Review of Singin' in the Rain (1952) by Chrismizerak — 01 Mar 2020

Many films receive considerable hype in some way, shape or form. Most of them had standards set way too high, inevitably resulting in disappointment. Only a select few films are able to live up to such a high level, regardless of what genre they fall under. I am still spellbound, though no less impressed, that "Singin' in the Rain" continues to bring together audiences with many varied tastes and unite them with an experience all of us can agree is a sheer delight on one level or another.

The funny thing about this is that "Singin' in the Rain" is a musical, which is usually a genre that divides many people. I'm personally open to musicals as a whole and I always have been thanks to films like "Singin' in the Rain". Of course, much of the credit for that is due to its spectacular musical numbers with the most notable ones being the titular tune (in which Gene Kelly actually performed in the rain while under a high fever) and "Make 'Em Laugh" (Donald O'Connor's slapstick number that celebrates the madcap comedy provided by show business, much like "That's Entertainment").

But I also believe that the story being told between the showstoppers is another key ingredient that can't be overlooked. With Hollywood's transition from silent films to talking pictures in the 1920's serving as a backdrop, we see our main lead Don Lockwood, played by Gene Kelly, attempting to make the transition go smoothly. Unfortunately, his regular leading lady Lina Lamont, played by Jean Hagen, is having a rather difficult time making the leap from silent films to "talkies".

It could be due to her jealousy of Don's aspiring new girlfriend Kathy Seldon, played by Debbie Reynolds, who have accidentally butted heads with one another. But her increasing troubles with projecting her ear-piercing voice in the microphones while also trying to act at the same time doesn't help either. Either way, those scenes demonstrating the troubles with adapting sound into talking pictures is nothing short of hilarious. If it isn't the great musical numbers people will remember, then it's definitely its memorable depiction of Hollywood's transition to "talkies" that everyone will get behind.

One of the film's funniest scenes involves the director, played by Douglas Fowley, attempting to figure out the best place to put the microphones, so Lina can do better at what her role requires. Problem after problem arises ranging from no sound coming out to extraneous sound being captured in the form of a heartbeat. The many various yet equally hilarious reactions from Fowley tell you everything you need to know. Said reactions also supply the largest laughs to come from yours truly.

Here's a fun trivia fact for you. The first celebrity that I personally have ever seen in my life, outside of seeing them in theatres or on TV, was Debbie Reynolds way back in 2009. I was at a local theatre to see "The Men Who Stare at Goats" with my parents, which was a terrible movie. There was a local screening of "Singin' in the Rain" along with some sort of Q&A session of something like that. It was brief, but I'll never forget it. A great film as any to remember Debbie Reynolds by.

Reynolds has gone on record of saying how strenuous it was on her to make this film since she never danced before working with Gene Kelly. Kelly was frustrated with her one day to the point that Fred Astaire saw her crying under a piano one day and helped her out with some dancing lessons to assist her in getting the picture finished. Another fun piece of trivia amongst the ones that I've already listed off. The point I'm making is that you never see any trace of strain or pain on Reynolds in the final product after all things considered, which is amazing.

Donald O'Connor's supporting comic relief remains unbeaten by most if not all the comic relief characters that have followed in his footsteps since. Not once does his character complain about being second fiddle to his best friend's world stardom. I wish more supporting characters in films were this loyal no matter what. And although Gene Kelly has had a stellar track record on account of his work in "An American in Paris" and "Anchors Aweigh", nothing can top the range and all-around charm he exerts in his lead role on the acting, singing and dancing levels.

Admittedly, some choice musical numbers last a little too long. The "Broadway Melody" number specifically wears out its welcome by the time we're two-thirds of the way through that segment. It's not bad, but it hardly goes anywhere. But make no mistake. Between its delightful soundtrack, charming story and humor, top-notch cast at their best, and lovely Technicolor camera work, "Singin' in the Rain" is amongst the most cheerful and uplifting films you'll experience in your lifetime.