Rediscovering a Classic: Singin' in the Rain
By: Kevin Upham

"Singin' in the Rain," is the 1951 movie musical masterpiece that people of all ages and backgrounds can love. The film takes place in Hollywood as the transition from silent pictures to "talkies" occurs. Gene Kelly plays Don Lockwood, a silent film star and Jean Hagen plays his female co-star Lina Lamont. The two, do not exactly share the same romantic relationship that the media portrays, however. Donald O'Connor plays Lockwood's best friend Cosmo Brown and Debbie Reynolds plays Kathy Seldon, an aspiring performer.

The plot develops around two actors who have to make the switch from the silent movies to the "talkies." When the first movie to feature sound, "The Jazz Singer," turns out to be a big hit, other movie studios start to focus more on the "talkies" and less on silent movies. During this time, some silent film stars were not successful in making the change. Those in the studio worry if the careers of Lockwood and Lamont will survive.

Don Lockwood is able to make the transition. Lina does not have the voice for talking pictures. She has the good looks to be a big star in silent films, but she does not have the voice to carry on in the business of talking pictures. You must hear her voice in order to understand how funny she is.Meanwhile, Don meets Kathy who is a struggling actress for whom he begins to have feelings.

The song and dance numbers are excellently performed and choreographed. The song "Make 'Em Laugh" is comical. The audience will be amazed at Donald O'Connor's gravity-defying dance skills. The younger MTV-generation can appreciate the songs and marvel at the dancing of Gene Kelly and Donald O'Connor. "Moses Supposes" is another fun song where Kelly and O'Connor make up funny rhymes and dance on tables and chairs in synchronization.

Of course the most famous song, "Singin' in the Rain" is a classic and is one that you want to sing along with when you hear it.

"Singin' in the Rain" is simply a fun movie. During its 103 minute running time, you will be smiling the whole time. The filmmakers take you to a fun and happy place. For example, in order to escape a mob of fans, Don has no trouble jumping on top of a moving bus and dropping down into the car Kathy Seldon is driving in. This is how the two meet. Though something like that would probably not happen, we are swept up in the story and believe that it can.

Many of us are accustomed to not only see a movie, but hear the movie. "Singin' in the Rain" allows us to go back in time and experience what silent movies were like and the process of making them. This is very fascinating, not many movies explore this.

A lot of the movie's charm comes from its humor and comedy. The two actors that provide the most laughs are Donald O'Connor and Jean Hagen. As a musical, the comedy is often physical. O'Connor does well at making the audience laugh in "Make 'Em Laugh" with his facial expressions and funny lyrics. He brings wit as well, providing laughs by poking fun at the superficial Lina Lamont.

Jean Hagen, as Lina Lamont, earned an Academy Award Nomination for her humorous performance.

Debbie Reynolds plays Kathy Seldon with a genuine sweetness. You want Kathy to make it into show business, especially having to deal with many challenges. She does well in her song and dance numbers as well, especially in "Good Morning" performed with Gene Kelly and Donald O'Connor. Reynolds is a good match for lead actor Gene Kelly.

Of course the movie would not be the same without its star, Gene Kelly. He plays movie star Don Lockwood with charm and wit. He is funny, dramatic and romantic all in the same role. He was a timeless movie star in reality and this film showcases his talents as a singer, dancer and actor beautifully.

"Singin' in the Rain" appeared in the top ten of the American Film Institute's list of the 100 Greatest Films of All Time. Roger Ebert called the film, "The greatest Hollywood musical ever made." If you remember this film and have seen it before, rediscover it. If you have never seen it, discover it for the first time on DVD. After seeing it, you will want to dance and sing in the street like Gene Kelly.

Kevin Upham is a resident of Gray. He is a senior at Saint Joseph's College in Standish studying Communications.