Singin’ in the Rain is a 1952 American musical romantic comedy film starring Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, Donald O’Connor, and Jean Hagen. It was one of the first 25 films selected by the United States Library of Congress for preservation in the National Film Registry for its ‘cultural, historical, or aesthetic significance.
The movie focuses on that period during which the entire motion picture industry was transitioning from silent to talking pictures. It is accurate to describe the technical problems of that era and their comical aspects, even if the movie compresses time in this respect – the transition took about three years. Studio and actor opportunities arose as a result. Still, it also led to the demise of many other actors and movie-makers who were unable to work with the new sound medium. The film shows people from both of these groups, how the Hollywood industry works, and how careers are made and ended instantly. Although the movie doesn’t hide this more sinister and less glamorous side of the whole industry at all times, it always adds a dash of fun and charm to it.
It is the most influential movie musical of all time, not just for the music, but for the entire package – premise, comedy, characters – all of these elements work together to make you feel good when you watch the movie. Gene Kelly as Donald Lockwood, who was also co-director, gives a rare sense of energy and charm to the performances. His rendition of the title is probably the most famous scene in the movie. As Cosmo, Donald O’Connor is hilarious, and Debbie Reynolds is delightful with her lovely appearance and fantastic voice. Hagen is quite hysterical as Lina, the source of the film’s ongoing joke about her inability to act, dance, or sing. She acted in the talkies intentionally to make the audience laugh.
