This funny and affectionate peek at how late 1920s Hollywood adjusted to the coming of sound, remains one of the most joyous and beloved of all film musicals. Not only a classic example of the MGM musical at its highly polished best, Singing' in the Rain is also a lasting tribute to the incredible talent of star and co-director, Gene Kelly. Deftly tailored around a selection of perky, likeable songs written during the period by Nacio Herb Brown and the film's creative producer Arthur Freed, the amusing plot inspired a dazzling array of stylish dance routines; none more famous, of course, than Kelly's now legendary, wonderfully carefree frolic in the rain. With bright-eyed support from a young Debbie Reynolds and Donald O'Connor (whose madcap "Make 'em laugh" is another of the film's enduring highlights), plus the terrific MGM studio orchestra, this set of the entire score, complete with several out-takes, is guaranteed to chase the blues away. --Robert Seeley