Fancy feet Fred Astaire plays Charles Hill, a playboy trying to win the heart of Angela Bonfils (Vera-Ellen), a Salvation Army worker, in this musical set during the turn of the century. Notorious for leaving his brides-to-be at the altar, it’s not surprising that Angela doesn’t return his affection, but Charles is determined to win her over with plenty of song and dance. Alice Pearce, Marjorie Main and Keenan Wynn co-star.
Charles Walters (November 17, 1911 – August 13, 1982) was a Hollywood director and choreographer most noted for his work in MGM musicals and comedies in from the 1940s to the 1960s.
He was born in Pasadena, California, and educated at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles.
He is notable for directing Esther Williams’ musicals involving underwater swimming and diving sequences, such as Dangerous When Wet, as well as several musicals starring Leslie Caron, such as Gigi (for which he is uncredited) and Lili. He has also directed musical remakes, including High Society, a remake of The Philadelphia Story (1940), and Bundle of Joy, a remake of Bachelor Mother (1939). Walters also directed the last pairing of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, The Barkleys of Broadway, as well as Cary Grant in the actor’s last film Walk, Don’t Run.
Walters died from lung cancer at the age of 71.
According to William J. Mann’s book, “Behind the Screen”, Walters was gay… read more
