The first full-length biography of Vincente Minnelli, one of Hollywood's most legendary and influential directors, encompassing his life, his career, and his art. Minnelli began his career as an innovative set and costume designer in New York. He became the first director of Radio City Music Hall and designed the Ziegfeld Follies of 1936, bringing Josephine Baker back from Paris to star. As a film director, he discovered Lena Horne in a Harlem nightclub and cast her in his first movie, the risky all-black musical Cabin in the Sky. After winning the Best Director Oscar for Gigi, the first film to sweep all nine of its nominations, he directed such classics as the An American in Paris and Meet Me in St. Louis, where he met his future wife Judy Garland. Levy's extensive research and readable style make this a thorough yet vivid biography.--From publisher description.