Chaplin's blindfolding skating dance the previous year. Chaplin didn't tap dance, but I imagine that if Astaire had seen him dancing around on skates while wearing a blindfold, and all the attention the scene was getting, he probably would've gotten the idea to incorporate skates into a routine of his own. (or whoever came up with the idea for him to do it) And Chaplin probably got the idea from someone else. All ideas come from somewhere. :)

    • @larrylund2682
      @larrylund2682 4 роки тому +4

      Grace did everything Fred did only she did it in HEELS.

    • @JustinShaedo
      @JustinShaedo 4 роки тому +4

      @@larrylund2682 in heels and BACKWARDS!

    • @hoodatdondar2664
      @hoodatdondar2664 3 роки тому

      Clever, but look at Rogers, she is good, but can not QUITE keep up with Astaire.

    • @GinaBlythe
      @GinaBlythe 3 роки тому +2

      @@hoodatdondar2664 She did a fair job, but I think it was Powell that was the ONLY one who COULD keep up with Astaire and I think he said he never wanted to dance with her again because of it...but don't know if it was as a joke or serious...if he said it at all...

  • @matthewstavrowsky9998
    @matthewstavrowsky9998 10 років тому +111

    What a truly great entertainer. There are none like him around anymore.

    • @faith4094
      @faith4094 10 років тому +9

      You are so right - no one more talented or more adorable...fabulous in solos and romantic numbers...see Call me Madam, Walking My Baby Back Home, Anything Goes, There's No Business Like Show Business, and so many more...of course, Singin in the Rain w his iconic, Make 'em Laugh...for which he won the Golden Globe...he was also a teen idol...adorable teen movies and an Emmy winner for his T.V. show....so much more...

  • @DakotaRose2546
    @DakotaRose2546 Рік тому +11

    Thst's quite a song for a youngster to remember, and Donald O'Connor is superb as always :-)

    • @joanwood9480
      @joanwood9480 Місяць тому +1

      Noreen Corcoran. She was in the TV series Batchelor Father

  • @theoriginaloutlawdance
    @theoriginaloutlawdance Рік тому +6

    This man was phenomenal!! i loved him and Debbie together

  • @katelinkins4202
    @katelinkins4202 3 роки тому +11

    Actor, athlete, comic....and stunt man!!! Incomparable!!!

  • @kurtiswichmann4699
    @kurtiswichmann4699 5 років тому +101

    I'm most impressed at the length of the scene and the girl being able to remember and perform impeccable over the entire length! There are no breaks to study lines and movements!

    • @joanwood9480
      @joanwood9480 Рік тому +1

      Noreen Corcoran. She was Kelly on the series Bachelor Father

  • @Pheebs77
    @Pheebs77 7 років тому +317

    I think he was just as good a dancer as Gene Kelly. Watch them in the Moses Supposes routine, he matches Kelly step for step. Legend.

    • @76marji
      @76marji 6 років тому +30

      not to mention the accompanying facial expressions!! 😂

    • @iflarnted
      @iflarnted 4 роки тому +22

      Better than Gene by a mile; a natural.

    • @mijajajaja
      @mijajajaja 4 роки тому +31

      Or "Make 'em laugh" where he effortlessly bounces off the walls and performs stunts that are still being used in film and on stage today. He truly was one of the pioneers!

    • @izzybella100
      @izzybella100 4 роки тому +5

      GingerNinja I love that routine! Lets face it, it didn't hurt that Gene Kelly was so handsome and a brilliant chioreographer

    • @roxannemaggiacomo1462
      @roxannemaggiacomo1462 4 роки тому +1

      Wait til you see "Are You With It" and the math dance.

  • @LoquaciousByNature
    @LoquaciousByNature 10 років тому +177

    Wow! Is there anything the man couldn't do? Donald O'Connor will always be a favorite of mine :)

    • @joefreeman8667
      @joefreeman8667 10 років тому +4

      Amen brother. :)

    • @lorrainethompson1624
      @lorrainethompson1624 10 років тому +5

      Absolute, what talent. Sort of like Mickey Rooney. God given talent with practice

    • @fiseditor
      @fiseditor 10 років тому +1

      Joe Freeman

    • @myearsloveit
      @myearsloveit 5 років тому

      Me 2

    • @gabrielvidrio3210
      @gabrielvidrio3210 4 роки тому +1

      You should see Bobby Long from the 1947 musical, It Happened in Brooklyn* He was Beyond AMAZING*

  • @lynnetedder-ward3164
    @lynnetedder-ward3164 3 роки тому +10

    He was on of the most underrated actors could sing and dance as this clip proves very talented actor.

