Singin' In The Rain (Import, all-region, Theatrical Trailer) DVD
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 Rating: - Enjoyable and Pleasant
For those of you who don't know the story, this is an interesting movie that revolves around the transition from silent films to talking films. A previous reviewer noted that the possibly best thing about this movie is that it makes fun of the silent film era, but at the same time shows respect for it and nostalgia towards it. Gene Kelly seems to have made an art out of covering his coincidental rise to fame with a single word: "Dignity." Gene Kelly works with Lena Lamont who is beautiful enough for silent films. But her unrefined voice makes us aware that she will have problems if films go to sound. Gene Kelly later runs into Debby Reynolds. Their first meeting ends in a major (but still funny argument). If we know romances, we can see that they will eventually end up together. Debby Reynolds apparently thinks she is far above Kelly. In a later meeting, they run into each other, and Kelly sees that Reynolds is NOT so far above him. But he is moved with compassion. (Perhaps at seeing traits of his own difficult past.) Later we see that movies are going to go sound. While this presents some difficulties to some, Lena will have the most problems if she wants to keep her job. The one weak link in this movie is that I do not like how Lena is made the object of scorn by several parties. I especially found Cosmo's treatment of her to be cruel and uncalled for. Lena is no saint to be sure, but she just basically wants to keep her job. As someone who works in a church, it is hard for me to find this funny. But moving on, Reynolds and Kelly meet again, and they begin working on the project together. We can see that the transition from silent to sound is NOT so easy. An especially hilarious moment is the miserable failure of the screen test topped off by the sound timing going off. But Reynolds and Kelly (former enemies) work together to find a way to save the movie. One thing that makes this movie great is that there is a harmonious transition from the dialogue and acting parts, to the song and dance scenes. Some songs seem unrelated, but they are still pleasant. One comical character worth mentioning is the politician R.F. At first he laughs off the possibility of talking films: "Trust me...They'll lose their shirts." But when they become big, he says: "I told you talking pictures were a menace, but no one would listen." He's a nice person, but he is still a tad hypocritical. "Yes. I'm the head of this studio. Seldon you're hired....Uh...just don't let Lena know she's on the lot." In many ways, this film is a great treasure.

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