Celebrating Choreographer Jack Cole

Turner Classic Movies honors jazz-dance pioneer Jack Cole on Monday night, September 10, with a five-movie tribute to his film work. The choreographer, credited with playing a key role in defining the onscreen personas of Rita Hayworth and Marilyn Monroe, has been the subject of several articles by noted Los Angeles Times dance writer and critic, Debra Levine, who co-hosts TCM’s tribute with Robert Osborne.

If Jack Cole’s name doesn't ring a bell, here are a few examples of his choreography…

From Gilda (1946):

 

From Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953): 

From There’s No Business Like Show Business (1954):

From Designing Woman (1957):

 

From Les Girls (1957):

In all, Jack Cole worked on two dozen films from the ‘40s to the ‘60s. He had been in great demand from the beginning - Betty Grable and Rita Hayworth sought him - and, after she worked with him on Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Marilyn Monroe insisted on his participation for every film she made that included a musical routine.

Cole also worked in TV, in clubs and on Broadway and was nominated for a Tony Award in 1966 for Man of La Mancha(1965 – 1971).

Jack Cole and Marilyn Monroe rehearsing "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend"

Choreography by Jack Cole on TCM Monday, September 10
(all times Eastern/Pacific)

8pm/5pm - Tonight and Every Night (1945) starring Rita Hayworth
10pm/7pm - On the Riviera (1951) starring Danny Kaye and Gene Tierney
11:45pm/8:45pm - Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) starring Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell
1:30am/10:30pm - Les Girls (1957) starring Gene Kelly, Mitzi Gaynor and Kay Kendall
3:30am/12:30am - River of No Return (1954) starring Marilyn Monroe and Robert Mitchum

Debra Levine has written several detailed pieces on the life and work of Jack Cole. Click on titles for links:

Jack Cole Made Marilyn Monroe Move

Jack Cole (1911 - 1974)

American Master Choreographer Jack Cole Feted at Jacob's Pillow

"Amada Mio" from Gilda

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Posted by: Tukiyooo Celebrating Choreographer Jack Cole Updated at : 10:22 AM

Saturday, September 8, 2012