  • @oliviamcqueen3355
    @oliviamcqueen3355 3 роки тому +7

    He's soooooooooo beautiful here. Thanks for sharing all your gifts, Mr. O'Connor. You made the world a brighter place.

  • @chloekim7933
    @chloekim7933 8 років тому +60

    Donnald should be evaluated again as a genius. Such a great dance and act!

  • @TOYSTITCHER
    @TOYSTITCHER 4 роки тому +23

    I've loved this guy since I was six years old - a stupendous dancer (off skates and on) and a most pleasant manner and character.
    People like this enrich our lives and should know how much we appreciate them and their work.

  • @maryheron7871
    @maryheron7871 3 роки тому +6

    Why when we talk about the greats of tap dancing is Donald O’Connors name never included, the man was amazing

  • @vidhead85
    @vidhead85 Рік тому +4

    I like watching these classics! Full of fun and wholesomeness

  • @SocialBurrito3
    @SocialBurrito3 5 років тому +17

    A seriously under-rated actor, he was a legend. He was amazing.

  • @NiennaGreycloak
    @NiennaGreycloak 11 років тому +62

    They don't make 'em like they used to! Donald is a legend!

  • @jb6712
    @jb6712 5 років тому +8

    What amazing surefootedness! Donald O'Connor was one of the very best dancers of that age, and nobody dances like that anymore.

  • @jonasbrothers3000
    @jonasbrothers3000 8 років тому +218

    What a talented guy

  • @sandiegotrojandawg
    @sandiegotrojandawg 5 років тому +11

    Beautiful....so much wisdom in the words of this song. Donald O'Connor may not have received as much acclamation for his talent as the great Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire; however, Hollywood insiders knew that Donald was the best of the three. He was so easy to work with and had a very pleasant personality--no hard-driven ego. I greatly miss him.

  • @jeannemartin7332
    @jeannemartin7332 4 роки тому +6

    Always loved Donald O'Connor in movies. I really miss the old musicals.

  • @emeraldryder3496
    @emeraldryder3496 8 років тому +566

    how can anyone be anyhting but happy when watching Donald? I absolutely loved him in Singin' in the Rain! Which musical is this one from?

    • @riven64
      @riven64 8 років тому +27

      I Love Melvin

    • @emeraldryder3496
      @emeraldryder3496 8 років тому +6

      Thanks

    • @wenglishsal
      @wenglishsal 8 років тому +33

      :D It's 'I Love Melvin'.. With the delectable Debbie Reynolds too .. :D

    • @tinajung666
      @tinajung666 8 років тому +18

      I know right? He was such a happy funny guy! 😊😊😊

    • @DakariKingMykan
      @DakariKingMykan 7 років тому +36

      Now all three of them are gone...
      RIP Gene... Debbie... and Donald

  • @ktkat1949
    @ktkat1949 9 років тому +181

    If Donald had been born maybe 10 years early he could have be a major major star like Gene Kelly. He had it all. Great charm, talent, could sing and dance. Had the athleticism that made Kelly great. Such a pity he didn't. I love his movies.

    • @yana1955
      @yana1955 5 років тому +20

      He lacked Astaire's graceful class or Kelly's leading man handsomeness. But I found his comic genius much more fun to watch on screen.

    • @TD402dd
      @TD402dd 4 роки тому +3

      Apples and oranges. O'Connor was a physical dancer like Gene Kelley, and he was a huge star. I think what's sets him apart is his comedy which the other two dancers didn't have.

    • @gabrielvidrio3210
      @gabrielvidrio3210 4 роки тому

      Can you imagine if it was Bobby Long doing that routine. I'm sure he would've been excellent too.
      Bobby Long was the multitalented little boy from the 1947 movie "It Happened in Brooklyn".
      It was his only movie and he never got to appear in anything Ever again. No one knows what happened to him. He just vanished, never seen or heard from again. Until now.
      Please look up his video, you'll be amazed just like I was and if he got to be the star he wanted to be, then he would've had the same opportunities of dancing with the likes of Mr. O'Connor or Gene Kelly or Fred Astaire or even the lovely Anne Miller.
      Bobby Long would've had a BLAST dancing with any one of them.

