Donald O'Connor tap dancing on roller skates

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  • Опубликовано: 7 авг 2011
  • Donald O'Connor in a roller-skating routine two years before Gene Kelly attempted a similar one. The song 'Life Has Its Funny Ups and Downs' is sung by Noreen Corcoran
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Комментарии • 2 тыс.

  • @rubenjames7345
    @rubenjames7345 4 года назад +1961

    Amazing. Donald O'Connor was one of the most underrated entertainers... ever.

    • @GeneralG1810
      @GeneralG1810 4 года назад +54

      I think he was the first one to do the run up the wall backflip in singing in the rain

    • @djmotise
      @djmotise 4 года назад +21

      Underrated? Says who?

    • @susanjones9009
      @susanjones9009 4 года назад +10

      Agreed!

    • @LaundryFaerie
      @LaundryFaerie 4 года назад +48

      The Academy still needs to give him a Lifetime Achievement Award.

    • @macrumpton
      @macrumpton 4 года назад +69

      I remember seeing singing in the rain, and wondering why Gene Kelly got all the praise, when Donald O'Connor seemed to have the harder part.

  • @derry667dingo
    @derry667dingo 3 года назад +296

    Gene Kelly was really cool and all that, but I’ve always had my eyes glued on Donald O’Connor throughout Singing in the Rain. He was just so mesmerizing!

    • @moniqrupley6019
      @moniqrupley6019 Год назад +10

      Yes. Singing in the Rain is perfect except for Debbie picking Gene. I'd have picked Donald.

    • @davidrichards9654
      @davidrichards9654 Год назад +2

      Maybe it was because Lena Lamont was after Don Lockwood aswell.

    • @Chattycrafter2580
      @Chattycrafter2580 8 месяцев назад +4

      I wasn’t a fan of Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire I thought was amazing. As for Donald O’Connor,I always wondered why he didn’t have the same success that Astaire and Kelly had, he had something special and he’s style of dancing seemed more relaxed it flawed. When you compare Kelly and O’Connor, Donald seemed to glide across the stage more in the style of Astaire, Gene Kelly had a gangly style more like Ray Bolger or Buddy Ebsen. Nevertheless they were great entertainers and we will never see the likes of them again.

    • @Shazzadut1
      @Shazzadut1 7 месяцев назад +1

      Me too. I always liked OConnor more than Kelly.

    • @PatrolOfficer161
      @PatrolOfficer161 2 месяца назад +1

      One very good reason O'Conner only starred in one movie with Kelly. Kelly had cast, song, dance, and script approval in all his movies. The same reason Michael Kidd held a major grudge against Kelly after "It's Alaways Fair Weather" for cutting his (Kidd's) scene dnacing with the children. He (Kelly) insisted that anyone dancing with children would be him. Watch Kidd's acceptance of his special Oscar where he says that he almost didn't accept it until his wife told him it was time to forgive and forget.

  • @stephaniecarrow4898
    @stephaniecarrow4898 3 года назад +145

    Donald O'Connor has never gotten the full credit he deserves. What an amazing talent.

  • @belleferrar8898
    @belleferrar8898 4 года назад +18

    Donald O'Connor and Danny Kaye were two super talented, very special and gifted men who entertained us with nothing more than themselves. Aah, the good old days...

  • @barbarafox6128
    @barbarafox6128 6 лет назад +340

    I met Donald O'Connor when I was 12 and he was probably on his mid thirties at Freeland Amusement Park in the Bronx, NY. I did a little skit with him which lasted about 15 minutes. I know I was only 12, but right then and there, I feel he love with him
    He had the most beautiful blue eyes. He was underrated and he was a fantastic performer and wonderful person
    I will never forget him.

    • @karengerber8390
      @karengerber8390 3 года назад +13

      Thank you for sharing your experience!

    • @pamelajordan2890
      @pamelajordan2890 3 года назад +11

      Wow one of those moments you'll never forget..I always loved these musical's
      .😸❤️

    • @lottiestanley7696
      @lottiestanley7696 3 года назад +6

      Lovely ❤️
      He’s one of my favorite people 😊

    • @christinegangadia2395
      @christinegangadia2395 3 года назад +6

      How lovely to hear this story. ♥️

    • @suzannejensen275
      @suzannejensen275 3 года назад +30

      I too was very lucky to have met and danced with Donald O'Connor. He was at a fundraiser my mother had taken me to. I too was 12 years old but I had no clue who he was I really wish I would've known I would've made a bigger deal about it. My mother told him I tapped dance I couldn't believe she did that and he asked me to come up on stage with him I didn't what to but she told me to do it. He asked me if he showed me some steps could I follow him and I told him yes. We danced a short routine and afterwards they gave me an autographed picture. I wish I knew what happened to it it has gotten lost over the years which makes me very sad. It wasn't till years later that I realized what an honor I had been given not only to have meet but also danced with Donald O'Connor. I was the only young female in that room full of women. Donald O'Connor was brought in to get the women to donate more money. I may not have his picture any longer but I still have my memories what a thrill. Sadly I didn't keep up with any of my dance classes either not only did I discontinue my tap but also ballet and jazz too school activities took over with gymnastics, track and cheerleading sadly became more important and my dream of becoming a dancer faded away. Donald O'Connor came from a time where the entertainers were triple threats they could sing, dance and act now days they can barely act.

  • @kangadillo
    @kangadillo 9 лет назад +1776

    Donald O'Connor was a living miracle. "They don't make 'em like that anymore."

    • @suesturges6022
      @suesturges6022 4 года назад +21

      So talented....

    • @milesarcher8502
      @milesarcher8502 4 года назад +32

      He could keep up with Gene Kelly, did that terrific "Make 'Em Laugh" routine in Singin in the Rain and was a gifted comedian, too!!!

    • @singingfan
      @singingfan 4 года назад +8

      Rick Blain truly iconic, in its truest form

    • @colleenhoover7117
      @colleenhoover7117 4 года назад +8

      Agreed! He was a treasure!

