Quintessential American musical one of Hollywood's finest

Rating: Null/10 (13 January 1999)

Singin' in the Rain is probably the greatest musical in the history of the motion picture and arguably one of the finest films in general. The movie approaches perfection on virtually all fronts: superbly integrated numbers, breathtaking dancing, inspired performances, and great dialogue -- all wrapped up in a movie-lover's dream: a story centered around the mad scramble of Hollywood studios to make the transition to sound during the late 1920s. Gorgeous color is like the icing on the cake, as vivid reds, blues, and yellows seem to leap right off the screen. Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor, Debbie Reynolds, and Jean Hagen are all smashing in their roles; I am doubtful there are more than a handful of films with as absolutely faultless casting.