Charles Walters

A ';lively biography' of the director who choreographed Fred Astaire, Debbie Reynolds and more: ';a real backstager' on the making of Hollywood musicals (Wall Street Journal). From the trolley scene in Meet Me in St. Louis to Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogerss last dance on the silver screen to Judy Garlands tuxedo-clad performance of Get Happy, Charles Walters staged the iconic musical sequences of Hollywoods golden age. The Academy Award-nominated director and choreographer showcased the talents of stars such as Gene Kelly, Doris Day, and Frank Sinatrayet Walterss name often goes unrecognized today. In the first full-length biography of Walters, Brent Phillips chronicles the artists career from his days as a Broadway performer to his successes at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Phillips takes readers behind the scenes of beloved musicals including Easter Parade, Lili, and High Society. He also examines the directors uncredited work on films like Gigi, and discusses his contributions to musical theater and American popular culture. This revealing book also considers Walterss personal life and explores how he navigated the industry as an openly gay man. Drawing on unpublished oral histories, correspondence, and new interviews, this biography offers an entertaining and important new look at an exciting era in Hollywood history.