    • @ruthmaryrose
      @ruthmaryrose 4 роки тому +8

      kate baxter I always thought Gene Kelly had a stiffness about him but Donald was more limber and relaxed in his dancing, and that made him the more pleasant to watch imho.

    • @gabrielvidrio3210
      @gabrielvidrio3210 4 роки тому +1

      Hi Ruth, I read your comment and yes Donald had so much ease and relaxation doing his routines.
      I can imagine the same thing for Bobby Long if he was in his shoes. Or should I say, if he was in his skates lol*

  • @jennyq4979
    @jennyq4979 5 років тому +10

    Donald O'Connor was so talented and you just don't hear enough about him any more! I loved his movies and his singing and dancing, and he did a lot of dancing "stunts" that other dancers wouldn't even try. Sure wish that he was still here, but R.I.P. Mr. O'Connor, we still love you to this day

    • @shelleywantiez7964
      @shelleywantiez7964 Рік тому +1

      It's just a travesty he never received a lifetime achievement award. Go figure, he's was acting since 13 months old.

  • @pamthompson3170
    @pamthompson3170 28 днів тому +1

    He was a fantastic dancer, and performer. His "Francis the mule" movies are so much fun. And his dancing. His scene in the movie "Singing in the Rain" is absolutely phenomenal.

  • @JolynBowler
    @JolynBowler 4 роки тому +4

    Simply Brilliant ~ both Noreen Corcoran's song and Donald O'Connor's dance ... oh so good!

  • @ScreenTeamShow
    @ScreenTeamShow 8 років тому +2343

    And it's not like he was some professional roller skater. He's a dancer who was like "i think i'll try rollerskates for this next movie."

    • @neomatrix6749
      @neomatrix6749 6 років тому +15

      Ommg!!;) ive never realize who this guy was intil now!;)

    • @carl_anderson9315
      @carl_anderson9315 5 років тому +90

      @@neomatrix6749 Watch "Singin' In The Rain", with him, Gene Kelly and Princess Leia's mother Debbie Reynolds. It the greatest musical ever made and one of the greatest movieS EVER!! And I'm not even a big fan of musicals.

    • @b0zzyk511
      @b0zzyk511 5 років тому +6

      SCREEN TEAM!!!!!! It's weird seeing you comment on a random video (granted it is 2 years ago). I love you Angie!

    • @hearsthewater
      @hearsthewater 5 років тому +5

      And your point is?

    • @NoJusticeNoPeace
      @NoJusticeNoPeace 5 років тому +16

      Same thing with Michael Crawford. He's mainly a classically-trained actor, but did all his own stunts in _Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em,_ including the classic and absolutely amazing rollerskating sequence.

  • @carola8068
    @carola8068 8 років тому +910

    bahaha, as a rollerskater for over 60 years, you just couldnt "lock" the skates and then move like these guys (Gene Kelly and Donald O'Connor) did. Its pure ability and talent. Besides these were 'strap on' skates from many many years ago. I doubt they could lock them. would have had to turn the wheel nut soo tight. just enjoy it and stop criticising, especially if you cant do better.

    • @ssppeellll
      @ssppeellll 8 років тому +65

      I don't think anyone is criticizing. Comments I have read so far are just making observations and conjecturing how he did it.
      As for not being able to lock the skates--do you really think professional prop people couldn't create a pair of roller skates with non-functioning wheels?

    • @2degucitas
      @2degucitas 8 років тому +52

      Theres a pause between the skating and tap dancing scenes that allow for changing the skates. That's how it was done.

    • @randomcringeyyoutuber6750
      @randomcringeyyoutuber6750 7 років тому +7

      Carol A I swear me and my friend cad do this. Not as good but it's easy as long as you know how to move your feet without making it go

    • @statrat5474
      @statrat5474 7 років тому +19

      In "It's Always Fair Weather" Gene Kelly has a routine ("I like myself") were he alternates tapping and skating throughout the routine, so it is possible to tap without locking the skates. Whether O'Connor does it I don't know.

    • @statrat5474
      @statrat5474 7 років тому +21

      Kelly also has given interviews in which he stated that the skates in his routine were not altered or locked.
      www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/database/kelly_g_interview.html

  • @Rockerita21
    @Rockerita21 11 років тому +49

    this man was magical....

