Vera Ellen's Legs - White Christmas (1954) Discussion

[–] nycruise-1 12 years ago

A lot has been discussed regarding Vera's weight and her supposed anorexia.

All I can say is that, when I was like 6 years old and watching this movie for the first time on TV back in the early 1960s, mother immediately commented on Vera's legs in the "Mandy" number: "God! They're ugly! She's just too skinny!"

Being just 6 years old, I could never figure out how such a skinny person was deemed a "star." Later, I saw more of Vera's movies which documented what a great dancer she was.

But I can never watch "White Christmas" without hearing my mother's comments still ring on in my head!

"Don't call me 'honey', mac."
"Don't call me 'mac'... HONEY!"

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[–] blondee661 12 years ago

This has discussed to death before, just check the other dicussion topics, please!

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[–] lakealice 12 years ago

I agree--she was too skinny, and she had no chin. I didn't even think she was a great dancer, because she was too angular. However, she had personality and verve, which somewhat made up for it. She certainly didn't look like Clooney's sister.

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[–] strntz 12 years ago

Okay, she didn't have the greatest upper thighs in the world. Big deal. She was very pretty, and was an amazing hoofer. And if she were truly anorexic at the time of filming, she wouldn't have had the muscle strength to do those extremely athletic dance moves.

Just once, I'd like someone to call me sir without adding 'you're making a scene' ~H Simpson

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[–] libby2130 11 years ago

I wondered about that too, how she had the strength, if she really was anorexic...I agree she is very thin in this movie, I saw pics from earlier movies where she had more weight on her.

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[–] KelcyCO 11 years ago

Someone on another thread here noted that Vera Ellen appeared in a low cut dress at the premiere of A Star is Born. I went searching for it and found it. Her neck looked fine (as much as you could tell from a 1954 black and white film). She looked to be a healthy weight too. Makes me wonder whether she crash dieted for the part of Judy in order to fit the costumes being designed for the character. It certainly is not unprecedented since so many actors do the exact same thing today.
(Her legs do not look that bad although she does look like a bobble head doll with as skinny as she was).

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[–] fleurfairy 11 years ago

Not true. There have been plenty of anorexic ballerinas and dancers in history that danced through their illness and performed spectacularly despite it. Gelsey Kirkland for example. She was anorexic for years and still the greatest ballerina of her generation. I think it's an assumption that anorexia is universally debillitating. Sadly, it's not that simple. As for Vera-Ellen, just by appearances I'd say she was anorexic, especially considering the necklines on her costumes in this film. They all covered her chest and neck, where the bones stand out.

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[–] ciocio-2 11 years ago

Got to disagree with you there, re. Gelsey K. She was certainly wonderful, but I wouldn't crown her the greatest ballerina of her generation (then again, I don't tend to agree with that kind of exercise anyway; artists are unique, and "bests" are rarely valid). Certainly, Cynthia Gregory would have as much, if not more, claim to that title, and there were so many other marvelous female ballet dancers in the USA and abroad then. Some popping into my mind: Natalia Makarova, Carla Fracci, Suzanne Farrell, Marcia Haydee, Yoko Morishita, Ghislaine Thesmar, Eva Evdokimova, Merrill Ashley, Allegra Kent, and on.... Yes, some are older than Ms. Kirkland, but their careers overlapped hers by quite a bit.

Multiplex: 100+ shows a day, NONE worth watching. John Sayles' latest: NO distribution. SAD.

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[–] peterpanlovesitalianbeef 11 years ago

I was too surprised by how skinny she was. I didn't think stars were that skinny back then. She was still pretty to me though.

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[–] JJandS 11 years ago

To be honest, when I first saw the film I thought Rosemary Clooney was fat compared to Vera. I was a child in the 80's when I first saw it and had absolutely no idea about body image at the time. As a child I just assumed the thinner girl was more attractive because she got the attention of a guy, and the other sister had to have the guy forced on her. Had the actresses been reversed in their roles, I would have probably not noticed the waist and weight differences. As an adult woman now watching it, I could not ever fathom how I thought Rosemary was overweight, and it is a little gut wrenching seeing Vera's legs during the Mandy number. They should have covered her upper thighs.

www.youtube.com/jrandjanet

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[–] mojo2004 11 years ago

I think in the 'Abraham" dance number she looks even smaller than the other numbers!

Sheldon:"Was the starfish wearing boxer shorts? Because you might have been watching Nickelodeon."

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[–] otrnepodahl 11 years ago

The number where she and Clooney wear black leotards...wow, what a tiny/small waist!

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[–] DoubtingMustafa 10 years ago

Two poles of solid muscle, yes.
Like any woman wouldn't want those legs if they could get them for nothing. I think she had gorgeous legs! But apparently I'm in the minority.

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[–] mtns_of_the_moon 10 years ago

I am watching it now (for probably umpteenth time) whilst reading this thread. And I focused on that Mandy number and I can't see the leg issue either....they look good, nothing appallingly thin to me. Granted she is "skinny".

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[–] TheGuyWithTheFeet 10 years ago

Everyone's built differently. Accept people's differences for what they are. If her legs don't look like your legs, they're not gross. They're different. She was a very small-built person. If you're a big meaty giant, there's no reason look down your nose at her.

And, any supposed anorexia was **her** personal problem, not ours. Bask in her talent and the way she lights up the screen. Leave it at that. And stop putting Vera-Ellen's alleged personal issues on Judy Haynes. She does a lovely job in this movie. She's charming and beautiful, and the role showcases her considerable talent wonderfully.

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[–] FortiethStreetBlack 10 years ago

Yikes, people think she's considered anorexic? Those legs are fine. Million-dollar fine.

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