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
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.
ReplyDeleteLovely tribute...She was one of a kind! I still watch her movies. Hope you are having a swell summer!
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