  • @musket-hc1fc
    @musket-hc1fc 5 років тому +36

    This was cute. Donald O'Connor was an amazing talent. It's hard enough to roller skate without falling, but to tap dance and engage in all the other action here is incredible.

  • @lizcrabtree893
    @lizcrabtree893 4 роки тому +7

    Donald was a superb dancer and this episode of dancing on skates was Brilliant. He was underrated really and should have had more recognition by Hollywood...

  • @ZLLi661
    @ZLLi661 4 роки тому +4

    Loved Donald OConner watching the old movies growing up. There was never enough of him. He was far more exciting to watch than most of the dancers and singers of the time.

  • @theemaygoogleme151
    @theemaygoogleme151 Рік тому +4

    Just amazing, if anyone remembers roller skates of that era, everything he did on them was next level. Decades before roller blades and modern trucks, iron age tech.

  • @namj8145
    @namj8145 4 роки тому +54

    Yeah, I always thought the wheels were at least tightened for the fast tap part, but this doesn't distract from the number. As a tap dancer in my youth, who took some roller skating lessons and tried to copy Donald, Gene, and Fred tapping on skates, I realized how difficult it was, beyond just staying upright. Tap shoe soles are flexible to do toe and heel work, and cushion landings. Skates are rigid, to keep the wheels aligned and rolling. Just doing basic steps was like re-learning everything you thought you knew about how to tap. While Gene's bit had remarkable steps on rolling skates, I think O'Connor's footwork here is a hair more intricate and precise. So if they had to tighten the wheels for a few seconds and cut it together, I consider it part of the process. Hey, it wasn't actually raining for Singing in the Rain, and Fred couldn't actually dance on a ceiling either. But they all had superhuman talents which amaze me anyways.

    • @bb22602
      @bb22602 3 роки тому +4

      George Burns, who was a dancer and singer as well as a comedian, said that for dancing, at least two of the skate wheels would be locked.

    • @2piecesofwood1pieceofrope
      @2piecesofwood1pieceofrope Рік тому +1

      They had to locked for that part, but the scene was incredibly entertaining.

  • @julianna11924
    @julianna11924 8 років тому +162

    Why don't you all try to tap dance in roller skates and then complain in comments on these videos about whether his skates are locked or not. I mean come on, why don't you all comment of the joyfulness of this video or the wonderful dancing? I mean it's so happy and enjoyable to watch! It's beautiful and unbelievablely hard whether it be on skates or not! So much respect to Donald

    • @ssppeellll
      @ssppeellll 8 років тому +4

      You are the third person (all women's names--coincidence?) who perceives people complaining where all I find are people conjecturing and commenting on how he did it. No one is saying he's not amazing, talented and--let's face it--the cat's meow.

    • @julianna11924
      @julianna11924 8 років тому +1

      With all due respect, I don't understand the point of your comment, especially the part about all female names. I was simply stating my opinion on the matter, much like everyone else. I respect everyone's opinion on this matter, I just wanted to give my insight. Pardon me for doing so. Do elaborate on why it was important to state we were all females.

    • @ssppeellll
      @ssppeellll 8 років тому

      As for the point of my comment, you complained about others complaining. Which would be fine if others had complained. I don't think anyone did. I didn't get the sense that anyone was complaining or being critical of anything in the video clip. So I have to wonder how it is that you did perceive others as complaining.
      As for the female names, I just thought it was an interesting coincidence that all three of the comment posters who criticized other for complaining or criticizing had poster names with similar characteristics--all common English female names, all with first and last names (except one with just an initial for the last name): Carol A., Sherry Gaillard and you, Julianna Miller.
      With all the unusual names (Mehitabel), obvious pen names (Bi-Costal Teacher), men's names (Alan Pat) and one-part names (Pibly) that commenters have, the three people who complained about others complaining were strikingly similar in these attributes.
      I wasn't trying to make any kind of point. I just thought, "What a quinky-dinky."

    • @neomatrix6749
      @neomatrix6749 6 років тому

      Yeaaa!;) i respect this guy maan!;) ive never realize he was sooo talented maan!;) i just saw him in a movie tales from the crypt. String along. ;) i didnt realize he was such a talented person!;) hads off for him!;)

    • @fredericrike5974
      @fredericrike5974 5 років тому

      @@julianna11924 Point to Julianna!

