Movie #32: Singin' in the Rain. Or really, singing in the milk!

Title: Singin' in the Rain

Starring: Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor, Debbie Reynolds

Directed by: Stanley Donen, Gene Kelly

Number on the AFI List: 5

Year: 1952

The only thing I knew about Singin' in the Rain before last night was that in order for the rain to show up on film, the production team used milk instead of water for the famous "Singin in the Rain" number. So I was kind of surprised there isn't a lot of singing in the rain in this film. It's only one moment. Maybe I'm the only person in existence who didn't know that (fact). 

HOWEVER, this movie is a fantastic musical comedy filled with great singing and TAP DANCING (that I ALWAYS love).  I consistently enjoy movies about making movies, and this one was no exception. I must say, Lina Lamont, played by Jean Hagen, was my favorite character. Her voice! So funny. The three leads were fantastic dancers and singers; I must say though, Donald O'Connor stole the show with his quirky and hilarious depiction of Cosmo Brown.  I also enjoyed the use of "special effects" in this movie; I don't think I've seen any sort of special effects since King Kong! Overall, Singin in the Rain was a funny and charming movie that I will be glad to watch over and over again!

Favorite moment:

Will I watch it again? Yes!

Movie #31: The African Queen. Or really, an awesome African jungle adventure with Bogart and Hepburn!

Title: The African Queen

Starring: Katharine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart

Directed by: John Huston

Number on the AFI list: 65

Year: 1951

Wow, what an adventure! Filmed on location in Congo, The African Queen is a tremendous story about Charlie Allnut (Bogart) and Rose Sayer (Hepburn) travelling along a river in Africa after the outbreak of WWI in order to blow up a German ship. This unlikely duo-one a poor Canadian outcast and the other a British missionary who has just lost her brother-find love in the midst of hardship along the way. The acting of course is spectacular, with Bogart winning the Academy Award for his performance (beating out Brando in “Streetcar,” no less!) in 1952. Watching their love story unfold is endearing, with many humorous moments while Rose tries to resist the temptation of falling for Charlie. Of course, who can resist a man who takes you on an epic journey through the African jungle!

What makes the film more spectacular is the cinematography; even though there is nothing remarkable about the shooting style, the fact that they shot most of it in Africa (in glorious Technicolor!) is quite the achievement for that day in age. The Technicolor camera was HUGE, with three rolls of film being shot at one time. 

The crew had the arduous task of travelling along the river with the Technicolor camera, lights, and other equipment, all while suffering from any and all illnesses the African jungle had to offer. 

Overall, this movie is a treat to watch and one that will be remembered through the ages.

Favorite moment: The moment when Rose finally gives into Charlie and allows herself to fall in love!

Will I watch it again: Yes!