GENE KELLY

Gene Kelly pioneered a style of dancing on film that was muscular and dynamic, yet always deceptively casual. He performed in sweaters and sweatshirts, chinos and jeans and above all, in a sailor suit. His first film, "For Me and My Gal", co-starring Judy Garland was a smash hit, but "Cover Girl" in 1994, partnering him with Rita Hayworth confirmed him as a star. The pinnacle of his career, however, was "Singin' in the Rain" in 1952. One of the screen's most enduring icons is that of Kelly swinging on a lamp-post in a downpour, an ecstatic smile on his face, an unopened brolly in his hand. Kelly's smiling, warm persona held great appeal for audiences worldwide. His pas de deux with Jerry the Mouse in "Anchors Aweigh", his song-and-dance to "I Got Rhythm" with the French children in "An American in Paris" and his sidewalk roller-skate number in "It's always the Weather" are among the many unforgettable highlights of movie musicals that he created.