  • @sallyskellington3024
    @sallyskellington3024 3 роки тому +3

    So awesome. These movies were and are such a treasure. No way would they sell nowadays and that is sad.

  • @omagosh5137
    @omagosh5137 5 років тому +3

    Noreen is adorable...love these old movies and dance routines....outstanding!

  • @eriklindhurst5793
    @eriklindhurst5793 4 роки тому +10

    This scene was absolutely charming. Donald O’Connor was a
    so wonderfully talented. And the little girl was such a sweetie! Thank you for posting it.

  • @caroldickens3028
    @caroldickens3028 5 років тому +5

    Wow, wow, wow!! What a talented lovely man !! That was a joy to watch 🤗

  • @victoriaodegaard1
    @victoriaodegaard1 9 років тому +186

    Impressive! Especially with the swinging around the gazebo polls! Stop that with the whole locked/unlocked debate and the "who did it better, him or Gene Kelly thing! Donald O'Connor did it first and I think he's amazing.

    • @QueenAnitaSoul
      @QueenAnitaSoul 8 років тому +3

      +Victoria Odegaard Gene Kelly was also amazing

    • @victoriaodegaard1
      @victoriaodegaard1 8 років тому +6

      +QueenAnita Soul
      He is, I love Gene Kelly... and you don't need to tell me that dude. I just have a special place in my heart from O'Connor.

    • @leslauner5062
      @leslauner5062 6 років тому +1

      Almost...if you look close, when they go from the rolling parts to the tap dancing parts and back again, there's a quick cut. CLEARLY those skates were locked for the tap dancing...there's no way he could've done those particular tap moves if they were loose. GENE KELLY's routine, on the other hand, wasn't edited but full run sequences where he was rolling and then tapping and then rolling again with no quick cuts to lock the skates. YES, Donald 'O Connor is amazing, but Gene wins at roller skate tapping.

    • @EricBrownBey
      @EricBrownBey 6 років тому +1

      Les Launer it is still amazing

    • @leslauner5062
      @leslauner5062 6 років тому +1

      I agree it is still amazing. I just think Gene's tapping on loose rolling skates is more amazing, that's all.

  • @myratravin9588
    @myratravin9588 5 років тому +3

    The effervescent, remarkable and mischievous Donald O'Connor. Such a joy to watch. ❤

  • @olliedynoduck
    @olliedynoduck 3 роки тому +6

    4 minutes of pure delight!!!

  • @pumpupjam54
    @pumpupjam54 8 років тому +15

    I saw this great man when he came for a show in my hometown, that was in the early 80's. I also saw Yul Brenner too, but Donald was something else, he danced for us. Best show ever saw, miss this guy so much, and so many like him.

  • @1stsharkb8
    @1stsharkb8 4 роки тому +8

    He never got the credit he deserved for being an amazing dancer and hilarious to boot.

  • @margaretosburn5709
    @margaretosburn5709 5 років тому +3

    I love these old entertaining movies! They put a smile on your face!

  • @katyluby8735
    @katyluby8735 3 роки тому +2

    This is such a delightful film.
    Full of charm,purity, and amazing talent.

  • @jennyseymour738
    @jennyseymour738 3 роки тому +1

    Wow the first time I’ve ever seen tap dancing with roller skates fantastic so talented.

  • @carol29carnegie
    @carol29carnegie 5 років тому +54

    I loved Donald O'Connor and I think the ONLY reason he wasn't more appreciated was because he was around at the same time as Danny Kaye and they both had similar abilities, I was only a young kid when they were at their peak and I think I was a little bit in love with both of them lol, they are both sadly missed they don't make em like that anymore xx

    • @charlottekey8856
      @charlottekey8856 4 роки тому +1

      I used to get them mixed up

    • @karenbarringer-brooks2346
      @karenbarringer-brooks2346 3 роки тому +1

      They were all so talented and we can still enjoy watching them, O'Connor, kaye, Kelly, Astaire, Singing, dancing, acting. Their talent will live on and maybe someday another great talent will come along in the mean time.

  • @patriciaegan8149
    @patriciaegan8149 7 років тому +27

    Donald O'Connor and one of the most talented young girls I've ever seen made a delightful clip together. I know neither but what I saw was purity at it's best.

