Gene Kelly, Singin’ in the Rain
Gene Kelly’s Singin’ in the Rain (Amazon link) performance in the musical of the same name is so iconic and famous EVEN people who aren’t fans of old movies know it.
The title was actually originally meant to be a showcase for the three leads but Gene Kelly thought a solo performance would better illustrate his character’s joie de vivre.
The most remarkable thing about this performance to me, however, is the fact that Gene Kelly was actually quite sick during filming. His fever was at least 101 but, ever the trooper, he not only performed to perfection, he ad -libbed most of it and it only took one take – the one you see in the film.
Remarkable talent.
