Esther Williams, whose experiences as a young swimming
champion led to a career of Hollywood "aqua-musicals" designed just for
her, passed away at the age of 91.
Williams' aqua-musicals were escapist comedies in lush color, with
lavish song and watery dance numbers and lots of footage of synchronized
swimming. They were so popular that some credited her with a jump in
the popularity of home swimming pools.
She dismissed her talent, saying "I can't act, I can't sing, I can't
dance. My pictures are put together out of scraps they find in the
producer's wastebasket." But after watching the films decades later, she softened that
self-deprecating assessment, saying: "I look at that girl and I like
her." (read entire article at Dawn.com)
I can see why she became popular with audiences. There was an unassuming quality about her. She was comfortable in her own skin and a lady to the end. My mother often called her a class act. The pool in I grew up with in our back yard in New Jersey was an Esther Williams inground pool. Small and oval shaped, I lived in it the minute dad declared the swimming season open. I will always remember her fondly. Sea Witch
I can see why she became popular with audiences. There was an unassuming quality about her. She was comfortable in her own skin and a lady to the end. My mother often called her a class act. The pool in I grew up with in our back yard in New Jersey was an Esther Williams inground pool. Small and oval shaped, I lived in it the minute dad declared the swimming season open. I will always remember her fondly. Sea Witch
2 comments:
My mother loved her. She wanted me to be able to swim like Ester Williams. Momma was afraid of the water and was determined I wouldn't be. So she put me in swimming lessons. Every. Single. Summer. Funny thing was, she would always put me in the beginner class thinking I probably forgot what I'd learned the summer before. So I bobbed. And bobbed. Then dog paddled. And each summer I'd make it to actual swimming and lessons would be over. The only thing those lessons accomplished is that I do love the water - although I'm afraid of drowning. And I hate to swim. Floating on top with a quick dip to cool off is good.
Lovely tribute...She was one of a kind! I still watch her movies. Hope you are having a swell summer!
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