A petite 5'2" with honey-blonde hair and a sweet, genuine smile, Debbie Reynolds is one who has truly left her mark on the "golden age" of hollywood. Not only was she part of some of the great classic musicals of the past century but she has a loveliness and warmth of personality that shone on the screen, and is impossible to forget.
When I first saw Singing In The Rain (12+ years ago) I totally loved her. Everything about Debbie in that film was perfect; her hair, her costumes, her comedic touches, her singing... and especially her dancing. The "Good Morning" number still remains one of my favorite movie dances ever, and to dance like Debbie in that scene has always been a dream of mine. :)
Click the above image to watch the "Good Morning" song and dance
from "Singing In The Rain."
from "Singing In The Rain."
Staying on the subject of dancing for a little while, Debbie (who was only 19 when she made Singing in the Rain) was not an experienced dancer and received constant criticism and complaints from Gene Kelly on set (I never liked him, anyway :P). Fred Astaire, while visiting the production, found Debbie crying under the piano one day and, being the true gentleman that he was, show some compassion and kindness... and helped her with her dancing. Of course, Gene was still not impressed and went into the studio to record the audio of Debbie's dancing himself. And Miss Reynolds? Well, she is quoted as saying, "'Singin' in the Rain' and childbirth were the two hardest things I ever had to do in my life..." Ouch. :P
As well as her acting, singing and dancing, Debbie was definitely one of the adorable fashionistas of the 1950s. I just love the image of her at the top of this post; perched in a tree and perfectly dressed for a warm spring day. It's neat to get a look at the the ruffled petticoats under her sweet halter dress... and check out the shoes! Girls, if you have to go for a gladiator-inspired style, this is the way to do it. A nice flat sandal laced up with cording or ribbon is just lovely. :)
What's your favorite Debbie Reynolds film? I must admit that Singing In The Rain is the only one I've seen her in, but I'd definitely like to watch some more. Are there any other classic actresses you'd like to see featured on the blog in the coming months?
Remember, Secondhand Fashion Week starts on Monday! I am really looking forward to this event - it's going to be loads of fun. I'll see you then... :)
Image: Simplyclassics.net
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