Swingin' in the rain

Rating: 9/10 (11 September 2011)

I can't gainsay this classic musical its status as one of Hollywood's very best, although I do have one or two issues with it which stop me giving it an even higher mark. On the plentiful plus side are the wonderful dance numbers, particularly the iconic title piece, but also Donald O'Connor's brilliant solo "Make 'em Laugh", the golly-gosh niceness of "Good Morning" and of course the celebrated "Broadway Melody" finale, the often overlooked very witty and funny screenplay which brilliantly satirises the traumatic transition time in Hollywood from "Silents" to "Talkies" and some fine acting performances, if not by the leads.
I admit to something of a problem with Kelly, he's no great singer and his lantern-jawed acting often distinctly smells of ham, but a great choreographer and dancer he undoubtedly was and he's never better than here. I did find Debbie Reynolds too young and winsome for her part as Kelly's love interest and it's a pity her character's initial feistiness is watered down as the film progresses, but her personality still shines through more than enough. Donald O'Connor I do like in his supporting part as Kelly's side-kick, even if he does seem at times to be a mini-me Danny Kaye, but it's Jean Hagen who steals the acting plaudits with her sub Judy Halliday routine as the screechy, back- stabbing Lina Lamont - you'll be saying "I caint stain 'im" for hours afterwards.
The film is bright, colourful, musical but most of all very funny and can deservedly be celebrated as one of the best musicals ever made.