Memories of Gene Kelly

Re Twyla Tharp’s Gene Kelly appreciation (“Gene Kelly: The Charming Maestro of Movement,” Feb. 7) and her reference to his loafers. It reminded me of the one time I met the great showman. A friend and I were late to an evening of Ghanaian music in the basement of UCLA’s Schoenberg Hall in the early ‘60s. Kelly arrived at the same time and seemed lost, so we walked him down with us. What most struck me were those marvelous, supple, magical penny loafers and his grace of motion. I bought a pair the next day and have worn them ever since.

TOM BASKERVILLE

Malibu

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I “discovered” Gene Kelly in a film class during high school--long after his heyday at MGM. But what I discovered was that his dance style, energy and that cocky, Irish sense of humor and grin transcended the generations and touched mine. Later, I had the pleasure of meeting Kelly on two occasions. The face had changed from the guy I knew in “Singin’ in the Rain,” but those glowing, Irish eyes beamed and smiled through that radiant, crooked smile of his.

Kelly once said in an interview that he hated dance lessons, but that his mother insisted he continue dancing. Thanks, Mom Kelly, for insisting your son endure those lessons. The world is a much better place!

LINDA A. HARRIS

Los Angeles