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Singin' in the Rain (Two-Disc Special Edition) ReviewsRating: 5 - THE GREAT AMERICAN MUSICAL Once upon a time there was a place called HOLLYWOOD. It wasn't just a town or even an industry, it was a state of mind. They didn't call the studios Dream Factories for nothing. This film is the epitome of the musical art and craft. This is a real "Movie Movie," made entirely on the MGM lot. The real creme de la creme of MGM contributed to it's creation; produced by Arthur Freed, starring Gene Kelly (with a brilliant turn by the dazzling ,long-legged Cyd Charisse), contract players like Debbie Reynolds and Kathleen Freeman (still going strong, currently appearing on Broadway in "The Full Monty") with costumes by my favorite designer Walter Plunkett (Gone With The Wind, 7 Brides For 7 Brothers, etc). Check out the sumptuous designs for the "Beautiful Girls" number and the outrageous spider dress at the opening night party. The real lowdown is that Jean Hagen and Donald O'Connor practically steal the show from the leads in possibly the best performances of their careers. This film is pure joy. The script by Comden and Green is not only clever but actually goofs on a real period of transition of the American film from silent to talkie.It is also a brilliant job of recycling a trunkload of old songs. This happy film has the courage to do what American musicals and comedies do best: be silly and make you forget you troubles for an hour and a half. Next time you are in bed with the flu or trying to get over a miserable love affair, take a look at Singing In The Rain. It can't help but curl up the corners of your mouth and drive the clouds away. Rating: 5 - A Smile on My Face! "Singing in the Rain" is a moment of pure joy captured on film. I can never get over the look on Gene Kelly's face when he sings that classic line. It make me smile along with him everytime. This has got to be one of the happiest movies I have seen. Not silly or funny or goofy (well, there is a little bit of that), but just plain happy. Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor and Debbie Reynolds are excellent as three chums hatching a plan. These three conspirators want to save the silent movie dud "The Dueling Cavalier" by changing it into a musical. The roadblock to their success is the spoiled starlet, Lina Lamont (Jean Hagen, nominated for Best Supporting Actress for this role) who's squeaky voice and lack of talent are set to tank the picture. The plot, while fun, takes second place to the astounding musical numbers. "Good Morning, Good Mo-r-ning, We've talked the whole night though, Good Morning, Good Morning to you." (one of my favorites). "Make 'em Laugh" does just that, with Donald O'Connor strutting his vaudeville stuff. "Broadway Melody" (also known as "Gotta Dance") is a mesmerizing duet with Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse . That particular piece is studied in dance history courses and considered a major work of American dance. But at the end, it all comes down to "Singing in the Rain." What a wonderful thing, watching Gene Kelly splashing around in the puddles. Happiness caught on film. The movie was produced as a showcase / musical review of composer Nacio Herb Brown's songs. Screenwriters Camden & Green did a wonderful job at weaving a story that brings it all together in the most fun & entertaining way. Donald O'Connor is SO underrated. Gene Kelly has a wide range to his talent (Acting + Writing + Dancing + Choreography), but Donald O'Connor is pure genius in matching Kelly, step-for-step, and adding so much humor at the same time. I think O'Connor is a better singer than Kelly and better suited to comedy. Both work terrific together and each actor's strengths shine through. And what a find Debbie Reynolds was! I think she was only 17 when she made this movie, yet her singing and dancing talents are splendid. I so wish they hadn't cut her solo scene, singing, "You Are My Lucky Star". Luckily, it re-appears in the extra material presentations of some later editions (at least on one VHS version that I know of). Definitely add this movie to your collection, and keep an eye out for the Anniversary edition, reportedly due out later this year. It will have plenty of DVD extra goodies. In the end, a solid movie musical. A few flaws, yes (the fantasy sequence with Cyd Charisse is incredible and groundbreaking, but just plain doesn't fit in the story line), and yet this gem shines as an enduring classic that should be in every collection.
Singin' in the Rain (Two-Disc Special Edition) |
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