Monday, May 23, 2011

A Closer Look At...

Busby Berkeley!

Busby was known for his elaborate kaleidoscope like choreographed films. 


10 facts about Busby Berkeley:

1. He was named after his actress mother's friend Amy Busby.

2. He was a field artillery lieutenant in WWI and directed parades and drills.

3.Became a stage director and choreographer on Broadway.

4. Begged Samuel Goldwyn to let him direct, and made his debut directing "Whoopee" in 1930.

5. Was the first to do long dragging close-ups of actresses while they danced.

6. Directed Gene Kelly in his first film, "For Me and My Gal" in 1942. 

7. Was married 6 times.

8. Famous for the films, "42nd Street", "Gold Diggers of 1933", and "Dames".

9. Killed 3 people while drunk driving, was tried 3 times for  murder, and was acquitted after 2 hung juries.

10. Was quoted as saying, "In an era of breadlines, depression, and wars, I tried to help people get away from all the misery...to turn their minds to something else. I wanted to make people happy, if only for an hour."

 Busby's Work






No comments: