Welcome to Episode 102 of the “Reel Chat Podcast.” This week we continue our countdown of Empire Magazine’s Top 100 Greatest Movies of all time.

Hollywood has produced dozens of dazzling, lively, and artistic musicals over the past eight decades, but if there’s one picture that epitomizes the genre and everything we love about it, it would have to be ‘Singin’ In The Rain.’ Though not as sophisticated as “Gigi”, as groundbreaking or substantive as “West Side Story”, as romantic or inspirational as “The Sound Of Music”, or as edgy and biting as “Chicago”, this beloved, tuneful romp explodes with energy, exuberance, satirical humour, innocence, and whimsy. It doesn’t take itself seriously, yet stands as a serious example of why movies captivate our minds and stoke our senses.

A nostalgic tribute and light-hearted spoof of the early days of talking pictures, “Singin’ In The Rain” honours its industry while savagely lampooning it.
Though the script makes good-natured fun of a host of Hollywood foibles – from splashy premieres, backstage backstabbing, and oversized egos to stuffy elocution experts, creative short-sightedness, and performer stereotypes – at its core, “Singin’ In The Rain” is a sweet, naive love story played with winning earnestness by Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds. The lack of pretension, mystifying talent, and sheer joy that emanate from every frame of “Singin’ In The Rain” are what make this beloved film so memorable and so worthy of repeat viewings. Does it deserve it’s reputation as one of the greatest musicals ever made?

Joining your host Adam Stolfo is returning special guest panelists Andy Hazel and Glen O’Brien. Join the team as they discuss the fascinating work and career of co-director/star Gene Kelly, his partner in crime Stanley Donen, the film’s superb cast, it’s amazing costumes, it’s many memorable songs (including its use of the famous title song), it’s legacy and pop cultural impact, it’s worthy Blu-ray release (outside of Australia anyway), and as always – much, much more!

So does “Singin’ In The Rain” deserve it’s spot in the Top 100? And is position number 69 where it belongs?