  • @princesskitu
    @princesskitu 10 років тому +9

    Oh my God what a talented man...i can't but help but smile every time I see him dance. Makes me wish I had been born back then so I could have had the chance to watch him and Gene Kelly live. Sooo much talent!

  • @metro121482
    @metro121482 2 роки тому +1

    I always though Donald O'Connor never got as much recognition as he deserved. He was a great actor, singer, and dancer. He was both hilarious and adorable, and I always thought he was so attractive! I grew up watching Singin' in the Rain, and my mom and sister thought I was nuts for crushing on Cosmo rather than Don. And from seeing several different interview clips and hearing his co-stars talk about him, it really seems like he was a very warm, friendly, and all-around sweetheart. I wish more people knew about this talented, gorgeous man!

  • @courtrosss
    @courtrosss 5 років тому +24

    HOW IS THIS EVEN POSSIBLE HOW CAN SOMEONE HAVE THIS MUCH TALENT

    • @paulajeffrey6706
      @paulajeffrey6706 3 роки тому

      I know ,don't know why I just really taken notice of him but gonna hunt out all the film's I can find with Donald O'Connor, it's just magical to watch him.

  • @joyhaswell751
    @joyhaswell751 9 років тому +120

    If Donald O Connor ever did this for me, he'd steal my heart immediately! No doubt!

    • @lewistrotter1039
      @lewistrotter1039 8 років тому +8

      I know! I envy the little girl so

    • @jb6712
      @jb6712 5 років тому +5

      If he was still alive, he'd steal mine, too! Well, except he'd be 94 to my 66...

  • @bagoquarks
    @bagoquarks 5 років тому +11

    Donald O'Connor always managed to make his sidekick character roles 60% of whatever movie he was in.

  • @shirleybowers7251
    @shirleybowers7251 5 років тому +3

    Donald is amazing!!! Little girl excellent talent. Truly enjoyable watching. Thanks.

  • @Chris-q9m
    @Chris-q9m Місяць тому

    Wow... knew that Donald O'Connor was a very talented dancer yet never knew he was such a great "dancer" on skates. He left people with so many great moments of him on the Silver Screen. Was a treat seeing this movie clip. Thanks.

  • @daveharrison8286
    @daveharrison8286 3 роки тому +2

    I'm a life long fan of Donald O'Connor and this is one of my favorite scenes, It kind of ticks me off though that Noreen doesn't get the accolades she should. She made this as charming as it is.

  • @dddaaz
    @dddaaz 7 років тому +19

    What an amazing performance! He was a dancing genius.

  • @jddj2952
    @jddj2952 5 років тому +20

    Scenes like this one is so refreshing to see and was so unique. Thanks for the joy that was brought to so many with this kind of talent.

  • @genebigs
    @genebigs 5 років тому +4

    Donald O'Connor was truly one of the greats. I enjoyed watching him in so many movies. He left a truly great legacy!

  • @NjorunsDream
    @NjorunsDream 5 років тому +35

    And to think I broke my leg only walking down stairs because I missed a step. This guy is incredible.

    • @clarefeinson7201
      @clarefeinson7201 Рік тому

      I broke five bones in my ankle the same way! As one of my doctor friends said, "You are always so thorough!"

  • @The7logiebears
    @The7logiebears 3 роки тому +1

    During WWII my dad was in the Army Air Corp. He was stationed on the East Coast and had leave on Christmas. He and a buddy went to see New York City they were wandering around sightseeing and wondering where to go when a big car pulled up the widow rolled down and Donald O'Conner kindly invited them to join him and his wife for dinner. Of course my dad and his friend jumped at the chance! My dad said he was so impressed at the kindness of Mr. O'Conner.

  • @debcharlesworth187
    @debcharlesworth187 8 років тому +17

    Love this! Donald O'Connor was always a favorite of mine...so wonderful!

  • @welshpete12
    @welshpete12 5 років тому +6

    He was such a modest man and such a wonderful dancer !

  • @Hyslop65
    @Hyslop65 Рік тому +4

    Great artist period.

  • @janicetehie3839
    @janicetehie3839 Рік тому +2

    That little girl is adorable and very talented

  • @kerryannmurphy2936
    @kerryannmurphy2936 5 років тому +6

    Holy Shit that was awesome! Just loved Donald, what a blessed talent. Gone but never forgotten and truly missed. RIP ❤️