Singin' in the Rain
Often considered the finest musical of all time.
Parents say
Based on 15 reviews
Kids say
Based on 44 reviews
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Singin' in the Rain
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Singin' in the Rain is widely considered to be the best Hollywood musical ever made. It features some of the most iconic numbers of all time and remains an audience favorite. There's some flirting and kissing and brief incidents of smoking and drinking. Characters argue, and leading man Don (Gene Kelly) is shown taking on dangerous stunts during film shoots. The characters are a bit on the rowdy and/or naughty side here and there, but they never do anything that causes irreparable harm. The movie is very dialogue-driven and might not be entertaining for kids under age 6.
Community Reviews
Great singing and dancing, but a bit of blackface
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Bad male/female relationships
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What's the Story?
In Singin' in the Rain, silent movie star Don Lockwood (Gene Kelly) is paired on screen with high-maintenance Lina Lamont (Jean Hagan), who would like to be paired with him off screen as well. Sparks fly when Don encounters newbie actress Kathy Selden (Debbie Reynolds), which makes Lina jealous. When the first talking picture, The Jazz Singer, becomes a hit, the stars of the latest Lockwood/Lamont movie, The Dueling Cavalier, are coached in vocal technique in an attempt to turn it into a "talkie" too, but the results are disastrous. Meanwhile, Don and Kathy have fallen in love. After an all-night brainstorming session, Don, Kathy, and Don's best friend, Cosmo (Donald O'Connor), decide to turn the production into a musical, dubbing Kathy's voice for Lina's. But it's not long before Lina and Kathy are put on the spot and have to face the music.
Is It Any Good?
This film is often considered the finest musical of all time. Certainly, Singin' in the Rain has it all: classic musical numbers (including the title sequence, in which Kelly splashes around while singing) and a witty script that's unusually sharp and critical of its industry. The film combines elements from several genres to create a hilarious mix that's meticulously rehearsed and shot but meant to feel like it's happening spontaneously.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether the film is entertaining or not.
Discuss the history of movies and the period in which silent movies gave way to "talkies." What were some of the problems? What were some of the benefits?
Are there any role models in this film? If so, who, and why?
How do the characters in Singin' in the Rain demonstrate perseverance and teamwork? Why are those character strengths important?
How could the male characters treat the female characters with more respect?
Movie Details
- In theaters: April 11, 1952
- On DVD or streaming: August 22, 1997
- Cast: Debbie Reynolds, Donald O'Connor, Gene Kelly
- Director: Stanley Donen
- Studio: MGM/UA
- Genre: Musical
- Topics: Arts and Dance, History, Music and Sing-Along
- Character Strengths: Perseverance, Teamwork
- Run time: 102 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: October 8, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
The Sound of Music
Outstanding family film features glorious music.
-
My Fair Lady
Witty, stylish musical classic will entertain all ages.
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Oklahoma!
Excellent singing and dancing in '50s musical.
For kids who love musicals
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