MovieChat Forums > White Christmas (1954) Discussion > Wonder how Cyd Charisse would have done ...

Wonder how Cyd Charisse would have done in this


I think she was wonder been wonder if this. She is beautiful very talented and she had the most amazing legs. I think that Vera Ellen did a great job in this movie but I'm curious to see Cyd Charisse dance to Mandy.

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Cyd Charisse was a fine dancer but she would have been miscast in the role of Judy. Also, the choreography of Mandy required a dancer who was skilled in several different types of dance, especially tap. Charisse's dancing abilities were pretty much restricted to ballet. And Vera-Ellen's lightness was perfect for the sections of the number that have her being carried and tossed about by the male chorus.

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Charisse's dancing abilities were pretty much restricted to ballet. And Vera-Ellen's lightness was perfect for the sections of the number that have her being carried and tossed about by the male chorus.


I was going to agree with the OP about Charisse being cast, not as a better choice necessarily, but an interesting one until I read your reply. As written, I think Vera-Ellen was perfect for this film for the reasons you mentioned, but I always regretted just a teensie bit that the movie didn't feature more Christmas themed numbers in them. Perhaps with different music/dance choices, Charisse would have made an interesting Judy.

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that, and i could buy Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen as sisters.
Never - Clookey and Cyd Charisse !

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Cyd was too exotic for the film. Her roles were often mysterious femme fatale types. Her accent and looks did not fit with the "down-home American" girls of the Haynes sisters.

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Haven't you ever seen The Harvey Girls? She was a very down to earth, girl next door type in that movie. I didn't even realize it was her 'till I read the cover.

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"I think she was wonder been wonder if this."

Were you drinking when you typed that?

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Cya Charisse was more of an elegant dancer, like Fred Astaire. Vera-Ellen was more athletic, like Gene Kelly.

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Damn auto-correct.

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Charisse was an incredible dancer but she was way too sexy to play Judy. Judy is supposed to be an all-American girl, not a sexy vamp type.

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What we have despite her isn't shabby!

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Agreed i just love her and think she would have been a great dancer for the mandy scene. But do like Verra Ellan as well. My mom said Charisse is too exotic for the role.

Tim Curry my all time favorite actor. Would love to marry Elijah Wood & Karl Urban.

Dawn Elicia

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