    • @milesarcher8502
      @milesarcher8502 4 года назад +2

      @@colleenhoover7117 You have taste, Colleen!

  • @mcstreamy8866
    @mcstreamy8866 4 года назад +82

    Some people thought Donald O'Conner was not an "A-List" talent during his career, but, during those years, I was an avid movie-goer, who was in awe of his substantial abilities as a dancer, a skate-dancer and singer in popular musicals of the day. He was always and still is, an A-Lister in my book.

  • @hiccadoodledoo6545
    @hiccadoodledoo6545 4 года назад +207

    25 years ago I worked at a call center and he called to fix his account. He was adorable. I couldn't tell him I knew who he was. The second he said hi I knew who it was. He was polite and so personable. I remember seeing his movies when I was a kid.

    • @de-lovely7859
      @de-lovely7859 4 года назад +6

      Hicca Doodle Doo Wow that’s so lovely to hear!😃💛

    • @sherrimiller5258
      @sherrimiller5258 3 года назад +14

      It’s so nice to hear when they’re as kind in private as the persona they show on screen.

  • @bi-costalteacher1281
    @bi-costalteacher1281 7 лет назад +907

    He was dynamite! The triple threat! He could act, sing and dance! Loved him!!!

    • @janwoodward7360
      @janwoodward7360 4 года назад +11

      Bi-Costal Teacher And he was really funny! That goofy grin,😄😍

    • @kaleidoscope8743
      @kaleidoscope8743 4 года назад

      Sorry but if you look the wheels are locked. Still a feat of skill tho.

    • @gabrielvidrio3210
      @gabrielvidrio3210 4 года назад +1

      You know who also was a triple, maybe a quadruple or quintuple threat?
      Bobby Long, the child star from the 1947 movie "It Happened in Brooklyn".
      He was Super Talented too, but he never got to appear in Anything ever again. And no one knows whether he's dead, alive, or if (God forbid) he was murdered.
      Who would want to harm an innocent, talented, wonderful little boy like Bobby Long?...

    • @Tomes23
      @Tomes23 4 года назад +5

      And easy on the eyes

  • @ScreenTeamShow
    @ScreenTeamShow 8 лет назад +2325

    And it's not like he was some professional roller skater. He's a dancer who was like "i think i'll try rollerskates for this next movie."

    • @neomatrix6749
      @neomatrix6749 5 лет назад +15

      Ommg!!;) ive never realize who this guy was intil now!;)

    • @carl_anderson9315
      @carl_anderson9315 5 лет назад +88

      @@neomatrix6749 Watch "Singin' In The Rain", with him, Gene Kelly and Princess Leia's mother Debbie Reynolds. It the greatest musical ever made and one of the greatest movieS EVER!! And I'm not even a big fan of musicals.

    • @b0zzyk511
      @b0zzyk511 5 лет назад +6

      SCREEN TEAM!!!!!! It's weird seeing you comment on a random video (granted it is 2 years ago). I love you Angie!

    • @hearsthewater
      @hearsthewater 4 года назад +5

      And your point is?

    • @NoJusticeNoPeace
      @NoJusticeNoPeace 4 года назад +15

      Same thing with Michael Crawford. He's mainly a classically-trained actor, but did all his own stunts in _Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em,_ including the classic and absolutely amazing rollerskating sequence.

  • @TheWriterWalker
    @TheWriterWalker 4 года назад +123

    The little girl was so adorable. In the light of Donald's incredible feat, it's easy to forget that she held her own in this scene with him.

    • @vintagegoldenage
      @vintagegoldenage 4 месяца назад +1

      what movie?!

    • @TheWriterWalker
      @TheWriterWalker 4 месяца назад +1

      @vintagegoldenage Lol. "I Love Melvin" (a title I had never heard of before).

    • @PatrolOfficer161
      @PatrolOfficer161 2 месяца назад +1

      You will thorougly enjoy her in the original "Angels in the Outfield".

    • @TheWriterWalker
      @TheWriterWalker 2 месяца назад

      @@PatrolOfficer161 Why, thank you, Sir! I didn't even know there was a previous, original version of that film.

    • @PatrolOfficer161
      @PatrolOfficer161 2 месяца назад +1

      @@TheWriterWalker Not only that, it was superior in every way. A very early Janet Leigh who was georgous! Donna Corcoran will break your heart as you fall in love with her. One of Paul Douglas' better films with "Executive Suite".

  • @millierohenarivera9257
    @millierohenarivera9257 10 месяцев назад +18

    A very good actor and dancer. Rest in peace

  • @karenwoolsey1169
    @karenwoolsey1169 5 лет назад +91

    Donald O’Connor was, without a doubt one of the best and most athletic dancers of his time. He and Gene Kelly made it look so easy. Man, this guy was skilled!

    • @SOULRELIEF22
      @SOULRELIEF22 5 лет назад +1

      Remember only you do for Christ will last! Time is winding up!

    • @Tristramdeliones
      @Tristramdeliones Год назад +1

      @@SOULRELIEF22 I'm telling him how much time you wasted botting on you tube fat chance getting into heaven!

  • @PoetGrl89
    @PoetGrl89 9 лет назад +1817

    Why do people feel the need to try and find what makes a movie a movie? Why does it matter if his skates were supposedly locked or not. Donald was so underappreciated, his talents were natural to him and he was able to do things because of his vaudeville background that regularly trained dancers aren't able to do. He was such a great talent, but not nearly appreciated enough.

    • @johnnyy2604
      @johnnyy2604 8 лет назад +48

      i 100% agree with you he was just amazing

    • @2degucitas
      @2degucitas 7 лет назад +15

      Because curiosity.

    • @alisonbell3561
      @alisonbell3561 7 лет назад +69

      He was one in a million, a true triple threat. It kills me that he never achieved the superstardom he so richly deserved.

    • @marythompson3658
      @marythompson3658 7 лет назад +18

      Adrienne McNeil YOU ARE SO RIGHT!! HE WAS AMAZING!!!

