SINGIN' IN THE RAIN

Those background details have always caught my eye, which tends to wander during the number. I'm clearly some sort of outlier, because it's frankly not much of a highlight of the film for me. Choreographically, it's neither terribly challenging nor impressive: little more than a damp soft shoe. Moses Supposes, Fit As A Fiddle, Good Morning, just about any portion of the massive Broadway Ballet or Make 'Em Laugh dazzle me far more with their variety, intricacy, complexity and energy.

Whatever it is that generates such great affection for the number must be something that escapes me. Don't misunderstand: I have no dislike for it; it simply seems to me merely a pleasant if dispensable little interlude, apparently placed only to justify the film's title. But when it comes to Kelly's memorable "street numbers," I find much more excitement and interest in Cover Girl's Alter Ego or It's Always Fair Weather's I Like Myself. 

Perhaps we all have our isolated instances of nonconformity. This is one of mine. 

       

I can see it now (now that I've been told, that is); I guess I gave the photo too cursory a glance. I thought it was Neville Brand!



D'ya remember Jack Lord's James Bond claim to fame?

Now, what was your question again? Seriously, SITR's right up there, but there are probably a couple dozen I love equally well. 

probably a couple dozen I love equally well. 
Doghouse6


Yeah me too but there's that whole knife emergency thingy.

I tend to avoid the lists of favorites, much less the BEST whatevers.



Remember Lord in

I don't suppose I could get away with telling you I'd sooner cut my throat than narrow it down to one?

Butcha know, now I think of it, there is a musical I loved before all the others (when my age was in single digits) and before I knew I loved musicals: Holiday Inn. 14 Irving Berlin songs, 5 Astaire numbers, witty and sophisticated script, great supporting cast, a little more heft to Astaire's role than usual at the time (playing a bit of a cad) and wonderful byplay between he and Crosby. And I never get tired of it. So while I'd still refuse to choose, I'll say that one has a special place at least by virtue of seniority.


Lord yes: the first Felix Leiter (the only character to be played by a different actor in every film until 27 years into the series (and there have still been only two actors to have played him twice).
   

I'm glad you said that. It gives me sort of a point of reference from which to relate to others' love of the Singin' In the Rain number. Like that one, A Shine On Your Shoes is simple and undemanding, choreographically speaking, but it generates such a sense of fun that I find it as irresistible as others find Kelly's number. Thanks for invoking the comparison.

And I'm sure with Linda on Dancing In the Dark: that one's so sublime I almost get misty watching it.  

Yep, here's where I step in, according to mecano04 , who has me scribbling away with a quill pen plotting elaborate murders:

BAT OUTTAHECK [shifting to the back corner of the room]: "Why, yes, Inspector, he did say he was going to cut his own throat."

INSPECTOR DOPPLER [massaging his moustache with obvious pleasure]: "Ahem! Is t'at so, sir? But ain't it true, sir, that Mr. Dog'ouse also said 'e'd only do t'at if 'e 'ad to narrow his favorite movie musicals down to one?"

BAT OUTTAHECK: "Well..."

DOPPLER [motioning to a uniformed officer nearby]: "And is it also true, sir, t'at you were t'e one who asked him to come up with a list in the first place?"

BAT OUTTAHECK: "But, Inspector, when he said he couldn't narrow it down, I..."

DOPPLER: "T'at's no excuse, sir. The law, sir, does not play favorites like t'at."

BAT OUTTAHECK [utterly confused]: "That makes no sense! I..."

DOPPLER [coldly]: "I would advise you, sir, to--as t'ey say in t'e movies--tell it to t'e judge."

CURTAIN on Act 1.