[Singin' in the Rain] O'Connor, Donald. (1925–2003)
Tap Shoes Worn in "Singin' in the Rain"
Pair of custom-made Capezio black leather tap shoes with original taps, worn by O'Connor in the 1952 film Singin' in the Rain, housed in plexiglass display box with O'Connor's calling card, together with framed edition of sheet music for the title song. The black leather tap shoes are tightly laced and bear faded gilt Capezio maker's stamps on the gray insoles. In very good to fine condition, with flaking to the leather and obvious signs of wear and use.Despite only moderate commercial success upon its release, Singin' in the Rain has become one of the most beloved and acclaimed Hollywood musicals of all and Donald O'Connor won the 1953 Golden Globe for his performance as Cosmo Brown, Gene Kelly's best friend in the film. In 1989, it was one of the first 25 films selected for preservation in the National Film Registry. O'Connor's performance in the comedic number "Make 'Em Laugh" was so exhausting that legend has it he had to spend several days in bed recovering. The present shoes - at least with the tap panels attached - would have been used by O'Connor to dub in the sound of tap dancing in post-production. Just as the vocals were dubbed in later, the actors did not wear actual taps during filming. (19316)
Film Ephemera