10 Best Singin’ in the Rain Moments
5. Miming in the Theatre
Lina Lamont finally reveals herself to be the true villain of the piece.
Proving herself to be smarter than many give her credit for, she has forced the studio head into keeping Kathy behind the scenes, acting as Lina’s voice even when in public. Even though it will detrimentally affect Kathy’s own career.
Lina wants to perform for her adoring fans. In true Singin’ in the Rain style, they go for the big reveal.
Without Lina’s knowledge, Cosmo and Don pull back the curtains to reveal Kathy speaking into the mic. Cosmo takes over. Don takes over. Lina is humiliated. The villain is vanquished.
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4. Make ‘em Laugh
Don is deeply affected by Kathy’s comments about him not being a real actor. He is down in the dumps. Cosmo reassures his friend, telling him – in song of course – that there is no point in dramatic acting when comedy exists.
Donald O’Connor is the original funny best friend, and this slapstick dance is second to none. It’s hard to imagine anyone else tackling a mannequin in quite the same way.
3. Elocution Lessons
In preparation for their newest picture, Don and Cosmo attend an elocution lesson. It quickly descends into chaos.
While Kelly and O’Connor chanting about Moses and his toeses isn’t an example of the groundbreaking lyrics, the choreography is absolutely spectacular.
The pair are so in sync with each other as their twenties-style pleated trousers flow while their legs move in a way most of us can only dream of. Even in their monkeying around there is a nostalgic elegance.
That is the beauty of the film as a whole: it manages to make the ridiculous sublime.
