A photo of Gene Kelly wearing an Irish flat cap, flashing his signature smile, hangs from a cabinet with care. Atop the cabinet sit various accolades and a beer mug, a gift from Frank Sinatra. Suspended above the cabinet are drawings of Kelly by the great Al Hirschfeld, which frame an aisle of carefully labeled boxes, each filled with memorabilia and original items from Gene’s films. Flanking the aisle is another cabinet displaying, among other things, the roller skates Gene wore in Xanadu (1980).
Across from the cabinet, above a desk, is the cup hilt rapier Gene expertly flourished in The Three Musketeers (1948). On the desk itself are Gene’s Singin’ in the Rain (1952) script and sheet music for the film’s title number, complete with Gene’s handwritten choreography annotations in the margins and above the music notes.
These are but a few of the priceless treasures that greeted me as I stepped into the Gene Kelly Archives at the home of Gene’s widow, film historian Patricia Ward Kelly.
Becoming a Gene Kelly Fan
I was seven-years-old when I first saw Singin’ in the Rain at the home of a friend, whose mother offered to look after me while my parents helped my grandma through another round of chemotherapy. It was a sad time for my family. Singin’ in the Rain was the distraction I needed. Gene Kelly’s contagious smile and showmanship lifted my spirits. And, as a young dancer myself, his dancing was a revelation.
I never dreamed that after nearly a lifetime of admiring Gene on screen, of being inspired by his incomparable dancing and multi-dimensional creative talent, I’d have the chance to sit down with Patricia amidst the cherished belongings that seem to whisper Gene’s story. It was a powerful experience to discuss Gene’s life and legacy with the woman he loved, the woman who knew Gene like no one else.
An Interview with Patricia Ward Kelly
Patricia is generous in sharing about her life with Gene, and her vast knowledge of his life and career. Gene Kelly’s legacy is a rich one. As Patricia reflected during our interview:
“Gene’s legacy is important on so many levels. Not only for the history of classic film–and his immense contribution to the history of classic film and dance on film, but also for the type of man he was. It’s important that people understand that you can be one of the most famous people in the world, and you can still be decent and caring and respectful…and you can value your art and not take your stardom for granted.”
The Gene Kelly Legacy
Patricia’s goal is to inspire fans and future generations with Gene’s remarkable legacy. Through the two shows she’s written about Gene, her soon to be published book, keynote speeches around the world, and interviews like this one, Patricia is doing just that.
Listen to episode 78 of Vanguard of Hollywood for what you didn’t know about Gene Kelly, and be inspired by the legacy that Patricia so generously shares.
Follow Patricia Ward Kelly
And be sure to keep up with Patricia and The Gene Kelly Legacy on social media and her website, and on the official Gene Kelly website.
25 Responses
Already listened. Wow what a great interview! Thank you Patricia for sharing Gene with us!
Thank you for listening Brooke. I appreciate it.
Perfectly said Brook, thank you so much for listening!
Excellent. Didn’t know that Gene was so involved behind the camera. Really informative and enjoyable listen!
Thanks for listening John, and for commenting! Gene truly did it all!
So enjoyed this. “Renaissance man” is indeed the best description for Gene. I never knew he was such an intellectual. Thank you Patricia for sharing, and thank you Shannon for asking the right questions.
Thanks for your kind words Barb! It is amazing how diverse Gene’s knowledge, interests, and talents were. To hear about this aspect of Gene from Patricia is such a privilege. Thanks so much for commenting and listening Barb!
Gene is my favorite, can’t wait to listen!
So glad to hear it Laurel! Hope you enjoy the episode!
Loved this. Thank you Shannon and Patricia!
Thanks so much K.C., and thank you for listening!
Really great episode. No milk in the rain! Good to know, there are so many people I need to tell haha.
Yes! Please spread the word Eric, this is such a great opportunity to get the facts out, and put the myths to rest. I was so happy to get the facts from Patricia. Thanks for listening Eric!
OMG I need to see this inanimate objects sketch! Please post!!
Hi Danica! Will do! Keep checking back, I’ll include it at the end of the article as soon as I get a chance. Gene is absolutely hilarious in it. Thanks so much for listening!
Learned a lot, thank you. I appreciate Gene so much more now.
I am so happy to hear Bill! Gene’s legacy is remarkable, and I can’t thank Patricia enough for sharing her insights and knowledge with us. Thanks for commenting Bill, and for listening!
Absolutely wonderful. I plan to enjoy a marathon of Gene Kelly movies this weekend as a result!
That’s awesome Candy! I can’t think of a better way to spend the weekend, especially after hearing Patricia’s insights. There’s so much to appreciate in Gene’s performances and work behind the camera. Thanks so much for listening!
What a beautiful, thoughtful, and sweet-spirited interview, Shannon! Excellent! Patricia, you are so gracious and articulate! Thank you for the great insights into Gene’s personality and life work!
Thank you so much for your kind words Roberta, and for listening! I appreciate it so much. It was a dream come true to interview Patricia. I feel so blessed. How lucky we are that Patricia is so generous in sharing about her life with Gene, and her extraordinary knowledge of his life and career. Thanks again Roberta!
I’ve listened twice already, thank you. -Jerry
What a compliment! Thank you so much for listening Jerry!
Fantastic interview!!! This is one I’ll listen to again for sure!
That is so good to hear Vince. Thank you so much for listening!