Sunday Classics: Singin' in the Rain (1952)

Image: wolfwhistle.org

"What a glorious feeling, I'm happy again..."

It's been a while since the last Sunday Classic. Three months to be exact. So to remedy this poor effort, I have picked my favourite film of all time.

Singin' in the Rain has been featured several times on Ticket Stub: on the Top Ten Dance Sequences in a Film list and, inevitably, in the Top Ten Scenes in the Rain.

Why is it my favourite film of all time? Well, for several reasons.

Firstly, it is a musical.
I love this genre and the film has become one of the ultimate classic film musicals in cinematic history. Full on dance routines, catchy songs, comedy and romance. My favourite!

Check out a snippet from one of the best dance sequences, Broadway Melody:

And another cracking routine and one of the best songs, Good Morning:

Second, it is a film about film-making. 
It's an important movie highlighting the evolution of movies after the introduction of sound: seeing its impact on the studios, audience and actors.

Image: mcphedranbadside.com

Third, Gene Kelly and Donold O'Connor are mesmerizing.
How can you not be in awe of their performances in Moses Supposes, Kelly's infamous Singin' in Rain and O'Connor's Make 'Em Laugh?

Fourth, Debbie Reynolds is a trooper.
In her first on screen role, Gene Kelly was a harsh director and tutor with Reynolds often in tears and left with her feet bleeding after the intense dance rehearsals. But it pays off as her performance is effortlessly charming. (Even if that isn't her real voice singing - ironic to say the least as the film is about her dubbing another actress due to her awful voice!)

Image: dtfst.wordpress.com

It is the perfect Sunday musical movie that I will never ever get bored of. 

It instantly makes me happy and is even more perfect on a rainy afternoon with a large slice of cake.

What's your favourite film of all time?

Comment below or tweet @TicketStubBlog

Sunday Classics: Annie Hall (1977)

Image: cracked.com

Arguably Woody Allen's best film, Annie Hall is this week's Sunday Classic.

Annie Hall is a romantic comedy starring Allen as Alvy, a New York comedian who examines why his relationship with Annie, played by Diane Keaton, had to end. The film is often seen as autobiographical though Allen has been quick to dismiss this suggestion.

Allen's filming techniques and collaboration with cinematographer Gordon Willis was certainly groundbreaking. Particularly after his slapstick comedy films, such as Sleeper (1973) and Love and Death (1975), Annie Hall was and still is completely refreshing. 

Some of the best moments include a scene based on Snow White - where Annie becomes the evil queen...

 Or where both Alvy and Annie talk on the balcony, but the subtitles tell us what they are truly trying thinking... 

There are also many instances where Alvy breaks the fourth wall, talking to the audience directly:

All of these examples, and many more, show the beginnings of the filmmaker we all know Woody Allen to be today.

Keaton is adorable in this film and I love her wardrobe. In fact, nearly all of Annie's costumes are Keaton's own clothes. She won an Oscar for her performance along with the film's Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Screenplay. Also, keep an eye out for a wonderful cameo with Christopher Walken as Annie's psychotic brother.

Many films since have been heavily influenced by Annie Hall, especially romantic comedies. Most recently with Frances Ha (2012), (500) Days of Summer (2009) and When Harry Met Sally (1989). 

Later this week, I shall be looking at When Harry Met Sally and Annie Hall a little more closely. To keep updated on all future posts, follow @TicketStubBlog on Twitter.

Want to share your Sunday Classic?

Tweet @TicketStubBlog

Sunday Classics: The Wicker Man (1973)

Image: guardian.com

Keeping up with the horror theme from Trailer Tuesday and yesterday’s Quote of the Day, 

this week’s Sunday Classic is The Wicker Man.

I've also chosen this film to coincide with Friday’s re-release of The Wicker Man – The Final Cut. The 1973 film has been restored with an extended final cut for cinemagoers to enjoy. There have been numerous ‘cuts’ released of The Wicker Man but this one conveniently marks the picture’s 40^th anniversary.

The film is set in rural Scotland on the remote island of Summerisle. Sgt. Neil Howie (Edward Woodward) is investigating the disappearance of a young girl from the island. However, he soon discovers that the people of Summerisle are all devout practicing Pagans with a rather unusual way of life. As Howie tries to solve the mystery, he soon fears for his own life on the island owned by Lord Summerisle (Christopher Lee).

Robin Hardy’s movie is definitely one of the top mystery horrors to see, if not, at least for the final scene which I shall not give away. It is a strange and surreal tale which has become a cult classic over the years. If you have not seen it, take the opportunity to watch The Wicker Man on the big screen at your local cinema.

Image: guardian.com