“Singin’ in the Rain” is generally described as the greatest musical of all time. Indeed, this light-hearted story of Hollywood in the late 1920’s seems to have everything: Catchy musical numbers, memorable dance routines, a skillful blend of comedy, drama, and romance, fantastic performances by the actors, and a look at difficulties for performers as they made the transition from silent film to “talkies.”
Star Gene Kelly shared directorial duties with Stanley Donen; and both were in charge of choreography. The results speak for themselves. The top-rate screenplay was penned by Betty Comden and Adolph Green. The producer was Arthur Freed, in charge of the musical department at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Freed also co-wrote the songs (lyrics) with Nacio Herb Brown (music). “Singin’ in the Rain” was a big hit with the public.
The three principal performers, Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor, and Debbie Reynolds, put in many hours of rehearsing the dance numbers. Non-dancer Reynolds reportedly received private dance instruction from Fred Astaire. Co-stars include Jean Hagen, Millard Mitchell, Rita Moreno, Douglas Fowley, Cyd Charisse, and uncredited appearances by Madge Blake, Mae Clarke, and Kathleen Freeman. “Singin’ in the Rain” received two Oscar nods, for Best Supporting Actress (Hagen) and Best Musical Scoring (Lennie Hayton).
Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
cinema
My Review
“Singin’ in the Rain” is generally described as the greatest musical of all time. Indeed, this light-hearted story of Hollywood in the late 1920’s seems to have everything: Catchy musical numbers, memorable dance routines, a skillful blend of comedy, drama, and romance, fantastic performances by the actors, and a look at difficulties for performers as they made the transition from silent film to “talkies.”
Star Gene Kelly shared directorial duties with Stanley Donen; and both were in charge of choreography. The results speak for themselves. The top-rate screenplay was penned by Betty Comden and Adolph Green. The producer was Arthur Freed, in charge of the musical department at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Freed also co-wrote the songs (lyrics) with Nacio Herb Brown (music). “Singin’ in the Rain” was a big hit with the public.
The three principal performers, Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor, and Debbie Reynolds, put in many hours of rehearsing the dance numbers. Non-dancer Reynolds reportedly received private dance instruction from Fred Astaire. Co-stars include Jean Hagen, Millard Mitchell, Rita Moreno, Douglas Fowley, Cyd Charisse, and uncredited appearances by Madge Blake, Mae Clarke, and Kathleen Freeman. “Singin’ in the Rain” received two Oscar nods, for Best Supporting Actress (Hagen) and Best Musical Scoring (Lennie Hayton).