By Michael Lyons
"Singin' in the Rain emanates joy." - Jeremy Arnold, The Essentials: 52 Must-See Movies and Why They Matter
This brief statement sums up this musical masterpiece perfectly. Singin' in the Rain is one of the perfect films. It is meticulously crafted with dance numbers that shine brighter than ever, music that has woven its way into our collective film fabric, sharp comedy, and an almost indescribable, cheerful glow from the first to last frame.
This movie is good for the spirit.
For anyone unfamiliar, Singing' in the Rain is set during an age when Hollywood was transitioning from silent films to "talkies." Gene Kelly plays famous movie star Don Lockwood, who has to segue to this new age in the movie, with his recurring, on-screen co-star Lina Lamont (a hysterical Jean Hagan), who, unfortunately, has a voice that's a better fit for silent films.
Their attempt at a sound film is, at first, met with disaster until Don and his best friend and former dance partner, Cosmo Brown (Donald O'Connor in a hilarious, physical performance), and love interest Kathy Selden (luminous Debbie Reynolds) come up with an idea to make the film a musical.
But will Lina agree to have Kathy as her substitute singing voice?
Directed by Kelly and Stanley Donen, Singin' in the Rain was conceived by MGM producer Arthur Freed as a way to use the studio's catalog of songs. And, what songs they are!
Among them:
"Make 'Em Laugh," performed by O'Connor, ranks as one of the most staggering and gravity-defying dance routines in film history. The dancer's ability to leap over furniture and through walls is filled with humor and talent that is just plain humbling, not to mention hysterical.
"Good Morning" isn't just incredible to watch as Kelly, Reynolds, and O'Connor dance with precision (in one, almost seemingly continuous shot), but the song has rightly become one of the world's most positive and feel-good tunes.
"Broadway Melody" is the epitome of the heyday of MGM musicals - bright, colorful, and filled with Kelly's astonishing dancing acrobatics.
Then, of course, the title song, "Singin' in the Rain." One of the most iconic moments in music and film history, and with good reason. Not only is it beautiful dancing, but it's also beautiful filmmaking. Plus, when Kelly starts the song with his "Doo-dee-doo" intro, you feel like you're about the be visited by an old friend as the torrential song and dance begins.
Released on March 27, 1952, at Radio City Music Hall in NY and then on April 11th everywhere, Singin' in the Rain marks its 70th anniversary this year.
Now is the time to revisit this amazing film, whether it's been too long since you've last seen it, or you've always wanted to watch it. We could all use the "joy" that this movie provides.
As Gene Kelly declares during his most famous scene in Singin' in the Rain, after watching it, even time and time again, you will no doubt say:
"I'm Happy Again!"
*My new book, Drawn to Greatness: Disney's Animation Renaissance is now available on Amazon, click here: Drawn to Greatness
**And, check out more of my writing on my website: Words From Lyons
Not to mention "Moses supposes his toeses are roses, but Moses supposes erroneously...." Tied with "West Side Story" for my favourite musical of all time. And Rita Moreno was in both of them!
ReplyDeleteBefore I ever saw "Singin' in the Rain", I saw Dick Van Dyke replicate Gene Kelly's choreography of the title song, step for step, on the Carol Burnett Show. As it happens, he and Donald O'Connor were classmates in high school.