SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN (1952)

Why this film is important?

• Purely entertaining film on one level, and also an extremely deep and meaningful film

• Shows the history of acting• Celebrates what it means to be an

actor/performer• Shows “Love the art in yourself, not yourself in

the art.”• Demonstrates mastery over all acting

techniques• SHOWS what it means to be a “triple threat” –

act, sing, dance

• Film also depicts the New York (stage acting) and Los Angeles (film acting) rivalry. (Consider the initial relationship between Donald and Kathy.)

A few more bits of information• Film takes place spanning the years

1927-1930.• During these years, America viewed

Hollywood as a magic land.• American Audiences viewed Actors and

Actresses as Gods and Goddesses, not mere mortals or human beings.

• Films were considered the TOP of the acting pyramid.

GREAT SONG AND DANCE NUMBERS!

• Mise-en-Scene Possibilities

“Singin’ In The Rain”

“Good Morning”

“Broadway Melody”“Moses Supposes”

Gene Kelly – 1912-1996

• “Don Lockwood”• Dancer, actor, singer

choreographer, director• Athletic, broad in his

gestures• Other films:• AN AMERICAN IN PARIS –

1951• ON THE TOWN-1949• THE PIRATE –1949

Debbie Reynolds 1932-

• “Kathy Seldon”• SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN

marks her first BIG part• Only 19 when it was

made• Mother of Carrie Fisher

(Princess Leah from STAR WARS)

• Other Films:• TAMMY AND THE

BACHELOR (1957)

Donald O’Connor 1925-2003

• “Cosmo Brown”• Singer, actor,

comedian, dancer• Last minute

replacement in RAIN

• Other films never matched his performance in RAIN

JEAN HAGEN 1923-1977

• “Lina Lamont”• A “serious” actress, she

did little comedy.• Other Films:• THE BIG KNIFE (1955)• THE ASPHALT JUNGLE

(1951)

STANLEY DONEN 1924-

• Director of the film• Former dancer and actor• Films are usually light,

effortless entertainment with a strong visual appeal

• Other films:• ON THE TOWN (1948)• SEVEN BRIDES FOR

SEVEN BROTHERS (1954)• CHARADE (1963)

THE JAZZ SINGER -1927

• First Feature-length film to contain sound.

• Revolutionized the film industry

• Starred Al Jolson as a Jewish Vaudevillian who performs as a minstrel.

• Based on very racist form of entertainment (minstrel shows)

• Featured songs “Mammy”

Blog Topic Ideas

• Why does the advice, “Do what you always do, just add talking!” not prove helpful?

• How is the quote “Love the Art in yourself, not yourself in art” manifested or illustrated in the film?”

• What does the song “Make ‘Em Laugh!” reveal about the audience’s expectations and likes?

• Which scene shifts drastically in the use of color? Why?