Got up and got out

And so, farewell then, Miss Paula Kelly.

Who? I hear some people ask...



Miss Kelly may not have been a huge household name - indeed, much of her on-screen career was spent in supporting roles in Blacksploitation movies and US telly shows such as Police Woman - but it is for one memorable screen appearance we love her the most: that of the sassy "Helene" in Sweet Charity, more than holding her own alongside the estimable talents of Shirley MacLaine and Chita Rivera in my favourite movie musical number, ever!

Chita Rivera, Paula Kelly & Shirley MacLaine - There's Gotta Be Something Better Than This

Here's the lady herself in a bizarre clip from the Oscars [yes, them again!], in the company of the great Miss Bergman and Mr Poitier...

Ingrid Bergman, Sidney Poitier, Paula Kelly and the UCLA Marching Band - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

...and again, with Miss Verdon, Miss McKechnie and Miss Gallagher at the 1973 Tony Awards [did they only ever drag her out for awards ceremonies?]:

Gwen Verdon, Donna McKechnie, Paula Kelly, Helen Gallagher - Dance Medley

A sad loss.

RIP, Paula Kelly (21st October 1943 – 9th February 2020)