About Singin' in the Rain

Released in 1952, Singin' in the Rain is one of the most beloved and enduring musicals in the American film canon. It offers a lighthearted depiction of Hollywood in the late 1920s, with a focus on the turbulent transition from silent films to talkies.

Plot and Summary

The movie follows the story of a famous silent film duo, Don Lockwood (Gene Kelly) and Lina Lamont (Jean Hagen), who face difficulties when the arrival of sound in film threatens to expose Lina's terrible voice. To save the day and the film, a chorus girl Kathy Selden (Debbie Reynolds) is brought in to dub Lina's voice.

Making / Production

Co-directed by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen, the film was produced by Arthur Freed for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, and the screenplay was written by Betty Comden and Adolph Green. The movie is best known for its catchy tunes and memorable dance routines.

Actors

• Gene Kelly: Played Don Lockwood, one of Hollywood's top movie stars, he flawlessly performed his character's trademark charm and unforgettable dance numbers.
• Debbie Reynolds: As Kathy Selden, she played the ingénue whose voice and talent shine, despite her initial minor role in the studio.
• Jean Hagen: Portrayed Lina Lamont, the silent film star whose career is threatened by the advent of talkies due to her unpleasant voice.
• Donald O'Connor: As Cosmo Brown, Lockwood's friend and pianist, his comic timing made him a memorable part of the film.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The "Singin' in the Rain" sequence, arguably the film's most famous, was completed in one take.
• Debbie Reynolds was not a dancer when she made Singin' in the Rain; her background was as a gymnast.
• The speeches mocked in the film are taken from real movie premieres and previews.

Quotes

• "Dignity, always dignity." - Don Lockwood.
• "Well, if it isn't Ethel Barrymore." - Cosmo Brown.
• "What's the first thing an actor learns? The show must go on!" - Lina Lamont.

Music, Soundtrack

• "Singin' in the Rain" - Performed by Gene Kelly.
• "Make 'Em Laugh" - Performed by Donald O'Connor.
• "You Were Meant for Me" - Performed by Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds.
• "Beautiful Girl Montage" - Shows the dressing up of a beautiful girl, features several different styles of music.

Awards

Singin' in the Rain was nominated for 2 Oscars in 1953 - Best Supporting Actress (Jean Hagen) and best music, scoring of a musical picture. In 2007, the American Film Institute ranked Singin' in the Rain as the fifth Greatest American film of All time.