Cyd Charisse's best movie by far. She takes a role created by Greta Garbo and made it her own. That's the highest praise I can think of. Her chemistry with Fred Astaire and her dancing was unsurpassed.
Nobody else could make strolling with hands in pockets as ravishing a dance move as Fred did at the end of this number. It follows on from 'Dancing in the Dark' in 'The Band Wagon'. Fred had completely mastered a balletic style to match Cyd's sinuosity, and their shared ability to stop on a dime and look graceful when still enhances the drama of breaking down the lady's resistance wordlessly. The more I rewatch 'Silk Stockings', the more convinced I am that this was the last great film musical. Not an opened-up Broadway show, not a pic where the camera prances and the editor goes postal. The era ended when Rouben Mamoulian, Cole Porter, Arthur Freed and Mr Astaire said 'cut, print it'.
Perhaps the last great example of the Astaire "seduction dance." He was about 57 here and still doin' it better than anyone. Wonderful bits of business with him trying to get Cyd dancing: forcing her into a spin, her pirouetting into 5th position (then trying to come out of it), then finally surrendering at 00:59 when the reprise of Porter's "All of You" swells and glistens. Just gorgeous.
She dances very good for a spy "comrade". If you listen to the lyrics they're just a tad obsessive! "I want to gain complete control of you". Ultra romantic melody--F and C are, of course, a divine dancing couple.
When those violins come in...watch out! Takes my breath away. Where is the music of today that equates? Would love to see an authentic Broadway remake of Silk Stockings with the original score.
What if Fred and Cyd would fell in love and married at some point of their dance careers? Would it work and we would have a unique American dance couple? I tried to blend such thing myself and it didn't work. Anyway, technically Cyd was superior to all Fred's partners. Would Fred benefit from such partner or he would lose? I think he knew the answer and the kiss happened only on stage.
@animeeclipse You're only 15 and you like this? Wow. That's amazing, I wish more 15 year olds would go on You Tube and comment on one of these old clips and say how much they like it and how today's music...oh wait - they do. All the time. No one gives a rat's ass.
I showed this film to my high school history class when we did a lesson on communism vs. capitalism. They absolutely got it and they loved the film. They had never heard of Cyd Charisse or Fred Astaire before. (no surprise there).
Yeah, Idiot...you don't get it ....she's an immovable , cold-hearted, unfeeling Commie bureaucrat, till the wonders and beauty of Paris --- and lovely silk stockings --- beguile , proving her human after all. and WOMAN. ( WHO DOESN'T LOVE PRETTY UNDERGARMENTS !)
Cyd is my favorite, she is wander full, love her , she is and has been the best female dancer ever, my humble opinion!!!!!
Your not wrong bro
Cyd Charisse's best movie by far. She takes a role created by Greta Garbo and made it her own. That's the highest praise I can think of. Her chemistry with Fred Astaire and her dancing was unsurpassed.
I'm 15 and nearly cried watching this. FRED RULES!!! Along with Charisse and those lovely ppl back in the day!!
Nobody else could make strolling with hands in pockets as ravishing a dance move as Fred did at the end of this number. It follows on from 'Dancing in the Dark' in 'The Band Wagon'. Fred had completely mastered a balletic style to match Cyd's sinuosity, and their shared ability to stop on a dime and look graceful when still enhances the drama of breaking down the lady's resistance wordlessly.
The more I rewatch 'Silk Stockings', the more convinced I am that this was the last great film musical. Not an opened-up Broadway show, not a pic where the camera prances and the editor goes postal. The era ended when Rouben Mamoulian, Cole Porter, Arthur Freed and Mr Astaire said 'cut, print it'.
THIS IS WONDERFUL .....
Fred is my favourite and Cyd is lovely..
Thank you !
Excellent, superb, these two excellent artists were perfect in their art. What a pleasure it is to look at them now.
FRED ASTAIRE - THE MASTER OF DANCE -My favourite always...Thanks..
This is moving beauty and beauty moving.
Oh, simply Wonderful!!! I love them:)
Fred is wonderful, but my eye can't leave Cyd Charisse!
Perhaps the last great example of the Astaire "seduction dance." He was about 57 here and still doin' it better than anyone. Wonderful bits of business with him trying to get Cyd dancing: forcing her into a spin, her pirouetting into 5th position (then trying to come out of it), then finally surrendering at 00:59 when the reprise of Porter's "All of You" swells and glistens. Just gorgeous.
This is love. Nothing today on film compares.
Next, they’re coming for the films. If the govt doesn’t stop it, enjoy while you can bf they’re destroyed too.
@@dazie6187 The liberals are coming after our films next.
She dances very good for a spy "comrade". If you listen to the lyrics they're just a tad obsessive! "I want to gain complete control of you". Ultra romantic melody--F and C are, of course, a divine dancing couple.
Yes, the lyric sung by a man "I want to gain complete control of you" definitely reflects the capitalistic attitude of the male toward the female.
When those violins come in...watch out! Takes my breath away. Where is the music of today that equates? Would love to see an authentic Broadway remake of Silk Stockings with the original score.
Who WOULDN'T !
How beautiful, that's all I can say.
Wait'll you see her in the Broadway Rhythm number from SINGIN' IN THE RAIN!
FRED ROCKS THE WHOLE ENTIRE DANCE HISTORY!!!!!
I liked his dancing style more with Ginger though... :P
fluid, graceful, elegant....Charisse's style is clearly balletic....who cares?
Anyone who says turtlenecks look frumpy and dowdy, show them this !
A movie filled with people with talent? what planet is this from?
I LOVE IT!
Bob Franklyn, master orchestrator of Conrad Salinger's arrangements.
What if Fred and Cyd would fell in love and married at some point of their dance careers? Would it work and we would have a unique American dance couple? I tried to blend such thing myself and it didn't work. Anyway, technically Cyd was superior to all Fred's partners. Would Fred benefit from such partner or he would lose? I think he knew the answer and the kiss happened only on stage.
"Silk should be used for parachutes." *KISS*
@animeeclipse You're only 15 and you like this? Wow. That's amazing, I wish more 15 year olds would go on You Tube and comment on one of these old clips and say how much they like it and how today's music...oh wait - they do. All the time. No one gives a rat's ass.
I showed this film to my high school history class when we did a lesson on communism vs. capitalism. They absolutely got it and they loved the film. They had never heard of Cyd Charisse or Fred Astaire before. (no surprise there).
great dance but is she supposed to be a robot or something?
Yeah, Idiot...you don't get it ....she's an immovable , cold-hearted, unfeeling Commie bureaucrat, till the wonders and beauty of Paris --- and lovely silk stockings --- beguile , proving her human after all. and WOMAN. ( WHO DOESN'T LOVE PRETTY UNDERGARMENTS !)
GINGER WHO?
Terry Corcoran Ginger is beyond, Cyd and Rita are pure perfection, either looking and dancing, but Ginger is witty and glamourous, she is just magic
WELL SAID!
Well said!
Comment was for GINGER WHO!!!!!
Silk should be used for parachutes :-|
Propaganda.