Singin' in the Rain

Any movie lover worth their salt, whether they have or have not seen this movie, can act out a scene from Singin’ in the Rain with help of a few raindrops, some puddles, and maybe even an umbrella. Gene Kelly’s masterpiece from 1952 changed the way Americans responded when they would begin to see raindrops on the sidewalk. Any movie that can have that kind of effect on cultural literacy is definitely deserving of the moniker “classic”. This trend on pop culture is not the only reason that Singin’ in the Rain can be called a classic. Director, choreographer, and star of the movie, Gene Kelly demonstrates his genius for the silver screen by telling a hilarious comedy of Hollywood making fun of Hollywood (some of the best movies are about Tinsel Town taking itself in jest). Kelly then takes wonderful songs and adds amazing dance numbers not to be paralleled anywhere else. To finish off his work of art he puts together some of the funniest and most delightful actors into a story full of comedy and a hint of a beautiful love story to win the hearts of his audience.

The story begins in 1927 Hollywood and many silent film actors and studios are raking in the cash and the fans, but the future of the movie business is put in jeopardy when the new technology of the “talking picture” starts to turn the heads of paying customers. Gene Kelly plays Don Lockwood, a talented leading man who has paid his dues over the years to become a big screen success. The only problem in his celebrity lifestyle is his leading lady Lina Lamont (Jean Hagen), a spoiled actress who has a hard time telling fantasy from reality and believes the Hollywood gossip that her having a love affair with Don is true. His life is made more complicated by the studio’s decision to remake Don’s recently finished movie The Dueling Cavalier from a silent picture into the studio’s first foray into the “talkies”. Lina has a voice like nails on a chalkboard and despite constant help from a diction coach, she cannot deliver the sultry voice of a leading lady. The successful pair of Lockwood and Lamont is headed for disaster until, with the help of his best friend, Cosmo Brown (Donald O’Connor), Don recruits a young actress he is smitten with named Kathy Selden (Debbie Reynolds) to perform the voice-over and save the picture. But a scheming Lina to dashes their plans and the chance for Kathy to become a star and ruin their budding romance.

Singin’ in the Rain is the ideal example of a true American musical. There are so many exceptional aspects to this movie it is hard to know where to begin in describing it. From the catchy songs and the beautiful dance numbers to the sly tongue in cheek story, there is no question this movie is a classic. Gene Kelly displays his genius in directing, choreographing, and acting in this side-splitting comedy. Donald O’Connor and Debbie Reynolds have no problem holding their own performing next to Kelly. All three leading actors are gifted triple threats with extraordinary acting, singing, and dancing. O’Connor draws on his circus performing family past and steals the show with the song Make ‘Em Laugh. A true stand-out is the comical Jean Hagen playing the scheming and sour-voiced Lina Lamont. She is pure comedic gold with her smudged accent and spoiled little girl antics. Even if you are not a fan of musicals, Singin’ in the Rain is worth seeing at least once, and it will certainly become a much loved addition to the library of any movie connoisseur.