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Obit: Donald O'Connor - RIP

28 Sep 03 - 05:27 AM (#1025725)
Subject: Obit: Donald O'Connor - RIP
From: Fiolar

Sadly another legend has become one with the ages. Donald O'Connor, arguably best rembered for his part in the great "Singin' in the Rain" has died age 78. He was the son of circus perfomers and was 11 years old when he made his film debut. He starred in such films as "Tom Sawyer, Detective" (1938) as Huckleberry Finn and as Buster Keaton in "The Buster Keaton Story" (1957). In addition he had a series in the "Francis" films. However I will always remember him with Gene Kelly and his great "Make 'em Laugh." Say hello to Gene and Buster, Donald. Keep them in stitches up there.


28 Sep 03 - 05:39 AM (#1025728)
Subject: RE: Obit: Donald O'Connor - RIP
From: GUEST,Tunesmith

Yes! " Make'em laugh" where Donald runs up the walls, and eventually through one! Great stuff! And what about Francis the Talking Mule? - the precursor of Mr Ed


28 Sep 03 - 06:03 AM (#1025732)
Subject: RE: Obit: Donald O'Connor - RIP
From: Tam the Bam (Nutter)

Sad day, Donald O'Connor dead, I like that the piece were he does the 'make 'em laugh' as well.
Tom


28 Sep 03 - 06:17 AM (#1025736)
Subject: RE: Obit: Donald O'Connor - RIP
From: kendall

Like grains of sand through an hour glass...


28 Sep 03 - 06:30 AM (#1025740)
Subject: RE: Obit: Donald O'Connor - RIP
From: catspaw49

I think "Make 'Em Laugh" is one of the best dance routines ever done....period. Had a lot of personal problems that he overcame and I was glad to see him getting at least a modicum of recognition later in life. And yeah, I saw all the Francis movies as a kid....and loved them.

Thanks

Spaw


28 Sep 03 - 07:08 AM (#1025746)
Subject: RE: Obit: Donald O'Connor - RIP
From: George Seto - af221@chebucto.ns.ca

Really a shame! However we know he'll be up on that big stage in the sky with Gene Kelly and Bob Hope and Fred Astaine, along with Vera Ellen and a host of other fine hoofers!


28 Sep 03 - 07:33 AM (#1025758)
Subject: RE: Obit: Donald O'Connor - RIP
From: Helen

Apart from the Francis movies, which I loved, I think my absolute favourite Donald O'Connor scene is the duet of (I Wonder Why) You're Just In Love he sang with Ethel Merman in Call Me Madam.

I absolutely love that movie. I wish I had a copy of it.

Sing up a storm, dear Mr O'Connor, up there in heaven.


28 Sep 03 - 04:08 PM (#1025909)
Subject: RE: Obit: Donald O'Connor - RIP
From: Mudlark

Teaching the angels how to dance....


29 Sep 03 - 12:19 AM (#1026134)
Subject: RE: Obit: Donald O'Connor - RIP
From: Miken

Met Mr. O'Connor in the dialysis unit at Wadsworth V.A. Hospital, in West L.A. when I was on staff there. A most gracious spokes person for the So. Calif. Kidney Foundation at that time, ( 1965 I believe), and physically much smaller than I realized from the movies; with a soft and pleasant humor. Would have lked to spendmore time with him than was possible then, partly because from our short conversation it appeared he had an interest in traditional ( Irish) music. such a short visit!
Mike


29 Sep 03 - 12:41 AM (#1026137)
Subject: RE: Obit: Donald O'Connor - RIP
From: Stilly River Sage

O'Connor and Merman were wonderful together. There's No Business Like Show Business had some great songs for him. (Too bad the movie box has Monroe on the cover--while she was good, that was really Merman's movie). I agree--the song from Call Me Madam was one of his best. That one isn't turning up in my usual places as a film that is for sale. You can hear part of the song here.

SRS


29 Sep 03 - 02:53 AM (#1026154)
Subject: RE: Obit: Donald O'Connor - RIP
From: alison

absolutely loved him in "singin' in the rain".......

he'll be missed

slainte

alison


29 Sep 03 - 10:34 AM (#1026337)
Subject: RE: Obit: Donald O'Connor - RIP
From: clueless don

I remember hearing a rumor several years ago that he had passed, turned out not to be true. Now, apparently, it is true.

My favorite number involving Mr. O'Connor in "Singin' in the Rain" was his duet with Gene Kelly on "Fit as a Fiddle and Ready for Love". He matched Mr. Kelly step for step!

RIP.


30 Sep 03 - 05:20 AM (#1026614)
Subject: RE: Obit: Donald O'Connor - RIP
From: gnu

Gosh. A true talent he was. RIP.