Ruby, Ruby, Ruby

Yesterday was the centenary of the birth of legendary tap-dancer, singer and actress Ruby Keeler.

Though often cast as the romantic lead opposite Dick Powell in movies such as 42nd Street and Gold Diggers of 1933, Miss Keeler was in fact married to Al Jolson for many years, until their well-publicised divorce in 1942 (which affected her so badly she retired from showbiz).

She stayed away from the limelight until the 1960s, and during the 1970s starred in a hugely successful Broadway revival of No, No Nanette, which also proved to be the last success of her long-time collaborator, choreographer Busby Berkeley.

And what collaborations they were!

Classic hoofing on a giant typewriter

Ruby Keeler and Dick Powell - Pettin' in the Park

Ruby Keeler - Busby Berkeley - By a Waterfall

Ethel Ruby Keeler (25th August 1909 – 28th February 1993)