I Love Films about Movies!

My favorite movie of all time is Singin’ in the Rain, a wonderful musical about silent movies changing to “the talkies.” Behind-the-scenes shenanigans, studio politics, self-absorbed stars, frustrated directors and ambitious screenwriters make terrific fodder for cinematic treatment, and I definitely enjoy seeing these situations and characters depicted on screen. Here are a few of my other favorite flicks about movies:

America’s Sweethearts. Everything about Hollywood gets lampooned in this amusing romantic comedy starring Catherine Zeta-Jones and John Cusack as a famous movie couple who can’t get along in real life.

Chump Change. Pursuing showbiz fame has never been filmed more hilariously than in this clever mockumentary written by, directed and starring Stephen Burrows

Lost in La Mancha. This remarkable chronicle of the catastrophes that sunk Terry Gilliam’s ambitious Don Quixote production held me spellbound from beginning to end.

Made-Up. In Tony Shalhoub’s impressive directorial debut film, some very confused and funny camera crew members attempt to understand what’s going on with the people they’re filming.

The Majestic. Jim Carrey’s laid-back performance as a studio yes-man and writer of B-movies who becomes a man of integrity is a joy to watch in this sentimental, nostalgic drama.

Shadow of the Vampire. Willem Dafoe goes triumphantly over the top as a real vampire hired to play an actor portraying a vampire in the classic silent horror movie, Nosferatu.

S1MONE. The illusions of Hollywood receive good-natured spoofing in this provocative film about a director (Al Pacino) who finds the perfect actress. The only problem? She’s an image coming from an electrical socket, and he must keep that a secret.

Win a Date with Tad Hamilton! While poking fun at the cult of movie stardom, this entertaining romantic comedy also celebrates the importance of true love and the value of friendship.

I think most of these films deserve more than one viewing. As megastar Lina Lamont (Jean Hagen) put it so eloquently in Singin’ in the Rain, “If we bring a little joy into yer humdrum lives, it makes us feel as though our hard work ain’t been in vain fer nuthin’.”

My Favorite Film

What’s so good about Singin’ in the Rain? For starters, I’ve never been able to spot one dull minute in the entire film. Based on the crisis Hollywood faced back in the 1920s when "talkies" came on the scene, the clever story by Adolph Green and Betty Comden zips along from beginning to end -- with joyful musical numbers enhancing the plot instead of detracting from it. Here are the highlights:

"Make ‘Em Laugh" – O’Connor’s hilarious slapstick routine.

"Good Morning" – exuberant dancing and singing by star trio Reynolds, O’Connor, and Kelly.

"Moses Supposes" – Kelly and O’Connor in one of the most energetic tap numbers ever filmed.

"Broadway Ballet" – the memorable screen debut of Cyd Charisse’s gorgeous legs .

"Singin’ in the Rain" – that famous title number danced with pure abandon and delight by Kelly.

A few years ago, my cousin and I were reminiscing about how much we enjoyed Singin’ in the Rain when it first came out in 1952. "You really lost it during ‘Make ‘Em Laugh,’" she recalled. "I still do," I confessed. Every time I think about the wacky faces O’Connor makes in that number, I’m forced to laugh out loud.

I also still smile remembering Hagen’s portrayal of Lina Lamont, a big-time silent star whose annoying voice must be dubbed by newcomer Kathy Selden (Reynolds). Hagen earned a well-deserved Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination for her very funny work here. When Lina tells her fans, "If we kin bring a little joy into yer humdrum lives, then all our hard work ain’t been in vain fer nothin,’" little does she care if Kathy must give up her own career to protect another’s stardom. Incidentally, I love that quotation and have borrowed it for many occasions.

Although claiming she didn’t know how to tap dance before joining the Singin’ in the Rain cast, the perky Reynolds holds her own with pros Kelly and O’Connor. "Gene was a great teacher," she told me in an interview I treasure.

Co-directed with great pizzazz by Kelly and Stanley Donen, Singin’ in the Rain wins my vote as the most entertaining movie ever made.