    • @kevinebarron
      @kevinebarron 7 лет назад +5

      Well put, forth with description, and ponder.... not sure either.

  • @cz2165
    @cz2165 3 года назад +106

    What’s incredible is how long the takes were. In recent dance musicals ( The Greatest Showman, eg) the camerawork is very choppy so there are hardly any long takes. Donald OConnor had to do more of his routine in one continuous shot. Really extraordinary.

    • @mr.evasion
      @mr.evasion Год назад +2

      With sound bites, edited, together, the delivery, loses it's ebb and flow...

  • @andredoracle6326
    @andredoracle6326 4 года назад +144

    The incomparable Donald O'connor. Seems to always have been playing second fiddle to the likes of Gene Kelly in movies, but boy, those movies would never be the same without him. Amazing talent!

    • @paulkennedy8701
      @paulkennedy8701 4 года назад +8

      More often than playing second fiddle to the likes of Gene Kelly he was playing second fiddle to Francis the Talking Mule.

    • @jamilabrownie
      @jamilabrownie 2 года назад +1

      @@paulkennedy8701 lol

    • @ManubibiWalsh
      @ManubibiWalsh 11 месяцев назад +3

      He did my favorite part in Singing in the rain. It’s my favorite because he specifically played it. Amazing performer and yeah, definitely underrated.

  • @mymelody2327
    @mymelody2327 7 лет назад +445

    He was so under appreciated for his talent. He's incredible

  • @GinaBlythe
    @GinaBlythe 7 лет назад +255

    Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers did a roller skate tap routine in SHALL WE DANCE, but Donald O'Connor KILLS it in this scene. Not many people can tap in skates, but he did and no one EVER tops Fred, but he DID!

    • @thankyouverymuch
      @thankyouverymuch 4 года назад +5

      Astaire probably got the idea from Charlie Chaplin's blindfolding skating dance the previous year. Chaplin didn't tap dance, but I imagine that if Astaire had seen him dancing around on skates while wearing a blindfold, and all the attention the scene was getting, he probably would've gotten the idea to incorporate skates into a routine of his own. (or whoever came up with the idea for him to do it) And Chaplin probably got the idea from someone else. All ideas come from somewhere. :)

    • @larrylund2682
      @larrylund2682 4 года назад +3

      Grace did everything Fred did only she did it in HEELS.

    • @JustinShaedo
      @JustinShaedo 4 года назад +3

      @@larrylund2682 in heels and BACKWARDS!

    • @hoodatdondar2664
      @hoodatdondar2664 3 года назад

      Clever, but look at Rogers, she is good, but can not QUITE keep up with Astaire.

    • @GinaBlythe
      @GinaBlythe 3 года назад +1

      @@hoodatdondar2664 She did a fair job, but I think it was Powell that was the ONLY one who COULD keep up with Astaire and I think he said he never wanted to dance with her again because of it...but don't know if it was as a joke or serious...if he said it at all...

  • @kurtiswichmann4699
    @kurtiswichmann4699 4 года назад +98

    I'm most impressed at the length of the scene and the girl being able to remember and perform impeccable over the entire length! There are no breaks to study lines and movements!

    • @joanwood9480
      @joanwood9480 9 месяцев назад

      Noreen Corcoran. She was Kelly on the series Bachelor Father

  • @mehitabel1290
    @mehitabel1290 7 лет назад +599

    D O'C was an incredible gymnast, with a lot of stage presence and charm. I've always been baffled why he never quite made the A list..

    • @Realmasterorder
      @Realmasterorder 7 лет назад +54

      He was Really great,but i think he might possibly have been overshadowed some,by the 2 biggest legends of that time, Gene kelly and Fraid Astair

    • @CarolP2045
      @CarolP2045 7 лет назад +51

      That is so sad because he was better than both Gene and Fred put together. His taps were incredible.

    • @markwakeman8232
      @markwakeman8232 7 лет назад +9

      I agree, and the studios wee writing for those two, leaving D O'C to play second fiddle, as it wee. A giant talent.

    • @nancyclark5067
      @nancyclark5067 6 лет назад +13

      +CarolP....yes Donald was better than copy cats Gene and Fred.

    • @ms.sonshine8878
      @ms.sonshine8878 6 лет назад +13

      Mehitabel He did have that series of seven popular Francis the talking mule movies, which made millions.

  • @MarkiplierTheHero
    @MarkiplierTheHero 7 лет назад +39

    "Don't worry about your worries,they're not pernament" is possibly the cutest thing I have ever heard

  • @kathrynmolesa1641
    @kathrynmolesa1641 3 года назад +47

    Met him in Portland. He volunteered to act in the high school play for a Catholic School. What a gentleman, what a talent.

  • @derrytaylor7417
    @derrytaylor7417 2 года назад +8

    I had the honor of meeting Donald O'Connor when I was about 20 years old. What a Lovely Man ♥️♥️⚘⚘

  • @Pheebs77
    @Pheebs77 7 лет назад +317

    I think he was just as good a dancer as Gene Kelly. Watch them in the Moses Supposes routine, he matches Kelly step for step. Legend.

    • @76marji
      @76marji 5 лет назад +30

      not to mention the accompanying facial expressions!! 😂

    • @iflarnted
      @iflarnted 4 года назад +21

      Better than Gene by a mile; a natural.

    • @mijajajaja
      @mijajajaja 4 года назад +32

      Or "Make 'em laugh" where he effortlessly bounces off the walls and performs stunts that are still being used in film and on stage today. He truly was one of the pioneers!

    • @izzybella100
      @izzybella100 4 года назад +5

      GingerNinja I love that routine! Lets face it, it didn't hurt that Gene Kelly was so handsome and a brilliant chioreographer

    • @roxannemaggiacomo1462
      @roxannemaggiacomo1462 4 года назад +1

      Wait til you see "Are You With It" and the math dance.

  • @evelynkrueger2878
    @evelynkrueger2878 9 лет назад +280

    He was underappreciated and was a great dancer, skater and actor!

