245. Singin' In The Rain

Singin' In The Rain
1952
Directed by Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly

You are no longer allowed to read this blog if you have not seen this movie.  Actually, I have so few readers that I really need to hang on to the ones I have.  All right, you are allowed to keep reading if you haven't seen it.  But just know that I am silently resenting your presence.  Go watch it!

This is probably one of the most cheerful movies ever made (even if A Clockwork Orange ruined the title song a bit for me).  If you can listen to "Good Morning" and "Singin' in the Rain" without smiling you are a very cold person.  Wow, I am making a lot of judgements with this post.  I am extremely cranky with a hole in my heart that only ice cream can fill.

This film has been parodied many, many times.  Off the top of my head:

Of course, parodies are never as good as the original.  Watch this film is truly an unforgivable experience whether it be from watching Kelly's dances or watching O'Connor defy gravity.

Another layer of enjoyment is added if you actually know what they are talking about.  The film's main focus is on the shift from silent to sound movies.  There are some references that only someone is has studied the era can get.  The film isn't esoteric, but it is fun to understand the inside jokes.

Go watch it and if it is your first time, don't let anyone know it or jerks will judge you (see above).

RATING: *****

Interesting Facts:

Fred Astaire helped Debbie Reynolds with her dancing after he found her crying one day because of Gene Kelly's insults.

The "Make 'Em Laugh" routine was so exhausting that O'Connor was hospitalized after filming it.

#5 in AFI's top 100.

222. On The Town

On The Town
1949
Directed by Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly

This screenshot itself should be enough to tell that this movie is awesome.  I mean, come on!  How can you not love a movie where the tourists are pointing away from the sights?

So everyone says that this film is about three sailors who have less than twenty four hours to get laid in New York City.  I prefer to take their words at face value and believe that they are simply looking for romance.  For instance, whenever Frank Sinatra and the taxi driver finally are alone after they get the wacky roommate out of the apartment, they turn to each other and hug and the camera fades out.  I believe that is far as they went that night.  Don't burst my Gene Kelly musical bubble!

Anyway, this film is a delight, pure and simple.  As proof, I will post my favorite musical number:

Okay, if you don't want to watch this movie right now, I have either failed or you are heartless.  Great musical numbers, relentless cheerfulness, and Gene Kelly!  Who could ask for anything more?

RATING: *****

Interesting Facts:

First musical to be filmed on location.