Singing in the Rain
Bethan Parmenter

Singin' in the Rain's  story line coincided perfectly with what was really happening in Hollywood at the time even though it was set in 1927. The transition from silent movies to talkies was not one easily made by many actors, especially ones like Lina Lamont, who were now being asked to sing, dance and really act in front of a camera. An aspect of this story that brings readers in is the common liking of the characters Kathy Seldon and Don Lockwood and their story of romance throughout the movie. Their infatuation with each other just seems to grow through the obstacles thrown at them making it even more endearing. While on the other side Lina Lamont is the typical Hollywood starlet who believes she deserves her fame, even though she clearly does not, especially after blackmailing the studio into having Kathy secretly voice over her movies so that she comes off as talented. It is comical in the end when it is revealed to the crowds that Kathy is the true star behind the movie, and the crowds make it clear by laughing at Lina that they do not approve or feel bad for her.
Another aspect that this movie had is the mise-en-scene that incorporated into its props, especially the umbrella that Gene Kelly uses while dancing. As the book said he takes a harmless object and uses it while dancing to show off his new love. He really makes the viewers believe that this is a vital prop needed to show emotion, its almost magical the way he incorporates it into what he is doing. Throughout the movie Gene Kelly's dancing is an amazing site to see, the way he uses his surroundings and captures the audiences hearts through a few dance moves, it his portrayal of these that makes them so magical and special.
One last thing that was important in the making of this movie was the use of sound and capturing the characters voices and talking. The issues with having Lina heard is almost comical. From where they hide the mikes to how terrible she sounds is some of the real struggles that production companies had with some of the first talking movies, which makes it so realistic in the movie. Again, this movie has a story within a story of actors making a movie about making a movie.