    • @ninan3913
      @ninan3913 6 лет назад +6

      Evelyn Krueger and a great singer

    • @MirlitronOne
      @MirlitronOne 4 года назад +3

      A true genius. The master. He consistently out-acted, out-sung and out-danced Gene Kelly in "Singin' in the Rain."

  • @1stsharkb8
    @1stsharkb8 4 года назад +6

    He never got the credit he deserved for being an amazing dancer and hilarious to boot.

  • @lynnetedder-ward3164
    @lynnetedder-ward3164 3 года назад +5

    He was on of the most underrated actors could sing and dance as this clip proves very talented actor.

  • @catballou5304
    @catballou5304 4 года назад +139

    I love Donald O’Connor - he was a rare talent! To those who give a thumbs down, better reevaluate your life. We are in dark times my friends. Find joy now where you can and pray for peace.

    • @m.oriley8260
      @m.oriley8260 4 года назад +3

      Actually we are living in very good times. Human beings never had it better.

    • @suzannejensen275
      @suzannejensen275 3 года назад +2

      @@m.oriley8260 Well considering we have been in a worldwide pandemic for over a year now. It's mutated into a stronger strain so people are still getting it even though they've been vaccinated and getting it more than once. So many have died from it and others can't recover from all the systems. I'm one of the long timers after suffering from the worst sickness I've ever had for five and a half weeks only to still have health problems now from it. They can't find any reason for the low oxygen level in my lungs and the ringing in my ears they just say they think it's a side effect from having the virus.

    • @fabianagrassi5903
      @fabianagrassi5903 3 года назад

      What's the movie?

    • @randywhite3947
      @randywhite3947 2 года назад

      @@fabianagrassi5903 I Love Melvin

    • @gatsbymaguire
      @gatsbymaguire Год назад +2

      @@suzannejensen275 we have gone through worse but the exposure the internet gives to the bad stuff going on now does male it seem like things are worse than before

  • @NjorunsDream
    @NjorunsDream 4 года назад +34

    And to think I broke my leg only walking down stairs because I missed a step. This guy is incredible.

    • @clarefeinson7201
      @clarefeinson7201 7 месяцев назад

      I broke five bones in my ankle the same way! As one of my doctor friends said, "You are always so thorough!"

  • @jeannemartin7332
    @jeannemartin7332 4 года назад +4

    Always loved Donald O'Connor in movies. I really miss the old musicals.

  • @michaelberes6660
    @michaelberes6660 4 года назад +70

    All done without a millisecond of CGI.

    • @WhatDoesMyChannelNameMean
      @WhatDoesMyChannelNameMean 3 года назад +3

      Yeeeeaaaah... just a little swap into fake movie-prop skate in the middle.

    • @michaelberes6660
      @michaelberes6660 3 года назад +4

      @@WhatDoesMyChannelNameMean Film editing is not CGI and CGI is not film editing.

    • @shaleenaf.7095
      @shaleenaf.7095 3 года назад +3

      Prop skates or not while tapping, they were NOT fake while he was going down the stairs. One wrong move and he'd be screwed. Far cry from CGI

  • @Rockerita21
    @Rockerita21 10 лет назад +47

    this man was magical....

  • @ktkat1949
    @ktkat1949 9 лет назад +181

    If Donald had been born maybe 10 years early he could have be a major major star like Gene Kelly. He had it all. Great charm, talent, could sing and dance. Had the athleticism that made Kelly great. Such a pity he didn't. I love his movies.

    • @yana1955
      @yana1955 5 лет назад +20

      He lacked Astaire's graceful class or Kelly's leading man handsomeness. But I found his comic genius much more fun to watch on screen.

    • @TD402dd
      @TD402dd 4 года назад +3

      Apples and oranges. O'Connor was a physical dancer like Gene Kelley, and he was a huge star. I think what's sets him apart is his comedy which the other two dancers didn't have.

    • @gabrielvidrio3210
      @gabrielvidrio3210 4 года назад

      Can you imagine if it was Bobby Long doing that routine. I'm sure he would've been excellent too.
      Bobby Long was the multitalented little boy from the 1947 movie "It Happened in Brooklyn".
      It was his only movie and he never got to appear in anything Ever again. No one knows what happened to him. He just vanished, never seen or heard from again. Until now.
      Please look up his video, you'll be amazed just like I was and if he got to be the star he wanted to be, then he would've had the same opportunities of dancing with the likes of Mr. O'Connor or Gene Kelly or Fred Astaire or even the lovely Anne Miller.
      Bobby Long would've had a BLAST dancing with any one of them.

    • @ruthmaryrose
      @ruthmaryrose 4 года назад +8

      kate baxter I always thought Gene Kelly had a stiffness about him but Donald was more limber and relaxed in his dancing, and that made him the more pleasant to watch imho.

    • @gabrielvidrio3210
      @gabrielvidrio3210 4 года назад +1

      Hi Ruth, I read your comment and yes Donald had so much ease and relaxation doing his routines.
      I can imagine the same thing for Bobby Long if he was in his shoes. Or should I say, if he was in his skates lol*

  • @matthewwolski4581
    @matthewwolski4581 4 года назад +5

    loved Donald O'Connor in all he did. 78 now and still watch whenever I can. and noreen, bless her and her role in I love Melvin. she passed away January 15, 2016. R.I.P.

  • @katelinkins4202
    @katelinkins4202 3 года назад +4

    Actor, athlete, comic....and stunt man!!! Incomparable!!!

  • @rsoubiea
    @rsoubiea 4 года назад +195

    I fell in love with him in those “Francis the talking mule” movies, then again in Singing in the Rain. He was such a great song and dance man. ❤️❤️

    • @Lepton68
      @Lepton68 4 года назад +8

      The thing that impresses me in these movies is look how long each shot is! If you filmed this number today it would have cut every couple of seconds. Not these guys!

    • @reneebevere7590
      @reneebevere7590 4 года назад +4

      You know he had a fever of 103 when he filmed singing in the rain

    • @barbarabastron6152
      @barbarabastron6152 4 года назад

      Rhonna Marsden
      I loved Francis!!!

