“The Greatest Hollywood Musical Ever Made.” –Roger Ebert
“Singin’ in the Rain is a 1952 American musical romantic comedy film directed and choreographed by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen, starring Kelly, Donald O’Connor and Debbie Reynolds, with Jean Hagen, Millard Mitchell, Douglas Fowley, Rita Moreno and Cyd Charisse in supporting roles. It offers a lighthearted depiction of Hollywood in the late 1920s, with the three stars portraying performers caught up in the transition from silent films to ‘talkies’.” (Wikipedia)
I was in the mood for a musical and when I opened my DVD drawer, the first disc that caught my eye was Singin’ in the Rain.
How many times have you seen Singin’ in the Rain? I’m guessing I’ve seen this wonderful movie at least 20 times. Now, 21. I like the cast, the vibe, and the songs. And, of course, the dancing.
“All songs have lyrics by Arthur Freed and music by Nacio Herb Brown unless otherwise indicated. Some of the songs, such as “Broadway Rhythm”, “You Are My Lucky Star”, “Should I?“, and especially “Singin’ in the Rain” itself, had been featured in prior films. The films listed below mark the first time each song was presented on screen.
- “Fit as a Fiddle (And Ready for Love)“, originally published in 1932 with music by Al Hoffman and Al Goodhart, lyrics by Freed.
- “Temptation” (instrumental only) from Going Hollywood (1933).
- “All I Do Is Dream of You” from Sadie McKee (1934).The arrangement in “Singin’ in the Rain” is an uptempo, upbeat, “flapper” version of the song with full instrumentation. In contrast, the “Sadie McKee” version is slower tempo, and appears routinely throughout the film as a love ballad accompanied by a solo ukulele. An instrumental only version with full orchestration is also part of the film’s opening and closing theme. An instrumental version was also played on the piano by Chico Marx in the 1935 Marx Brothers film A Night at the Opera.
- “Singin’ in the Rain” from The Hollywood Revue of 1929 (1929). Kelly’s performance in the song is now considered iconic.
- “Make ‘Em Laugh“
- “Beautiful Girl Montage” comprising “I’ve Got a Feelin’ You’re Foolin'” from Broadway Melody of 1936(1935), “The Wedding of the Painted Doll” from The Broadway Melody (1929), “Should I?” from Lord Byron of Broadway (1930) and “Beautiful Girl” from Stage Mother (1933)
- “You Were Meant for Me” from The Broadway Melody (1929)
- “You Are My Lucky Star” from Broadway Melody of 1936 (1935)
- “Moses Supposes” (music by Roger Edens, lyrics by Comden and Green), from a 1944 version based on the tongue-twister with the same title.
- “Good Morning” from Babes in Arms (1939)
- “Would You?” from San Francisco (1936)
- “Broadway Melody” composed of “The Broadway Melody” from The Broadway Melody (1929) and “Broadway Rhythm” from Broadway Melody of 1936 (1935). The music for the “Broadway Ballet” section is by Nacio Herb Brown.” (Wikipedia)
Are you a fan of Singin’ In the Rain? Do you agree with Ebert that it is the best Hollywood musical ever made? GRADE: A
No, I don’t agree with Ebert, perhaps because I’m lukewarm about Gene Kelly! I do like Donald O’Connor a lot, though, and his “Make ‘Em Laugh” number is the highlight of the film for me.
I watched the Bills game, and it was a real nail biter! I’m glad they pulled it out in OT! Cook needs to be benched along with Jobe from the Seahawks!
Bob, I thought the game was over after Cook’s second fumble…but the blocked kick changed everything!
It may not be my idea of the greatest musical ever made — that honor changes with the wind, depending on my mood — but it’s right up there, along with THE WIZARD OF OZ, SHOWBOAT, GUYS AND DOLLS, WEST SIDE STORY, and (because I am a child of the Sixties) HARD DAY’S NIGHT and HELP! (PORGY, AND BESS would have made the cut if they hadn’t screwed with Gershwin’s music.)
To my mind, Gene Kelly and Donald O’Connor were the best hoofers this side of the Nicholas Brothers, and their on-screen presence always elevated anything they worked in.
Curse you, George Kelley! Now I’m going to be humming songs from SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN for the next week!
Jerry, I’m sure you’ll be singin’ in the rain!
It was a great movie. Loved Jean Hagen as the awul Lina Lamont.
Jeff, Jean Hagen is underrated!
It’s a fine movie by a talented director although I’d go with “Charade” as his best work and one of those rare films in which I find endless delight. I’m not a big fan of O’Connor and a very little Reynolds goes a very, very long way. Probably Kelly’s best work overall.
As fas as best musical, I’ll go with “The Music Man” every time.
Byron, I’m going to have to dig up my copies of CHARADE and THE MUSIC MAN. Great movies!
One of the greatest.
Patti, SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN delights me every time I watch it!
I love it. Have seen it multiple times. I agree about kelly and O’Connor as great dancers. I remember reading a critique about how fred Astaire pauses briefly many times during a dance step but never really noticed it. Kelly was my favorite male dancer of that era simply because he always looked happy, like he was enjoying himself
Maggie, Gene Kelly was ill when he performed his iconic dance. Amazing!