Directed by Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly (1952) Starring: Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor, Debbie Reynolds, Jean Hagen
Since seeing this film, I have had the music stuck in my head. I mean that in the best possible way. It’s absolutely infectious. It easily tops the list of “I Have Gone Too Long With This Movie Not in My Life.”
Don Lockwood (Kelly) is a silent film actor who earned fame and fortune acting opposite Lina Lamont (Hagen) in romantic dramas. However, talkies have just been introduced and Lina’s voice matches her personality. They get the idea to dub over Lina’s lines with Kathy’s voice (Reynolds), who had met Don through a very unconventional way.
I love Cosmo Brown (O’Connor). God, the most adorable character in the history of film, am I right? (I am totally right). I love “Make Them Laugh” and the witty one-liners.
The dance numbers are a sight to see. What I love about the Golden Age of Movie Musicals that we don’t get too much anymore are the fantastic to watch dances. They about as realistic as a world where people randomly sing, but also just as infectious. I know that some musicals are better suited to a minor about of choreography, while others seem to exist just to show it off. Singin’ in the Rain has the right mix: It’s got great music as well as the dances to match them in energy and talent.
