October 23–30, 1997

six pick

Esther Williams

Esther Williams made synchronized swimming look so easy in her aquatic musicals. But synchro (as it is called) is anything but simple: swimmers are not allowed to touch the bottom of the pool; they must swim with their eyes open; they must practice eight hours a day six days a week; and in a five-minute routine, swimmers can spend one full minute underwater without coming up for air while using their arms and legs to suspend themselves—kind of like running underwater while holding your breath. And Williams, now 74 years old, performed all her silver screen routines herself. After World War II prompted the cancellation of the 1940 Olympic games in which Williams was to compete, she started making films. She made her debut with Mickey Rooney in Andy Hardy's Double Life (1942) and went on to appear in over 25 films, including Bathing Beauty (1944), Million Dollar Mermaid (1952) and Dangerous When Wet (1953). On Monday, Turner Classic Movies and the Media Theatre will host "A Very Special Evening With Esther Williams": veteran Hollywood reporter Robert Osborne will pay homage to the bathing beauty with highlights from her films, and Williams will be there in person to answer questions from the audience.

Mon., Oct. 27, 8 p.m., Media Theatre, 300 W. State St. Tickets are free but available on a first-come, first-serve basis; call (610) 650-1144.

—Jen Darr