Singin In The Rain Papers

Upon its release in 1952, Singin’ in the Rain not only entertained audiences with its fun-loving storyline and musical numbers but informed them about the struggles Hollywood faced during the transition from silent pictures to talkies. However, when taking a closer look at the film, you realize that it also relays a much deeper message. Set in the “roaring 20’s”, Singin’ in the Rain stars Debbie Reynolds as Kathy, who grows into a strong, successful woman throughout the film and becomes a role model and inspiration to all women in the 1950s, especially those expected to revert back to their duties as housewives after taking up jobs to support their families and the war effort during World War II. “The War led to a dramatic rise in the number of women working in the United States; from 10.8 million in March, 1941, to more than 18 million in August, 1944…” (Miller). Although the United States couldn’t have been as successful in the war without their efforts, most of

“With pop culture apparently suffering from a retro epidemic lately, today’s 60th anniversary of Singin’ in the Rain provides a chance to look back at a film that was ahead of its time in the way that it, too, looked back” (Bahr). Even though it wasn’t all too successful in the awards department, Singin’ in the Rain stuck with audiences because it was so far ahead of its time. It took advantage of all the latest technology while still keeping its “classic movie” feel. In addition, the film implemented both original and well-known songs into the story. This makes the film feel familiar but fresh and new to its audiences. “…Singin’ in the Rain’s jokes and light parodies of actors and Hollywood are still surprisingly insightful and effective” (Bahr). Having been the most researched musical in all of film’s history, it was probably the most correct parody of Hollywood that the industry has ever seen