    • @barbarabastron6152
      @barbarabastron6152 4 года назад +1

      Renee Bevere
      Actually that was Gene Kelly.

    • @reneebevere7590
      @reneebevere7590 4 года назад +1

      @@barbarabastron6152 I stand corrected my bad

  • @jonasbrothers3000
    @jonasbrothers3000 8 лет назад +218

    What a talented guy

  • @bagoquarks
    @bagoquarks 4 года назад +10

    Donald O'Connor always managed to make his sidekick character roles 60% of whatever movie he was in.

  • @bovnycccoperalover3579
    @bovnycccoperalover3579 11 месяцев назад +9

    No special effects. It's all Mr. O'Connor!❤❤

  • @chloekim7933
    @chloekim7933 8 лет назад +58

    Donnald should be evaluated again as a genius. Such a great dance and act!

  • @holyspacemonkey
    @holyspacemonkey 11 месяцев назад +4

    I ❤ Donald O’Connor! When I was a kid, I got to see him play Cap’n Andy in “Show Boat.” My dad, who was a big fan, took me to see it.

  • @robertbyrne3169
    @robertbyrne3169 3 месяца назад +19

    We do not have talent like Donald O'connor anymore such a shame

  • @maryheron7871
    @maryheron7871 3 года назад +3

    Why when we talk about the greats of tap dancing is Donald O’Connors name never included, the man was amazing

  • @oliviamcqueen3355
    @oliviamcqueen3355 2 года назад +5

    He's soooooooooo beautiful here. Thanks for sharing all your gifts, Mr. O'Connor. You made the world a brighter place.

  • @joyhaswell751
    @joyhaswell751 9 лет назад +120

    If Donald O Connor ever did this for me, he'd steal my heart immediately! No doubt!

    • @lewistrotter1039
      @lewistrotter1039 8 лет назад +8

      I know! I envy the little girl so

    • @jb6712
      @jb6712 4 года назад +5

      If he was still alive, he'd steal mine, too! Well, except he'd be 94 to my 66...

  • @courtrosss
    @courtrosss 4 года назад +24

    HOW IS THIS EVEN POSSIBLE HOW CAN SOMEONE HAVE THIS MUCH TALENT

    • @paulajeffrey6706
      @paulajeffrey6706 3 года назад

      I know ,don't know why I just really taken notice of him but gonna hunt out all the film's I can find with Donald O'Connor, it's just magical to watch him.

  • @sallyskellington3024
    @sallyskellington3024 3 года назад +1

    So awesome. These movies were and are such a treasure. No way would they sell nowadays and that is sad.

  • @m623
    @m623 4 года назад +1

    Movie brilliance and O'Connor was a master of his art ......................

  • @matthewstavrowsky9998
    @matthewstavrowsky9998 9 лет назад +111

    What a truly great entertainer. There are none like him around anymore.

    • @faith4094
      @faith4094 9 лет назад +9

      You are so right - no one more talented or more adorable...fabulous in solos and romantic numbers...see Call me Madam, Walking My Baby Back Home, Anything Goes, There's No Business Like Show Business, and so many more...of course, Singin in the Rain w his iconic, Make 'em Laugh...for which he won the Golden Globe...he was also a teen idol...adorable teen movies and an Emmy winner for his T.V. show....so much more...

  • @carola8068
    @carola8068 7 лет назад +911

    bahaha, as a rollerskater for over 60 years, you just couldnt "lock" the skates and then move like these guys (Gene Kelly and Donald O'Connor) did. Its pure ability and talent. Besides these were 'strap on' skates from many many years ago. I doubt they could lock them. would have had to turn the wheel nut soo tight. just enjoy it and stop criticising, especially if you cant do better.

    • @ssppeellll
      @ssppeellll 7 лет назад +65

      I don't think anyone is criticizing. Comments I have read so far are just making observations and conjecturing how he did it.
      As for not being able to lock the skates--do you really think professional prop people couldn't create a pair of roller skates with non-functioning wheels?

    • @2degucitas
      @2degucitas 7 лет назад +52

      Theres a pause between the skating and tap dancing scenes that allow for changing the skates. That's how it was done.

    • @randomcringeyyoutuber6750
      @randomcringeyyoutuber6750 7 лет назад +7

      Carol A I swear me and my friend cad do this. Not as good but it's easy as long as you know how to move your feet without making it go

    • @statrat5474
      @statrat5474 6 лет назад +19

      In "It's Always Fair Weather" Gene Kelly has a routine ("I like myself") were he alternates tapping and skating throughout the routine, so it is possible to tap without locking the skates. Whether O'Connor does it I don't know.

    • @statrat5474
      @statrat5474 6 лет назад +21

      Kelly also has given interviews in which he stated that the skates in his routine were not altered or locked.
      www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/database/kelly_g_interview.html

  • @musket-hc1fc
    @musket-hc1fc 4 года назад +34

    This was cute. Donald O'Connor was an amazing talent. It's hard enough to roller skate without falling, but to tap dance and engage in all the other action here is incredible.

  • @olliedynoduck
    @olliedynoduck 3 года назад +3

    4 minutes of pure delight!!!

  • @LoquaciousByNature
    @LoquaciousByNature 10 лет назад +177

    Wow! Is there anything the man couldn't do? Donald O'Connor will always be a favorite of mine :)

    • @joefreeman8667
      @joefreeman8667 10 лет назад +4

      Amen brother. :)

    • @lorrainethompson1624
      @lorrainethompson1624 10 лет назад +5

      Absolute, what talent. Sort of like Mickey Rooney. God given talent with practice

    • @fiseditor
      @fiseditor 10 лет назад +1

      Joe Freeman

    • @myearsloveit
      @myearsloveit 4 года назад

      Me 2

    • @gabrielvidrio3210
      @gabrielvidrio3210 4 года назад +1

      You should see Bobby Long from the 1947 musical, It Happened in Brooklyn* He was Beyond AMAZING*

  • @NiennaGreycloak
    @NiennaGreycloak 10 лет назад +60

    They don't make 'em like they used to! Donald is a legend!

