Synopsis

Based on the Broadway musical which had its first show in 1944 under the same title, this 1949 film, *On the Town*, is a spectacular collaboration between composer, Leonard Bernstein; lyricists, Betty Comden and Adolph Green; co-directors, Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen; and stars, Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra. And naturally, the godfather and core of MGM musicals, Arthur Freed produced this film. The adventurous romance three sailors on a 24-hour leave in New York: Ozzie, Chip, and Gabey have with the women of the city are entertaining, but it is their song and dance that is truly a sight to see thanks to the choreography and direction of Gene Kelly. Furthermore, New York refuses to stay as a mere backdrop and shows off its main attractions to the fullest. The film escapes from the typical studio sets and captures the beauties of NY’s finest landmarks including the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, Rockefeller Center, and Central Park. Co-director, Stanley Donen teams up with Gene Kelly once again in 1952 to make a masterpiece in film history, *Singin’ in the Rain*. *On the Town* won Best Music at the 1950 Academy Awards. (Hyuk-sang Denis Lee)

Director

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  • Gene Kelly
  • Born in 1912 in Pennsylvania, USA. A key figure in the golden age of MGM musicals in the 1940s and 50s, Gene Kelly was an extraordinary dancer, singer, director, producer, and choreographer. He made his Hollywood debut in *For Me and My Gal* (1942) with Judy Garland after working on Broadway. His representative works include *Singin’ in the Rain* (1952), *An American in Paris* (1951), and *On the Town* (1949). Known for his masculine, energetic choreography, excellent singing, and approachable personality, Kelly was loved by many Americans.

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  • Stanley Donen
  • Born in 1924 in Southern California, Stanley Donen began taking dance lessons at a young age and made his Broadway debut at 17. Known as the ‘king of Hollywood musicals,’ Donen was a director and choreographer whose representative works include *On the Town* (1949), *Singin’ in the Rain* (1952), *Seven Brides for Seven Brothers* (1954), and *Funny Face* (1957).