Singin’ in the Rain

• Directed and Choreographed by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen
• March 27, 1952 (Radio City Music Hall) / April 11, 1952 (US)
• Suggested by the song “Singin’ in the Rain“

Three entertainers are caught up in the change from silent films to “talkies.”

The first thing I noticed about Singin’ in the Rain was that it was certainly in love with color. We get bright and bold tones with stark contrasts. Everything is just so vibrant. You really don’t see that anymore in movies-especially the rare musical. Everything is so muted these days.

Gene Kelly is absolutely fantastic in this. Any praise I give to his dancing skills would be almost superfluous since his greatness in that area is well documented yet here I go. The man just moved with such fluidity that he seemed almost inhuman. He had grace and charm as well as an athleticism unlike any song and dance man.

As Don Lockwood he is a frustrated silent film star who was a song and dance man before he found himself in the silent movie business where his skills are not fully used. Worse for him, he is stuck in a loveless relationship with Lina Lamont (Jean Hagen) which is more for publicity purposes by the studio than it is anything.

Lina is a selfish self-absorbed star that while she may not appear too bright is cunning and serves as the villain of the story. She has what could be defined as street smarts. Lina is smart enough to know that she doesn’t know something and to find those that do. Or maybe-just maybe-her outward appearance belies an inner intelligence that others cannot believe is there.

After fleeing some rabid fans, Don finds himself in the car of Kathy Selden (Debbie Reynolds). Kathy in their meet cute calls his accomplishments as a star undignified. Don finds this intriguing and immediately becomes smitten.

Cosmo Brown (Donald O’Connor) is Don’s lifelong friend and has risen through Hollywood along with Don. O’Connor provides comic relief rather effectively. He has that rapid patter dialogue down to comedic perfection. Between that and the facial expressions along with some of the better dialogue of a supporting cast member. He’s nearly a scene stealer each and every time he shows up.

They do not make movies like Singin’ in the Rain anymore (or at least not nearly as good). It is bright and bold and entertaining. It makes you feel good. Your spirits are uplifted, and you truly feel happy by the end.

The song and dance numbers are very nearly perfection in this. This was at a time when Hollywood knew how to make musicals right. These aren’t overly produced with way too many performers, but just the right amount of everything in them. And there is some creative photography used to present those numbers. They are moments of imagination and did their best to visually push things.

As with any musical, what is the most important thing crafting songs that stick in the audience’s head. You’re in large part telling the story through music and if it doesn’t stick with the audience, the film itself is going to suffer. They all land great and you will find yourself either humming or just have them stuck in your brain. Talk about an ear worm!

If there are any messages to be found in this other than to chase love when you find it, it’s to be wary of ego and hubris as that is what ultimately does in the villain of the Lena. She gets so full of herself and thinks she is untouchable that she unwittingly provides an opening to get taken down in such a way that there is no walking back from it. Watching this I knew I was getting to the end of the film, but could not see how they were going to resolve anything. The resolution makes complete sense but at the same time if you haven’t seen this before will come as a complete surprise.

All the jokes in this movie are good. Some will make you smile while others will actually make you laugh. Both are a credit to the people behind this film having been able to make something that is good beyond the time in which it was made. And that’s why it’s a classic. Between witty dialogue and great performances and near perfect direction along with a great script this movie is as good now as it has ever been.

Singin’ in the Rain is a classic film that certainly deserves that status. It contains performers at the top of their game and was made at the perfect time for such a movie to be made. It will definitely leave a smile on your face and a song in your heart and will instantly become a favorite. I highly recommend this one!