Rita Hayworth

Born Margarita Carmen Cansino, Rita Hayworth was one of the great legends of classic Hollywood known for her talented dancing and sexy roles. The film Blood and Sand and her pin-up poster in World War II catapulted her into legendary status. Her most famous femme fatale role was in the film noir classic Gilda. Married five times unsuccessfully, Rita said she was "attracted to mean personalities". She was alcoholic which masked her tragic condition of Alzheimer's.

The music is Ennio Morricone's Pensiero Stupendo, Tchaikovsky's Dance of the Mirlitons (from The Nutcracker), Rosemary Clooney's rendition of Sway, and the wonderful Martha Reeves and The Vandellas singing Dancing in the Street.

Clips are from: The Renegade Ranger, Susan and God, The Strawberry Blonde, Blood and Sand, You'll Never Get Rich, You Were Never Lovelier, Cover Girl, Gilda, The Lady from Shanghai, Salome, Pal Joey and Circus World.

Rita cherished most, the musicals she made with Fred Astaire: You'll Never Get Rich and You Were Never Lovelier. I thank my good friend Claudia for contributing those clips.