Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by danj (A) on September 27, 2003 at 22:14:18

Donald O'Conner - hoofer, actor, comic and singer - has died at 78.

One of the greatest musical-comedy stars in the history of Hollywood, IMHO. He will be missed.

Want to see greatness? Watch O'Conner match the fabulous Gene Kelley, step-for-step, in what is, arguably, the greatest Hollywood musical ever made. O'Conner's "Make 'Em Laugh" number is a high point of that classic film and is on almost every list of the top musical-dance numbers of music history.

His dance career cut short by foot problems, O'Conner continued as a popular actor throughout the 1950's well into the 60's and he was a frequent television guest star throughout the 70's.

Along with his classic films he made many "B" pictures. He is most famous for his long stint as the human "straightman" in the popular film series starring "Francis the Talking Mule." High brow they were not. Entertaining they were.

Donald O'Conner. May he rest in peace.