  • @theoriginaloutlawdance
    @theoriginaloutlawdance Год назад +2

    This man was phenomenal!! i loved him and Debbie together

  • @acb1618
    @acb1618 3 года назад +4

    No roller skates were harmed during this movie! Donald O´Connor, a wonderful artist who could perform with children, animals and Gene Kelly without being upstaged.

  • @namj8145
    @namj8145 4 года назад +52

    Yeah, I always thought the wheels were at least tightened for the fast tap part, but this doesn't distract from the number. As a tap dancer in my youth, who took some roller skating lessons and tried to copy Donald, Gene, and Fred tapping on skates, I realized how difficult it was, beyond just staying upright. Tap shoe soles are flexible to do toe and heel work, and cushion landings. Skates are rigid, to keep the wheels aligned and rolling. Just doing basic steps was like re-learning everything you thought you knew about how to tap. While Gene's bit had remarkable steps on rolling skates, I think O'Connor's footwork here is a hair more intricate and precise. So if they had to tighten the wheels for a few seconds and cut it together, I consider it part of the process. Hey, it wasn't actually raining for Singing in the Rain, and Fred couldn't actually dance on a ceiling either. But they all had superhuman talents which amaze me anyways.

    • @bb22602
      @bb22602 3 года назад +4

      George Burns, who was a dancer and singer as well as a comedian, said that for dancing, at least two of the skate wheels would be locked.

    • @2piecesofwood1pieceofrope
      @2piecesofwood1pieceofrope 9 месяцев назад +1

      They had to locked for that part, but the scene was incredibly entertaining.

  • @marynichols438
    @marynichols438 4 года назад +106

    And to think that I was so proud of myself when I “stood” on my skates while hanging into some railings.

    • @marilyns8497
      @marilyns8497 3 года назад

      Ha ha! Me too x

    • @WhatDoesMyChannelNameMean
      @WhatDoesMyChannelNameMean 3 года назад

      Go ahead and feel proud! :) The guy in this video was using fake movie-prop roller skates. Your accomplishment was much better, since you had real skates.

  • @vidhead85
    @vidhead85 Год назад +2

    I like watching these classics! Full of fun and wholesomeness

  • @theemaygoogleme151
    @theemaygoogleme151 8 месяцев назад +3

    Just amazing, if anyone remembers roller skates of that era, everything he did on them was next level. Decades before roller blades and modern trucks, iron age tech.

  • @Pammyspoint
    @Pammyspoint 4 года назад +40

    Incomparable! And very UNDERRATED!!! As much as I love Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire, I think Donald O’Conner was the best of the best!

    • @gabrielvidrio3210
      @gabrielvidrio3210 4 года назад +4

      He was.
      But there is also a lost star who could've had his share in the spotlight too. Bobby Long*
      He was the multitalented little boy from the 1947 movie musical, It Happened in Brooklyn.
      He vanished after doing that movie. Never to appear or do anything Ever again.
      But he was Super Talented too, and boy did he show it. I wish that he could've had the chance 2 become the star he never got to be and dance with the likes of Donald O'Connor or Gene Kelly or Fred Astaire or even Anne Miller.
      Bobby Long would've had a BLAST working with any one of them.

    • @shelleywantiez7964
      @shelleywantiez7964 Год назад

      I completely agree 💯. Spot on. He was smooth and flawless. Took dancing to an entirely new level.

  • @claytonskids6764
    @claytonskids6764 4 года назад +20

    I've loved this guy since I was six years old - a stupendous dancer (off skates and on) and a most pleasant manner and character.
    People like this enrich our lives and should know how much we appreciate them and their work.

  • @carol29carnegie
    @carol29carnegie 4 года назад +55

    I loved Donald O'Connor and I think the ONLY reason he wasn't more appreciated was because he was around at the same time as Danny Kaye and they both had similar abilities, I was only a young kid when they were at their peak and I think I was a little bit in love with both of them lol, they are both sadly missed they don't make em like that anymore xx

    • @charlottekey8856
      @charlottekey8856 4 года назад +1

      I used to get them mixed up

    • @karenbarringer-brooks2346
      @karenbarringer-brooks2346 3 года назад +1

      They were all so talented and we can still enjoy watching them, O'Connor, kaye, Kelly, Astaire, Singing, dancing, acting. Their talent will live on and maybe someday another great talent will come along in the mean time.

  • @judithwilkinson2999
    @judithwilkinson2999 3 года назад +11

    This is entertainment. Not murder movies, drug cartel movies, horror movies, and so many others which are being sent to us to supposedly enjoy.

  • @julianna11924
    @julianna11924 8 лет назад +162

    Why don't you all try to tap dance in roller skates and then complain in comments on these videos about whether his skates are locked or not. I mean come on, why don't you all comment of the joyfulness of this video or the wonderful dancing? I mean it's so happy and enjoyable to watch! It's beautiful and unbelievablely hard whether it be on skates or not! So much respect to Donald

    • @ssppeellll
      @ssppeellll 7 лет назад +4

      You are the third person (all women's names--coincidence?) who perceives people complaining where all I find are people conjecturing and commenting on how he did it. No one is saying he's not amazing, talented and--let's face it--the cat's meow.

    • @julianna11924
      @julianna11924 7 лет назад +1

      With all due respect, I don't understand the point of your comment, especially the part about all female names. I was simply stating my opinion on the matter, much like everyone else. I respect everyone's opinion on this matter, I just wanted to give my insight. Pardon me for doing so. Do elaborate on why it was important to state we were all females.

