The brunette is a fine performer, but there was just something literally infectious about lovely Ms. Verdon! My only wish that the clip had been just a little longer…..more Gwen! Thanks for writing. Varadero

Yes, the brunette is excellent, which is why she was selected as a featured dancer. I wonder who she is and what else she did. She just misses a couple of times, whereas Ms. Verdon is spot on all the time. When they go upstage while pointing directly at the camera, Verdon's eyeline is directly down the barrel and her line is perfect, the other girl doesn't hold the same eyeline and that's one part that lacks, but gosh she's very good. Oh to have been onset that day to see this number performed. I agree, it's not long enough, but such a fabulous new take on the "Can-Can".

@@kevincoxhead7137 Great point - those blue eyes are level & KA POW! A wink TOO!

The dancing!!!!!

Ditto. So much joy and precision in one person. It's worth scouring youtube for these high-res gems.

she was also most talented unlike 2day

She was amazing and brilliantly funny, m j.

really amazing what she could do-- - very impressive : )

I think at this point Gwen had been "dance dubbing" for other stars from a distance. Here at least you can recognize her as "herself!" I think she was amazing, and want to thank you for writing! Best regards, varadero

caught once on VHS format

It's really sad is it not? She spent all those years coaching and training while her own talent surpassed most of her students! You're right about how she won out! I don't suspect even one of the "stars" she trained could have matched even 1 step of any Broadway show in which she ruled! Wonderful to hear from you!

Watch her in the old Betty Grable films where Grable dances with Hermes Pan (Fred Astaire`s lover) Grable like Marilyn had the studio by the short hairs and must have threatened plenty if the camera favoured Gwen in the sequences where they dance together. Gwen needed a chin job and she finally got one. She then became a huge huge star. Marilyn had surgery early on primarily because it was paid for by the men to whom she was mistress. Good guys finiah last!

Sandra Shevey Hi Sandra, Every message you send is more intriguing than the last! Not an easy feat, given the content! The "chin-job" is news to me, but then again, I'm so sheltered. I'm happy she became the star she did; she deserved it! I've gotta be more alert on the BG/Pan clips! Thanks so very much!

I thought so too. Never could confirm it.

Sandra Shevey Hi Sandra Shevey! You're right about the studios having hidden Gwen! I can't find it now, but there's another "Biblical Type Film" from the 50s where she does an amazing dance solo in very dark make-up and is superb! As for "Damn Yankees," I haven't seen it in years but will happily look for it on TCM. Regardless of the caliber of film in which she performed, she tended to bring it up a notch! Thanks so much for writing! Best wishes, varadero

I saw Gwen and Chita on Broadway in the first run of `Chicago` or `Sweet Charity`..whichever opened at the Palace. As a kid I loved Gwen...thought she was greater...much greater than MacLaine and way, way above Marilyn Monroe (who was a klutz) It was only later, as a film writer, I discovered she had been hidden and that Marilyn ever wanted to replace her when the producers actually insisted on giving her a chance as the lead in the film version of `Damn Yankees`. Chita is alive. I`d like to do a book about Gwen but then of course there are the legions of would-be film writers hanging in there ready to kick me out of the spot. Anyway thanks....there are some photos of an unacknowledged Gwen (chubby and before the makeover) tutoring Marilyn in dance. Have a look. Hollywood rarely allowed people to change their status. This is why Edith Head never became a designer for Metro...because LB`s daughters knew her as an art teacher. Gwen is unique. Generally once a dance coach (specially for women) always a dance coach.