Singin’ in the Rain (1952)

Detailed Summary

Introduction and Setting

Singin’ in the Rain is a 1952 American musical romantic comedy film directed and choreographed by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen. Set in Hollywood during the late 1920s, the film centers on the transition from silent films to “talkies.” The story follows the struggles of two silent film stars as they adapt to this new era.

The Plot Unfolds

Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont

The film opens with a glamorous Hollywood premiere, where beloved silent film stars Don Lockwood (Gene Kelly) and Lina Lamont (Jean Hagen) are greeted by adoring fans. Don reflects on his rise to fame with his best friend and former vaudeville partner, Cosmo Brown (Donald O’Connor). Although Lina and Don are often paired romantically on screen, their off-screen relationship is less affectionate, with Don disliking Lina’s arrogant and manipulative behavior.

The Advent of Talkies

The arrival of the first “talkie,” The Jazz Singer, revolutionizes Hollywood. The studio, Monumental Pictures, decides to turn Don and Lina’s latest silent film, The Dueling Cavalier, into a talkie. However, problems arise due to Lina’s shrill voice and poor diction, which are unsuitable for sound films.

Kathy Selden

Don meets Kathy Selden (Debbie Reynolds), an aspiring actress and chorus girl who initially mocks silent films but later becomes romantically involved with Don. After a rocky start, Don and Kathy develop a mutual affection, and Kathy becomes instrumental in solving the problems with The Dueling Cavalier.

The Climax and Resolution

Turning The Dueling Cavalier into a Musical

Cosmo suggests converting the problematic film into a musical, The Dancing Cavalier, to leverage Don’s dancing talent and Kathy’s beautiful voice. They decide to dub Kathy’s voice over Lina’s. Despite Lina’s attempts to sabotage Kathy’s career, the plan proceeds, leading to the film’s successful preview.

The Big Reveal

At the film’s premiere, Lina insists on giving a live speech, revealing her true voice to the audience’s shock. Don, Cosmo, and the studio head, R.F. Simpson (Millard Mitchell), expose the ruse by having Kathy sing behind a curtain while Lina lip-syncs. They then raise the curtain, revealing Kathy as the true talent. The audience applauds Kathy, and Lina’s career is effectively ended.

The Conclusion

The film concludes with Don and Kathy embracing as a couple, with Kathy’s dream of becoming a star finally realized. The last scene shows a billboard for the film Singin’ in the Rain, starring Don Lockwood and Kathy Selden, symbolizing the triumph of talent and authenticity in Hollywood.

Movie Ending

The film ends on a celebratory note, with Kathy achieving her dream of stardom and her relationship with Don solidified. Their success highlights the transition from silent films to talkies, underscoring the importance of talent and adaptability in the entertainment industry.

Post-Credits Scene

There are no post-credits scenes in Singin’ in the Rain.

Type of Movie

Singin’ in the Rain is a musical romantic comedy that combines elements of drama, humor, and dance to explore the entertainment industry’s evolution.

Cast

• Gene Kelly as Don Lockwood
• Debbie Reynolds as Kathy Selden
• Donald O’Connor as Cosmo Brown
• Jean Hagen as Lina Lamont
• Millard Mitchell as R.F. Simpson

Film Music and Composer

The film’s music features songs by Nacio Herb Brown and lyrics by Arthur Freed. The title song, “Singin’ in the Rain,” performed by Gene Kelly, is one of the most iconic musical numbers in film history.

Filming Locations

The film was shot primarily on the MGM lot in Culver City, California. The famous “Singin’ in the Rain” dance sequence was filmed on a specially constructed set that included a rain machine and hidden drains.

Awards and Nominations

Singin’ in the Rain received several prestigious awards, including:

• Academy Awards: Nominated for Best Supporting Actress (Jean Hagen) and Best Scoring of a Musical Picture.
• Golden Globe Awards: Donald O’Connor won Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Gene Kelly choreographed many of the dance sequences and famously performed the title number while suffering from a high fever.
• Debbie Reynolds, who was only 19 during filming, underwent rigorous dance training to keep up with Kelly and O’Connor, despite having no prior dance experience.
• The film’s production faced various challenges, including the technical difficulties of filming dance sequences and ensuring synchronized sound.

Inspirations and References

The film was inspired by the transition from silent films to talkies in Hollywood during the late 1920s. The screenplay was written by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, who drew from their own experiences and industry anecdotes.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

The final cut closely follows the directors’ vision. Some deleted scenes and additional content are available in special editions and DVD releases, providing further context and character development.

Book Adaptations and Differences

While there are no direct novelizations, Singin’ in the Rain has been analyzed in various books and essays exploring its impact on cinema and its representation of Hollywood’s Golden Age.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Don and Cosmo’s comedic number “Make ‘Em Laugh.”
• The transformation of The Dueling Cavalier into a musical.
• The famous “Good Morning” dance sequence.
• The iconic “Singin’ in the Rain” scene, where Don joyfully dances in the rain.

Iconic Quotes

• “Good morning, good morning! We’ve talked the whole night through. Good morning, good morning to you.” – Don, Kathy, and Cosmo
• “I’m singing in the rain, just singing in the rain. What a glorious feeling, I’m happy again.” – Don Lockwood

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• The film’s depiction of early sound recording techniques, such as the hidden microphones and synchronization issues, is based on real challenges faced by the film industry during the transition to talkies.
• The character of Lina Lamont was inspired by real-life silent film stars who struggled to adapt to sound films due to their voices.

Trivia

• Gene Kelly’s “Singin’ in the Rain” sequence is often cited as one of the greatest musical moments in film history.
• The film was not a major box office success upon its initial release but has since become a beloved classic, regularly appearing on lists of the greatest films ever made.
• Jean Hagen’s portrayal of Lina Lamont is considered a standout performance, earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

Why Watch?

Singin’ in the Rain is a timeless classic that offers a delightful blend of music, comedy, and romance. Its iconic dance sequences, memorable songs, and insightful commentary on Hollywood’s transition to sound films make it a must-watch for fans of musicals and classic cinema.

Director’s Other Movies

Gene Kelly also co-directed:

• On the Town (1949)
• It’s Always Fair Weather (1955)

Stanley Donen also directed:

• Funny Face (1957)
• Charade (1963)
• Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954)

Recommended Films for Fans

• An American in Paris (1951)
• The Band Wagon (1953)
• West Side Story (1961)
• My Fair Lady (1964)
• The Sound of Music (1965)