I've been waiting all summer to recommend a musical, and "Singing in the Rain" is certainly a musical that I recommend! The 1952 film stars Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor, and Debbie Reynolds. My generation may know Debbie Reynolds from the Disney Channel "Halloweentown" movies, but if you really want to see her shine, this is the movie to watch. Now, for me it takes at least fifty minutes to really "get into" the movie, but once you're in, you're in. The film takes place in the late 1920s and follows the story of a silent film star named Don Lockwood (Gene Kelly). Don stars in silent films for Monumental Studios along with his usual leading lady Lina Lamont, who is played by Jean Hagen. The two are made out to be romantically linked to increase their popularity, which in turn increases the popularity of their films. Just like present day celebrities, Don is flocked by fans when he goes out in public. One day, he finds himself surrounded by a mob of fans, and decides to hop in a passing car, which is being driven by a girl named Kathy Selden (Debbie Reynolds). To his surprise, she doesn't recognize him right off the bat, nor does she think silent film stars can act. Kathy claims that she is a stage actress, and isn't impressed with Don's accomplishments. Eventually she drops him off, and he finds his way to a party in which the guests are shown a talking motion picture by the head of Monumental Studios, R.F. Simpson (Millard Mitchell). Not many people are impressed with the idea, but soon the entertainment arrives as a group of chorus girls enter to perform a number. Don immediately spots Kathy, who pops out of cake to kick off the performance. Furious with Don's amusement, she throws cake at him, but accidentally hits his leading lady, Lina, instead. This causes tension between the two girls, but Don later makes up with Kathy when he finds her working on the set of another Monumental Pictures production... and of course, they fall in love. Lina, however, thinks that she and Don are together, but he continuously tries to explain that they are only an on-screen duo. The two are soon paired up to do a talking picture, due to the success of a rival company's "talkie," "The Jazz Singer." The film is called "The Dueling Cavalier," but there are many problems including sound issues and Lina's squeaky voice. A test screening proves the movie to be a disaster, but Don, his best friend, Cosmo Brown (Donald O'Connor), and Kathy come of with a brilliant idea that would help to improve the film. They persuade R.F. to turn "The Dueling Cavalier" into a musical, which leads to the name change of "The Dancing Cavalier." The only problem is that Lina can't sing, however, Kathy can, and it is decided that she will dub Lina's voice for the film. But can they keep the dubbing a secret from Lina? And will Kathy go with out recognition? You'll have to watch the movie to find out! I highly recommend this film, but personally I like musicals with more memorable music like "The Sound of Music" or "Annie." "Singing in the Rain" does have something over all the other classic musicals though... the dancing is superb! It's also stands apart because most of the songs weren't originally written for the movie. My favorite numbers are "Good Morning" and of course, "Singing in the Rain!"
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