    • @ssppeellll
      @ssppeellll 7 лет назад

      As for the point of my comment, you complained about others complaining. Which would be fine if others had complained. I don't think anyone did. I didn't get the sense that anyone was complaining or being critical of anything in the video clip. So I have to wonder how it is that you did perceive others as complaining.
      As for the female names, I just thought it was an interesting coincidence that all three of the comment posters who criticized other for complaining or criticizing had poster names with similar characteristics--all common English female names, all with first and last names (except one with just an initial for the last name): Carol A., Sherry Gaillard and you, Julianna Miller.
      With all the unusual names (Mehitabel), obvious pen names (Bi-Costal Teacher), men's names (Alan Pat) and one-part names (Pibly) that commenters have, the three people who complained about others complaining were strikingly similar in these attributes.
      I wasn't trying to make any kind of point. I just thought, "What a quinky-dinky."

    • @neomatrix6749
      @neomatrix6749 5 лет назад

      Yeaaa!;) i respect this guy maan!;) ive never realize he was sooo talented maan!;) i just saw him in a movie tales from the crypt. String along. ;) i didnt realize he was such a talented person!;) hads off for him!;)

    • @fredericrike5974
      @fredericrike5974 4 года назад

      @@julianna11924 Point to Julianna!

  • @Raidoven
    @Raidoven 9 лет назад +177

    its so surreal to know that little girl is 70 now...

    • @douglassharpe55
      @douglassharpe55 6 лет назад +11

      Faizal Ali Time flies... and what a '50's beauty, as a child and as a teen on Bachelor Father!

    • @marycassidy1695
      @marycassidy1695 5 лет назад +13

      I remember her as Niece Kelly on Bachelor Father. I didn't realize she was a child star too. She's so likeable.

    • @lindaf4836
      @lindaf4836 5 лет назад +7

      One of the dozen or so CORCORAN kids who tried their hands at acting. KEVIN, TOMMY, etc.

    • @jessiemichelle5642
      @jessiemichelle5642 4 года назад +7

      Who is she? She was a cutie! Love that giggle!

    • @musket-hc1fc
      @musket-hc1fc 4 года назад +3

      Didn't she die this past year?

  • @lawrenceray3545
    @lawrenceray3545 2 года назад +5

    Donald O’Connor what a great talent!!!

  • @jb6712
    @jb6712 4 года назад +6

    What amazing surefootedness! Donald O'Connor was one of the very best dancers of that age, and nobody dances like that anymore.

  • @SocialBurrito3
    @SocialBurrito3 4 года назад +14

    A seriously under-rated actor, he was a legend. He was amazing.

  • @sandiegotrojandawg
    @sandiegotrojandawg 4 года назад +10

    Beautiful....so much wisdom in the words of this song. Donald O'Connor may not have received as much acclamation for his talent as the great Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire; however, Hollywood insiders knew that Donald was the best of the three. He was so easy to work with and had a very pleasant personality--no hard-driven ego. I greatly miss him.

  • @phoenixman8569
    @phoenixman8569 4 года назад +28

    My elderly dad passed away five years ago, he loved all the classic golden oldies like this. Now that I'm no longer a youngster myself, I can now start to see the appeal of these classic old films dad enjoyed so much in his youth!!!

  • @welshpete12
    @welshpete12 4 года назад +5

    He was such a modest man and such a wonderful dancer !

  • @anitaruiz8136
    @anitaruiz8136 7 лет назад +26

    Donald was such a bad ass. Good stuff.

  • @patriciaegan8149
    @patriciaegan8149 7 лет назад +27

    Donald O'Connor and one of the most talented young girls I've ever seen made a delightful clip together. I know neither but what I saw was purity at it's best.

  • @madokakaname4775
    @madokakaname4775 3 года назад +2

    He's amazing, and the little girl was so sweet too!

  • @lizcrabtree893
    @lizcrabtree893 4 года назад +6

    Donald was a superb dancer and this episode of dancing on skates was Brilliant. He was underrated really and should have had more recognition by Hollywood...

  • @dddaaz
    @dddaaz 7 лет назад +18

    What an amazing performance! He was a dancing genius.

  • @knitdesignbycaroline
    @knitdesignbycaroline 4 года назад +14

    See, this is why Donald O'Conner is my favorite.

    • @harrymills2770
      @harrymills2770 3 года назад

      Right down to the signature crash at the end as the finale.

  • @jennyq4979
    @jennyq4979 4 года назад +8

    Donald O'Connor was so talented and you just don't hear enough about him any more! I loved his movies and his singing and dancing, and he did a lot of dancing "stunts" that other dancers wouldn't even try. Sure wish that he was still here, but R.I.P. Mr. O'Connor, we still love you to this day

    • @shelleywantiez7964
      @shelleywantiez7964 Год назад +1

      It's just a travesty he never received a lifetime achievement award. Go figure, he's was acting since 13 months old.

  • @elliottbradley4272
    @elliottbradley4272 4 года назад +20

    ""You just can't touch them!!!!!"".... O'Connor, Kelley, Astaire, Garland and Day they were truly what you would call "triple threats"in every way...MGM, Warner Bro.produced so much talent, casting ✨💖😀⭐⭐⭐⭐✨

    • @fredericrike5974
      @fredericrike5974 4 года назад +1

      And unfortunately, destroyed much of that talent. Judy Garland's story was a real tragedy, and it started on a "Yellow Brick Road". FWIW, Howard Hughes, in the few years he owned RKO turned out a tremendous amount of talent- but hewas a "ladies man"- which was social code for something else. United Artists was a much cleaner operation, but Sam Goldwyn and his crowd hated the performers who ever worked there. FR

    • @elliottbradley4272
      @elliottbradley4272 4 года назад

      @@fredericrike5974 """Yes , I realize ""all of the dramatics that allegedly went on behind the scenes.... I was just focusing on all of positive images that we all ✨💖✨

    • @fredericrike5974
      @fredericrike5974 4 года назад

      @@elliottbradley4272 Kewl! FR

  • @lepetitchat123
    @lepetitchat123 7 лет назад +24

    A dancing stuntman..donald dancing always leaves me speechless

  • @emeraldryder3496
    @emeraldryder3496 8 лет назад +571

    how can anyone be anyhting but happy when watching Donald? I absolutely loved him in Singin' in the Rain! Which musical is this one from?

