Debbie Reynolds's love affair with musical
Debbie Reynolds was a teenager when she filmed "Singin' in the Rain", which catapulted her to fame. Judy Garland and June Allyson were considered for the lead role of Kathy Selden, but Gene Kelly wanted someone else. Reynolds, who was discovered in a beauty pageant, made her screen debut in Bretaigne Windust's "June Bride". The Texan had an uncredited role, and this Warner Bros. picture was one of a number of films where Bette Davis starred in a comedy. Her athletic prowess and vocal chops enabled her to land small roles in four MGM musicals until the role of Kathy Selden came along.
"Singin' in the Rain" was named the best musical of all time, yet it didn't win an Academy Award for Best Picture. (Cecille DeMille's "The Greatest Show Earth", a larger-than-life depiction of a traveling circus, won the top prize instead.) Some believed that "An American in Paris", which was released the year before "Singin' in the Rain", was superior. Time changed the opinion of critics and industry observers alike. The story by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, which was set during the last days of the silent film era and the eve of the talkies, could have been the perfect tearjerker. The likes of Lina Lamont, with a disastrous voice, might have lived in ignominy (and would end up like Norma Desmond). It was fine to make fun of dumb blondes, though. Kelly was cool on the dance floor, even had a magnetic presence. What happened behind the camera was an illustration of determination, hard work, and luck.
The songs of "Singin' in the Rain", probably the finest set by MGM, were composed almost two decades earlier. (Favor was followed with its inclusion.) Howard Keel, the singing cowboy, was originally thought for Kelly's part. (And the big men in Hollywood starred in a Western film or two.) Reynolds put up with Kelly's tyrannical ways, but the outcome (and the legacy) prompted her to call the actor/co-director as the most exciting filmmaker he ever worked with. (Kelly returned the compliment, citing Reynolds's quick ability to learn the dance routines quickly.)
Reynolds cried between takes, and she had Fred Astaire to guide her during production. She was from the old school, where hard work (and more work) would reward those who were willing to persevere through the struggles and pain. It didn't turn the young starlet into a cynical actress who had seen enough in Hollywood. On the contrary, Reynolds didn't lose that girl-next-door look, bubbly persona, and look-on-the-bright-side attitude, all of which were necessary requirements for actors in musicals. She may not be the right actor for "The Unsinkable Molly Brown", about a social climber who redeemed herself during the sinking of the RMS Titanic. MGM couldn't think of a better actress who would display that can-do attitude (and cheery smile every ten minutes or so). It wasn't surprising that Reynolds's film career slowed down when the musical genre became passe during the 1960s.
Reynolds starred in a Western ("How the West Was Won"), a thoughtful comedy ("Mother"), and a romantic comedy ("The Tender Trap"). She was an all-around entertainer, as fans would cite her work on the small screen and stage. But the petite actress would always be an MGM musical star. She would be remembered for "Singin' in the Rain".
