I recently did a music/movie post, but that was before I noticed that Singin’ in the Rain was a song from Rose’s era. So, in tribute to my favorite movie ever and remembering all three of its stars now deceased—Gene Kelly, Donald O’Conner, and Debbie Reynolds, here is the original version of the song.

This version is from the movie The Hollywood Revue of 1929, sung by Cliff Edwards—aka Ukelele Ike—who was also the voice of Disney’s Jiminy Cricket. Actually, The Hollywood Revue was less of a movie and more of a variety show on film. There was no plot, no main character, just all of MGMs greatest stars trotted out on after the other to sing, dance, or… Gee, what is the verb form of comedian? Comede????

What’s a bit ironic, though, is that the movie Singin’ in the Rain is set at just exactly the time that the real song came out—the late twenties at the advent of talking pictures. So, while I watch this old video, I can picture Rose watching from her seat in the Rialto Theater and I can imagine Gene, Donald, and Debbie maybe hanging out backstage while the scene is being filmed.

For the weirdest version of Singing in the Rain ever, watch this finale from the Hollywood Revue of 1929.

It defies words… Really.