Cyd Charisse

Cyd Charisse (1922-2008) was interviewed for two hours in Los Angeles, CA.  Charisse talked about her start as a dancer for the Ballet Russe.  She described in detail her 14 year tenure under contract at MGM studios, appearing as a dancer in such film classics as Ziegfeld Follies, Singin in the Rain, The Band Wagon, and Silk Stockings .  Charisse described the fertile training ground MGM offered for nurturing the talents they had under contract.  She talked about her many television appearances including the specials Meet Cyd Charisse, Perry Como’s Kraft Music Hall , and The Bob Hope Special s, as well as her multiple appearances with her husband Tony Martin on the variety series The Hollywood Palace.   The interview was conducted by Henry Colman on January 29, 2004.