Thread: Fred vs. Gene

In the Fred Astaire vs. Gene Kelly debate, I think largely due to my Mom's influence I have always kind of thought Fred Astaire was a bit better dancer. But you know, Gene Kelly is quite the beast in his own right, here he is tap dancing, ON ROLLER SKATES. Now this is cool!

Gene Kelly tap dancing on roller skates - YouTube

Fred could dance on the walls and ceiling, he also had Ginger Rogers.

I think that was his audition tape for Xanadu.

James.

It's like apples and oranges. They were a different breed of cat. Fred was a really serious dancer and dancing was the main attraction with him. Gene was more an all around entertainer and less the classical dancer and better actor and singer too.

I always liked the old observation that Ginger Rogers did everything Fred did.....and she did it backwards and in high heels.

I think Stewie Griffin whipped up on Gene Kelly

Originally Posted by cjglancy

I think Stewie Griffin whipped up on Gene Kelly

Ah yes,

Stewie and Gene kelly - YouTube

I'd go for Fred.

I like both of them, and think they're too different to compare. It would be like Bob Hope vs. James Cagney.

Great Dance Routine: James Cagney and Bob Hope - YouTube

Gentlemen,

Fred and Gene were superb dancers and each shined in his own way. Being a lover of classical ballet and dance in general, I have tried not to compare the two, but to watch them over and over again with awe. How does one compare two glorious Wade & Butchers except to take each for its distinct characteristics?

I once interviewed the dancer Gene Nelson, fabulous in his own right, although he was considered a notch behind Fred and Gene. You might have seen him Oklahoma and many other films. The question of his ranking came up during our radio conversation, and he said something I have never forgotten. "Yes, well," he said, "there was always Fred and Gene."