Singin' in the Rain (1952)
Directors: Stanley Donen, Gene Kelly. (U)
Musical
Rating: 4/5 - very good lots to enjoy
Synopsis
Don Lockwood (Gene Kelly) has risen through the ranks of silent Hollywood, from a stuntman to a leading star, usually co-starring with the beautiful Lina Lamont (Jean Hagen) and accompanied by his ever faithful, piano playing pal Cosmo Brown (Donald O’Connor).
Off-screen, he loathes Lamont who is precious and bitchy but carries a flame for him. She also has a dreadful, squawking ‘Noo Yawk’ accent that looks set to derail both of their careers as Hollywood becomes ‘wire for sound.’
A chance meeting with singer/dancer Cathy Seldon (Debbie Reynolds) sparks his own personal interest in the new medium and all of its possibilities. But how does he deal with Lamont, who threatens legal action if Cathy doesn’t voice double for her?
Review by @Reelreviewer
Musicals are not my 'thing'. What with people bursting into song at any given point, dancing and 'canoodling' at inappropriate moments and places. I mean, really. Whatever next!
I'm with Will's mother (played by Blythe Danner) said so memorably in TV's Will & Grace: "Les Mis is so unrealistic. In real life, the poor people never sing like that."
Never happier than when watching and reviewing silent cinema, approaching Singin' in the Rain - a movie I have known about and avoided for many a years - was always going to be problematic for me, as it spoofs the cinema I feel so passionately about.
In the final analysis, I'm in two minds about it.
Firstly, it is a beautiful movie. Gorgeous photography, cute songs, splendid choreography (the 'Gotta Dance' number, giving way to a wordless, thrillingly sexy dance between Kelly and leggy Cyd Charisse, is the standout moment). Donald O'Connor waltzes away with the acting plaudits.
But secondly, it's contemptuous view of silent cinema aggravated me. Yes, there were technical limitations at the time, but the great pioneers of that period made great strides that made what we have today possible and the acting was capable of considerably more nuance than we see here.
Is it a cinematic commemoration or assassination? See it for yourself to find out.
For more, read the full review.
Cast & credits
1hr 43mins/ 103mins. MGM. (U)
Producer: Arthur Freed.
Writers: Betty Comden, Adolphe Green.
Camera: Harold Rossen.
Music: Lennie Heyton.
Sets: Randall Duell, Cedric Gibbons.
Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor, Debbie Reynolds, Jean Hagen, Millard Mitchell, Cyd Charisse, Douglas Fowley, Rita Moreno.