    • @riven64
      @riven64 8 лет назад +28

      I Love Melvin

    • @emeraldryder3496
      @emeraldryder3496 8 лет назад +7

      Thanks

    • @wenglishsal
      @wenglishsal 7 лет назад +34

      :D It's 'I Love Melvin'.. With the delectable Debbie Reynolds too .. :D

    • @tinajung666
      @tinajung666 7 лет назад +19

      I know right? He was such a happy funny guy! 😊😊😊

    • @DakariKingMykan
      @DakariKingMykan 7 лет назад +37

      Now all three of them are gone...
      RIP Gene... Debbie... and Donald

  • @carolbradley2639
    @carolbradley2639 3 года назад +6

    That takes a lot of talent to tap dance on roller skates. Donald O'Connor is the first person I've seen to tap dance on roller skates.

  • @likespurple2261
    @likespurple2261 4 года назад +21

    Why is Donald O'Connor so underrated? He is amazing.

  • @zenzimakeba2248
    @zenzimakeba2248 4 года назад +3

    How amazing is Donald O'Connor 💞

  • @t4705mb6
    @t4705mb6 4 года назад +6

    That man had more talent in his little finger than most 'celebrities' do in their entire careers today ..... and one HELL of a FINE ASS!

  • @paulcannon5065
    @paulcannon5065 4 года назад +1

    He was the best of them all.

  • @libertygiveme1987
    @libertygiveme1987 4 года назад +3

    Is she the MOST ADORABLE?!!! And Donald, PLEASE, they don't get ANY BETTER THAN HIM!!!!

  • @victoriaodegaard1
    @victoriaodegaard1 9 лет назад +187

    Impressive! Especially with the swinging around the gazebo polls! Stop that with the whole locked/unlocked debate and the "who did it better, him or Gene Kelly thing! Donald O'Connor did it first and I think he's amazing.

    • @QueenAnitaSoul
      @QueenAnitaSoul 8 лет назад +3

      +Victoria Odegaard Gene Kelly was also amazing

    • @victoriaodegaard1
      @victoriaodegaard1 8 лет назад +6

      +QueenAnita Soul
      He is, I love Gene Kelly... and you don't need to tell me that dude. I just have a special place in my heart from O'Connor.

    • @leslauner5062
      @leslauner5062 6 лет назад +1

      Almost...if you look close, when they go from the rolling parts to the tap dancing parts and back again, there's a quick cut. CLEARLY those skates were locked for the tap dancing...there's no way he could've done those particular tap moves if they were loose. GENE KELLY's routine, on the other hand, wasn't edited but full run sequences where he was rolling and then tapping and then rolling again with no quick cuts to lock the skates. YES, Donald 'O Connor is amazing, but Gene wins at roller skate tapping.

    • @EricBrownBey
      @EricBrownBey 6 лет назад +1

      Les Launer it is still amazing

    • @leslauner5062
      @leslauner5062 6 лет назад +1

      I agree it is still amazing. I just think Gene's tapping on loose rolling skates is more amazing, that's all.

  • @micaelaroyo4837
    @micaelaroyo4837 5 лет назад +8

    That little girl sings so freaking good! I wish we had more kids like her for musicals nowadays

    • @SamSanders072764
      @SamSanders072764 2 года назад +1

      Noreen Corcoran who later starred in Bachelor Father on TV.

    • @vergilmontiero2558
      @vergilmontiero2558 Год назад

      @@SamSanders072764 last name sounds familiar

  • @TheBigDaddy51
    @TheBigDaddy51 3 года назад +7

    Many people only seem to remember Gene Kelly dancing on skates, but Mr O'Connor kills it

  • @margaretosburn5709
    @margaretosburn5709 4 года назад +1

    I love these old entertaining movies! They put a smile on your face!

  • @pumpupjam54
    @pumpupjam54 7 лет назад +14

    I saw this great man when he came for a show in my hometown, that was in the early 80's. I also saw Yul Brenner too, but Donald was something else, he danced for us. Best show ever saw, miss this guy so much, and so many like him.

  • @virginiastock5518
    @virginiastock5518 7 лет назад +11

    He was the best.

  • @roxxigirl1320
    @roxxigirl1320 3 года назад +6

    When movies where worth watching. Actors back then had something called talent.

  • @monaj2971
    @monaj2971 4 года назад +29

    Back when we used to have talented entertainers 😪

  • @jmcassonetto
    @jmcassonetto 5 лет назад +32

    We had those kind of roller skates when I was a kid - straps & a key (to adjust the front clamps)

    • @dougoverhoff7568
      @dougoverhoff7568 4 года назад +3

      Yeah. They sucked compared to the newer ones.

    • @kunegund9690
      @kunegund9690 4 года назад +3

      I miss them. You could take them off and walk when you got to the shop.

    • @gwenmartinsen3979
      @gwenmartinsen3979 4 года назад +2

      Mine were always falling off.

    • @jmcassonetto
      @jmcassonetto 4 года назад

      Gwen Martinsen - mine too - but depends on stiffness of shoe soles...I wore sneakers most times - being a little smarter now, I would’ve glued something with more ´stickiness’ to the clamps. (but I also had another pair with leather strap belt without clamps too)

  • @debcharlesworth187
    @debcharlesworth187 8 лет назад +16

    Love this! Donald O'Connor was always a favorite of mine...so wonderful!

  • @soleil2934
    @soleil2934 3 года назад +6

    Actors like these deserve to have their legacys continued. I hope that people still watch these in 20 years or so. They are so iconic and i hope people will still realize that

    • @vergilmontiero2558
      @vergilmontiero2558 Год назад

      Same

    • @merleboyd9962
      @merleboyd9962 Год назад

      Loved Donald O'Connor and the last time l saw him was a guest on Frasier as a train enthusiast and slid down a pole into his sitting room.
      Great episode. 🤗

  • @Lolly1122dooda
    @Lolly1122dooda 4 года назад +3

    Donald O'Connor was so underrated. He did amazing things in movies. I always enjoyed him.