Anchors Aweigh: Sinatra vs. Kelly

Gene Kelly is far more masculine than Sinatra in Anchors Aweigh, which is ironic considering it's Kelly who dances through an animated fantasy land with Jerry the mouse. From the first shot of the two stars Kelly's confidence and swagger is juxtaposed with Sinatra's innocence and shyness. The image I call to mind when I think of Sinatra is cool and confident; a ladies man with his hat tipped forward over a crooked smile. One of my notes while watching the film was, "Not cool, confident, or sexy." Kelly even keeps straightening his hat! The only time Sinatra's character isn't a bumbling child is when he sings. In this aspect he outshines Kelly. Then his rich, soothing tones make Kelly fall asleep and the Brooklyn waitress fall in love with him. For the rest of the film, though, Sinatra is the child compared to Kelly's father figure. He whines with Donald, hero-worships Kelly, and never takes the initiative except when he's around the waitress. His character is loveable, but not the Sinatra I think of.