NEWSMAKERS

NEWSMAKERS

‘Singin’ in the Rain’ suits are up for auction

DALLAS

A memorabilia collector is selling the gray wool suit Gene Kelly wore as he joyously danced in a downpour in the Hollywood musical “Singin’ in the Rain.”

The suit is expected to sell for more than $20,000 when Heritage Auctions offers it up Friday in Dallas. Memorabilia collector Gerry Sola has had the suit for more than four decades after buying it for $10 at a 1970 sale of MGM props and wardrobe items following the sale of the studio to financier Kirk Kerkorian.

“I think it’s one of these pieces that people are really excited to see go up on the block,” said Margaret Barrett, director of the entertainment and music memorabilia department at Heritage Auctions. “Even if you’ve never seen this movie, you probably know the scene. You’ve seen Gene Kelly dancing around, singing in the rain, swinging on that lamp post.”

At the entertainment and music auction Friday, Sola also is offering another suit worn by Kelly in “Singin’ in the Rain” that he bought for $75 during the auction portion of the sale. That suit, made of plaid wool that features knickers, is expected to sell for about $6,000.

Lopez to get parenting honor

LOS ANGELES

Jennifer Lopez is being honored by the March of Dimes.

Lopez, the 44-year-old mother of 5-year-old twins, Maximilian and Emme, will receive the Grace Kelly Award at the eighth annual March of Dimes luncheon at the Beverly Hills Hotel on Friday. She’s being recognized as a celebrity parent role model supporting women giving birth to healthy babies after full-term pregnancies.

The 75-year-old nonprofit organization aims to prevent birth defects, premature births and infant mortality.

A&E networks President and CEO Nancy Dubuc and Dr. Balaji Govindaswami, chief of newborn medicine at the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, will also be honored.

Lopez said in a statement: “As a mother myself, I am aware of the importance of healthful pregnancies and babies.”

Reese Witherspoon was honored at last year’s event.

Reggae singer Murvin dies

KINGSTON, JAMAICA

Reggae singer Junior Murvin, best known for the hit song “Police and Thieves,” has died in Jamaica.

Son Keith Smith says the 67-year-old performer died at Port Antonio Hospital on Monday. He had been hospitalized recently for diabetes and high blood pressure but the cause of death will be determined at an inquest.

Born Murvin Smith, he began his career as a lounge singer in Portland parish, east of Kingston. He released “Police and Thieves” in 1976 after he was picked up by famed reggae producer Lee “Scratch” Perry.

“Police and Thieves” became a hit in Britain and is considered among the top reggae songs. The Clash recorded a well-known cover version.

Associated Press