I am, without a doubt, the biggest sucker for all things "old school."
By old school, I mean a little-black-dress Audrey Hepburn style, an Old Fashioned Don Draper style; I like my men to croon to me like Frank Sinatra, and I like my movies to be fantastical shows of talent and dance. In fact, old movie musicals are one of my absolute favorite things in the world - I have quite the collection of box sets and soundtracks hidden in my closet. I've also written many a love letter to Frank Sinatra - but that's a different story.
It's no surprise, then, that I fell head-over-heels for the new film La La Land, starring Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling. With its tap dance numbers, its beautifully crafted songs, its marvelous colors and that breathtaking Epilogue scene (I refuse to spoil anything - just know that it was marvelous and very reminiscent of An American in Paris/Singin' in the Rain) the film reminded me so much of the movie musicals of the 1940s and 1950s. I've already seen La La Land twice, and I plan on seeing it a number of times before I've had my fill. If you have equally fallen in love with the beauty that is La La Land, I encourage you to check out these old school movie musicals - a few of my favorites - in between trips to the movie theater.
You'll notice a trend: Gene Kelly is in the majority of these movies. If there's a man who can rival Frank Sinatra in my heart, it's Gene. You'll find out why after watching him dance across the screen in these films.
1. On the Town (1949)
This movie stars two of the leading men in my life: Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly. These two, along with Jules Munshin, play the part of three Navy sailors on shore leave for a measly twenty-four hours, which they spend meandering New York City, looking for love. While they are out looking, they are singing, dancing, and getting into some hilarious trouble.
2. An American In Paris (1951)
Simply put, this film is about three friends living in Paris, each struggling to make a living. Not only that, but two of them end up with the same love interest - whoops. How will they figure that one out? Will Gene Kelly, who plays the leading role, win his girl's heart with his smooth-as-butter dance moves? Or will he be alone in Paris, the city of love? This film has one of the most intricate, beautifully-choreographed scenes I have ever watched. Intrigued? I thought so.
3. Guys and Dolls (1955)
A young Marlon Brando (a.k.a. Vito Corleone in The Godfather) paired with a handsome Frank Sinatra: who could resist this duo? Marlon Brando's character, a gambler, falls in love with a young missionary girl - a bet is made - a trip is organized - and songs are sung. Fall in love with Brando and Sinatra, and watch them attempt to croon to their lady-friends while they bet on crap games.
4. Singin' in the Rain (1952)
Starring Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, and Donald O'Connor, Singin' in the Rain is the quintessential movie musical. Almost everyone will recognize the headlining song, "I'm singin' in the rain, just singin' in the rain, what a glorious feeling! I'm happy again!" Following the transition in cinema from silent movies to "talkies," this film is full of laughter, drama, romance, and happy-go-lucky choreography. It is a true classic!
