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Question
I was wondering if you could tell me the name of an old movie actor that stared in comedies. I thought his name was Bing Crosby but I found out that was not the comedian I am thinking of. This man had red, wavy hair and was tall and slender. I remember that he was also a talented singer and played the lead in comedies. I'm not sure what era he is from but if I had to guess it was 1930's- 1950's. I appreciate your help, Micky Maddux
Micky, I'm pretty sure the actor you are thinking of is the versatile, energetic, multi-talented Danny Kaye, a comedian who acted/starred in many movies during this time period, many of theme comedies and/or musicals, including "White Christmas," with Bing Crosby, "The Court Jester," "The Inspector General," and "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty." You can read all about him on the Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001414/) complete with a color photo.
If this isn't the actor you are thinking of, then the other one that comes to mind is Donald O'Conner, a former vaudevillian also working in comedy films during the time period, including "Singin' in the Rain." Check out his bio at http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0640307/
I'm betting one of these two men is the one you are looking for, but if not, I'm sorry I could not be of more help.
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Barbara L. Baker
Expertise
I am a professor of communication at a midwest university, who has expertise on subjects related to film. I can answer general questions on U.S. film comedy (especially satires of the 1960s and 1970s) and comic theory. I also could answer questions related to specific comic genres, such as comedian comedies, screwball comedies, "stupid" comedies, and so forth. The more specific you can make your question, the better (e.g. main plot details, main characters, possible character names, possible actors, how you viewed the show, etc.). I also need to have a release date (or range of dates, or at least the year you viewed the film). Please do not just provide a set of links to someplace else (e.g. imdb discussion threads). I am less able to answer questions about comedies from other countries, made-for-TV movies, and recent comic films and actors (although I would do my best to find out). I cannot answer questions about specific TV shows or series, "Our Gang" episodes, anime/magna or about film collectables. I generally cannot provide movie recommendations, since what I find funny others may not. Nor will I answer obvious homework (although I will point you to resources to help answer the question, if asked). I also can't help you find movie stars, or where to buy movie memorabilia, or tell you how to break into the business.
Experience
Course work in comedy films along with teaching about comedy films for several years; I've also conducted research into comedy films.
Education/Credentials
Ph.D. in Communication, emphasis in film and rhetoric
Awards and Honors
A dissertation award from a national organization plus various paper awards
Past/Present Clients
My students
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