Ruth Leon recommends…he Most Versatile Dancer Hollywood Forgot

Tommy Rall

Obviously, once his dancing career was over, Bob Fosse became the seminal show choreographer of the 20th century. But if you haven’t heard of Tommy Rall, you’re not alone. Any fan of Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly should know about him, too, because he was one of the greatest movie dancers of all time.

Gene Kelly once called him “the best all-around dancer.” Bob Fosse choreographed for him. Jerome Robbins hand-picked him for his premiere ballets. So why isn’t his name mentioned in the same breath as theirs? From Kiss Me Kate to Seven Brides for Seven Brothers to My Sister Eileen, and from Broadway to (American) Ballet Theatre, Rall’s range was unmatched.

This film dives into the remarkable — and under-credited — career of one of Hollywood’s most versatile dancers, from his vaudeville roots to stealing scenes in MGM’s most iconic musicals. He wasn’t the flashiest. He wasn’t the most promoted. But again and again, he was the standout. In his world he was respected and admired. It is a mystery that he never became a household name.

I found this fascinating little documentary about him, one episode in a series of podcasts made by Miller Daurey. This is the story of a dancer who didn’t chase stardom — he chased mastery. And along the way, he left a mark that still echoes today. It’s time we speak his name alongside the greats of Hollywood’s Golden Age.

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