245. Singin' in the Rain (1952)

Directed By Stanley Donen, Gene Kelly

Synopsis

The age of silent cinema is at an end, actors must adapt to having to sing and talk in films, Gene Kelly has no problem, but his co-star has the most grating voice in the universe, which goes perfectly with her winning personality. Kelly falls in love with a chorus girl, who has a nice voice and can sing, and gets her to dub his co-star without her knowing.

Review

Again, like in most Gene Kelly's films there isn't much to say about the plot, although this is possibly one of the most interesting ones, particularly for someone who knows something about cinema up until that time, the references to people like Theda Bara and the films of Busby Berkeley are likely lost on most of today's audience, but they are not really necessary to enjoy the film, they just give it an extra layer of fun.

Then the musical acts are great as always, Gene Kelly is his effortless self and even if the songs are not as good as those in American in Paris, and the set dance piece is not nearly as spectacular the film still thrives based on strong performances and quite natural dialogue. Plus it is very funny, and so self-referential in what concerns the whole Hollywood industry that it is impossible not to like it.

So it has a better plot, it is funnier and smarter than American In Paris, but the music isn't as good as the big set piece is not nearly as spectacular, well they are both great films, but in the end you do go see Gene Kelly for the singing and dancing.

Final Grade

8/10

Trivia

From Wikipedia:

Debbie Reynolds was not a dancer at the time she made Singin' in the Rain — her background was as a gymnast. Kelly apparently insulted her for her lack of dance experience, upsetting her. Fred Astaire was hanging around the studio and found Reynolds crying under a piano. Hearing what had happened, Astaire volunteered to help her with her dancing. Kelly later admitted that he had not been kind to Reynolds and was surprised that she was still willing to talk to him afterwards. After shooting the "Good Morning" routine, Reynolds' feet were bleeding. Years later, she was quoted as saying that making this film and surviving childbirth were the two most difficult experiences of her life.

Singin' In The Rain: