Singin’ in the Rain
Wednesday, 14 March 2007
Filed in: AFI 100, IMDb 250, Resolutions, Reviews
Singin’ in the Rain (1952, Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly)
Musicals have always been a bit hit and miss with me. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t. I don’t know why I waited to long to see this — I’ve owned the DVD for probably five years now.
As with most musicals, the story is secondary, and that is the case here too. In fact, the story was written around the songs — originally, there was no plot. That’s not to say the plot is non-existant, but the movie certainly revolves around the marvellous song and dance numbers.
Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds are very charming and fun to watch, but what really sealed the deal for me were two other performances. Jean Hagen and Donald O’Connor are both superb and absolutely hilarious. All their scenes are gold, and they really own their characters.
The choreography, suitably, is very impressive. Sure, it’s stagey and sometimes ridiculous to see people break into song, or start dancing in synch with perfect strangers, but somehow it works here. When Kelly performs the titular number, you can’t help but be swept away by it all. There are several other memorable pieces as well (my favourite being O’Connor’s Cole Porter rip-off Make ‘Em Laugh), but I must subtract half a star from my final rating for the Broadway number, which feels forced and out of place.
This is the ultimate feel-good movie, and a very representative picture of the Hollywood golden era. If you don’t have an aversion to musicals, I suggest you check it out right now. It’s happy and cheerful, and contains many memorable scenes and musical moments. A true classic, and fantastic entertainment.
Rate this movie:
(1 vote(s), average: 2 out of 5)You need to be a registered member to rate this post.
Tuesday, 27 March 2007 at 16:19
This was one of only two (West Side Story) musicals my parents continuously brought home that I still remember fondly today. For me, this one was all about the Make ‘Em Laugh scene. Glad you referenced it as well.
I never could put my finger on what it was that bugged me about the ending, I think you got it right (forced).
Tuesday, 27 March 2007 at 16:59
I have yet to see West Side Story. Do you think I might like it then?
Tuesday, 27 March 2007 at 19:55
I don’t know, it has suffered severely over time. The staging is much campier now. The acting is not near the caliber of Singin’ in the Rain, of course. The Technicolor is… very Technicolor. It’s tougher to watch now than it was then.
I’d say the story in it though is primary, and the singing and dancing secondary. The songs are all Bernstein and Sondheim though, so they are still pretty great.
I’d bet you’ll go 2.5 stars (maybe 3.0 if you’re feeling pretty, and witty, and gay when/if you watch it).
Tuesday, 27 March 2007 at 19:58
Thanks, buddy. I’ll check it out some time.
Tuesday, 27 March 2007 at 20:05
I think West Side Story is well worth a viewing. It is a very good musical and I think it is on par with Singin’ in the Rain.
Tuesday, 27 March 2007 at 20:15
Putting it on my rental list as we speak.
Tuesday, 27 March 2007 at 21:35
Love Singin’ in the Rain but yeah, I too always catch myself fast forwarding through the Broadway number. One of my favorites is the “Good Morning” number. Me and a friend still call each other often in the morning singing this. Yeah cheesy but it is indeed a great feel good movie.
I’ve had West Side Story for a few years now and put it on once for about 15 minutes but just couldn’t do it. Same reason I didn’t finish Rent. I have no problem with people bursting out in song but when the characters who are suppose to be “bad asses” do it, it totally loses me. Let me know though what you thing of WSS.
Tuesday, 27 March 2007 at 21:52
You’ve got yourselves a deal, boys. Watch out for my review of West Side Story… should be able to catch it in the next week or so.
Much appreciate your input.
Tuesday, 27 March 2007 at 22:25
You lost me at “If you don’t have an aversion to musicals”
Tuesday, 27 March 2007 at 22:47
Oh, Gren, you’re missing out. I do know you (and Ze, too) don’t really see what the fuss is. Too bad really.
Sunday, 1 April 2007 at 20:29
I do see what the fuss is about, it’s just not for me. That said, I did like West Side Story better than Singin’ in the Rain.
Sunday, 1 April 2007 at 20:51
I was under the impression you didn’t really like any musicals. I’m happy to hear you liked West Side Story though — I have it at home and am going to watch it soon.
Monday, 2 April 2007 at 01:08
Well, I didn’t “like it” like it. I had the same problems with it as I have with other musicals, I just meant I found it tolerable, while Singin’ in the Rain was the most annoying thing ever.
Regarding musicals I really like, what I have seen of The Umbrellas of Cherbourg was really good, so there might be one. I’ll report back when I’ve watched it in its entirety.