Fact Finder - Movies

Fact
Singin' in the Rain and the Musical Spectacle
Category
Movies
Subcategory
Blockbuster Movies
Country
United States
Description
While it was only a modest hit upon release, 'Singin' in the Rain' eventually became the gold standard for the 'musical blockbuster.' Produced by Arthur Freed at MGM, the film used vibrant Technicolor and incredibly complex, high-energy dance sequences. The title sequence, where Gene Kelly dances in the rain, took two days to film and required a massive setup to ensure the 'rain' was visible on camera (rumored to have milk added to the water for visibility). It remains the definitive movie about the transition from silent films to 'talkies.' Its enduring popularity shows that blockbusters can achieve their status through long-term cultural impact as much as initial box office numbers.