During the course of my coverage of the Pacific Symphony’s performance of “Singin’ in the Rain” over the past couple of weeks (it was a North American premiere; I wrote a preview and a review), I was surprised to find out that many of my peers, that is, people my age and even older, had never seen the film.
Now, I understand that some may have an aversion to musicals, though I don’t happen to. But “Singin’ in the Rain”? Really? As it is generally regarded as one one the best films ever made, and usually singled out as the most outstanding movie musical, aren’t these non-viewers curious enough to see why it’s so celebrated?
At any rate, I assure you there are reasons that it’s famous. Here’s one. As a public service, I give you the video above, which features the appearance of someone named Cyd Charisse (emerald-costumed) in the Broadway Melody scene (a dream sequence) of the film. Yes, that’s Gene Kelly dancing with her. Gentlemen, fasten your seat belts, please, and do try to at least notice the music.
classical life 
Hi Tim.
Maybe you will find it funny but my first love, as a teen-ager, was Gene Kelly (I’ve recently ordered from Amazon one of Kelly’s authorized biography).
I’m an Italian with an insane passion for American musicals from the 30’s (Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers) to the 50’s (including of course The Band Wagon, one of my favourites, and Les Girls starring Gene Kelly). I have quite a nice DVD collection and I have my 4-year-old daughter watch musicals (!). She is fond of Easter Parade (A couple of swells, in particular), of Anchors Aweigh (when Gene Kelly dances with Jerry – the cartoon!) and of Minnelli’s The Pirate! I loved your post on Singin’ in the rain and I like your blog very much. I’ll stay tuned!
IWAS THERE TO SEE THE MOVIE , THE ORCHESTRA WAS GREAT. I LOVE MUSICALS, I WISH THERE WERE MORE INSTEAD OF YOUR 2ND VIDEO. THERE WERE MANY MUSICALS IN MY TIME, FOLLIES. THE DISCUSSION WITH HIS WIFE, DIRECTOR AND I DON’T KNOW THE GENTLEMAN SITTING TO HER RIGHT WAS. IT WAS INTERESTING. THANKS, KELLY CERTAINLY DID NOT LOOK 39 YRS OLD AND DEBBIE REYNOLDS ONLY 19 . IT WAS GRAT. I ENJOYED IT VERY MUCH AS DID THE PEOPLE AROUND ME. THANKS. MIOKO OKUDA
I guess I’m not as surprised that many people have not seen it. I’m not as old as you (for the record), but I too have many friends who I would have thought had seen the movie but actually haven’t.
And I have my wife to thank for much of my appreciation of the classic American films, movie musicals in particular — “Guys & Dolls,” “The Music Man,” “Holiday Inn” . . . you name it. Of them, “Singing in the Rain” is my favorite. Besides all the great acting, music, and dancing, I love that it’s both homage to and satire of L.A. and the movie industry. If I’m driving near UCLA, I have to resist the urge to quote Debbie Reynolds in that sing-songy voice, “Here we are, Sunset and Camden!”
So bummed I couldn’t go to this performance. Glad you covered it.
Since the time I first saw it (probably back in my late teens or early 20’s), that number has always stood out as my all-time favorite scene from my all-time favorite movie musical. To this day, Cyd Charisse still knocks me out the moment she enters the shot. I still remember my jaw dropping to the floor the first time I ever saw this scene.
But as enjoyable as the screening of this film (with the live PSO orchestra) may have been, I surely would have been disappointed, if my experience with films screened in prior two years ( “Casablanca” and “The Wizard of Oz”) is any indication. That’s because the screen used to project these films above the orchestra is so woefully inadequate.
You haven’t lived until you have viewed movie musicals like “Singin’ in the Rain” on a full-size movie screen — the kind you would find in one of the few remaining old movie palaces located in Downtown L.A.’s Broadway Theatre District.
That is where I have had the privilege of experiencing “Singin’ in the Rain” (and other classic movie musicals including”The Music Man” and “Cabaret”) over the years, as part of a summertime film series known as “The Last Remaining Seats Film Series”, presented each year in June. Each year, in addition to a different movie musical they also screen an early silent film, accompanied by either a Wurlitzer theater organist or a live orchestra.
Tim, If you are ever curious enough to want to learn more about the film series for yourself, you may want to contact the Los Angeles Conservancy at their website: laconservancy.org .
I would kill to have just one of Cyd Charisse’s legs.
Me too, Julie.
An ex of mine once denied that there was a scene in ‘”Singin’ in the Rain” where Cyd Charisse dances with Gene Kelly. I should have dumped her on the spot. 🙂