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! “Singin’ In The Rain” GREAT SONG AND DANCE NUMBERS! “Good Morning” Mise-en-Scene Possibilities “Moses Supposes” “Broadway Melody”

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 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?