The La Conga Tap - Eleanor Powell

Eleanor Powell in Metro Goldwyn Mayers' 'Honolulu' 1939.
This routine was cut from the original film for reasons unknown. However it is and will remain a lost beauty after it was found in the late 80's in MGM's vaults. This was added to the 1946 unsuccessful film 'The Great Morgan' starring the famous Frank Morgan. I really hate how there are so many cuts away from Eleanor's performance, I have thanks to another YouTuber seen the full routine without cuts but that version a buck and wing crazy frenzied one, purposely done. Yet this version is transcendental, perfect and nothing but terpsichorean brilliance!!! Please leave your comments and bow down to the master of tap!!!

• Category

  Film & Animation

[Christina Bussmann]

I cannot believe this routine was cut from the original film. My belief is that MGM did not want Ms. Powell showing up their biggest dancing star at the time (Mr. Astaire.) He was a beautiful dancer, but she really is beyond compare.

[Shurayuki18481]

I do believe this also. By the year 1939 she was simply at the 'a-ha' moment of her career. It peaked I would have to say with this routine. It displays all of her trademarks, her flair and sheer genius skill, all with ease. She looks completely relaxed performing this. I still am lost for words. There is no one that danced like her, with such security, elegance and a personal 'elan' that I do not believe will ever be matched. 'ARS GRATIA ARTIS' as the MGM motto goes. Art for art's sake...

[MANFROMMARS46]

I agree with you why do we have to cut away to those old wankers when it's Eleanor's performance we want to see. She is an absolutely stunning dancer even I have to admit that. She's unique and without equal.

David

[patcauch]

I think she was at the top of her art at this moment.

[Jules Marcus]

She's just amazing and a great dancer !!!

Perfect technic.... belle marque de fabrique !!!

[Michael Mcgee]

Imagine the pain of the film maker having to edit the scenes he crooked hard for ,for the sake of the film?

[SAKIYAN13]

エレノア・パウエルのタップはステップもさることながら、手の動­きが美しい。

[patcauch]

But Thousands cheer was a later performance.

[fhr331]

This is pretty much the same routine she did in "Thousands Cheer" -- still wonderful, of course

[Hotwok191]

When they put my dead body into my box & shovel me underground, if I could take one thing with me to watch for all eternity it might be this!.