From the trolley scene in Meet Me in St. Louis (1944) to Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogerss last dance on the silver screen ( The Barkleys of Broadway; 1949) to Judy Garlands timeless; tuxedo-clad performance of "Get Happy" ( Summer Stock; 1950); Charles Walters staged the iconic musical sequences of Hollywoods golden age. During his career; this Academy Award--nominated director and choreographer showcased the talents of stars such as Gene Kelly; Doris Day; Debbie Reynolds; and Frank Sinatra. However; despite his many critical and commercial triumphs; Walterss name often goes unrecognized today.In the first full-length biography of Walters; Brent Phillips chronicles the artists career; from his days as a featured Broadway performer and proteacute;geacute; of theater legend Robert Alton to his successes at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. He takes readers behind the scenes of many of the studios most beloved musicals; including Easter Parade (1948); Lili (1953); High Society (1956); and T he Unsinkable Molly Brown (1964). In addition; Phillips recounts Walterss associations with Lucille Ball; Joan Crawford; and Gloria Swanson; examines the directors uncredited work on several films; including the blockbuster Gigi (1958); and discusses his contributions to musical theater and American popular culture.This revealing book also considers Walterss personal life and explores how he navigated the industry as an openly gay man. Drawing on unpublished oral histories; correspondence; and new interviews; this biography offers an entertaining and important new look at an exciting era in Hollywood history.
#3732588 in eBooks 2014-10-30 2014-10-30File Name: B00P1WYB7A
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Excellent read and inspiring for those of us starting our journey in our 30sBy Andrew RoyalFun read. I started at a similar age level to the author. Great book if you are wondering if being middle aged is a barrier to playing guitar as well as you would like to. You can play as good as any one or all of your guitar heroes; you just have to put in the time. Age has some advantages and this book goes into the science and biology of learning at any age. Fascinating and a great motivator.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Do it; read it. Best education text this decade.By BookmanicIf the maximum number of stars is five then this book is worth at least ten. Dont be fooled by the title; you wont learn to play the guitar. You will; however; get the most honest; scientific; and positive description of teaching and learning and meet some of the most fascinating people in the world of music. If you are a teacher or educator; this is one of the most inspiring books about teaching you will ever read. Thankyou Gary Marcus.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Nice memoir. In the endBy AstillnessNice memoir. In the end; the answer is yes; you can learn a new instrument as an adult; however; having a sabbatical of a year or more (as the author does) in which to learn; practice and jam with experts greatly increases your likelihood of success.
