LeoGlossary: Singin' in the Rain (Film)

Singin' in the Rain is a 1952 American musical romantic comedy film directed and choreographed by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen, starring Kelly, Donald O'Connor, and Debbie Reynolds and featuring Jean Hagen, Millard Mitchell, and Cyd Charisse. The film offers a lighthearted depiction of Hollywood in the late 1920s, with the three stars portraying performers caught up in the transition from silent films to "talkies".

The film is widely regarded as one of the greatest musicals ever made and has received numerous accolades over the years. It has been referenced and parodied in many other films and TV shows and its iconic title song and dance number performed by Gene Kelly has become a cultural touchstone.

Plot

Singin' in the Rain is a musical romantic comedy film set in late 1920s Hollywood, during the transition from silent films to "talkies." The film follows the story of Don Lockwood, a popular silent film star, and his best friend Cosmo Brown. Don falls in love with Kathy Selden, a young actress who aspires to be a serious performer. However, Don's co-star, Lina Lamont, is jealous of Kathy and tries to sabotage her career.

When the studio decides to turn their latest film, "The Dueling Cavalier," into a talkie, they realize that Lina's voice is not suitable for the new format. Cosmo suggests dubbing Lina's voice with Kathy's, and they change the film to a musical called "The Dancing Cavalier." The film's premiere is a success, but when the audience asks Lina to sing live, Don and Cosmo have to improvise.

They reveal the deception to the audience, and Lina is mortified. Don introduces Kathy as the real star of the film, and they perform a love song. The film ends with Don and Kathy kissing in front of a billboard advertising a film called "Singin' in the Rain," starring Don Lockwood and Kathy Selden.