The GREATEST MUSICALS of All Time
Closer US|April 24, 2023
UNCOVER SECRETS AND FALL IN LOVE ALL OVER AGAIN WITH HOLLYWOOD'S MOST BELOVED SONG AND DANCE FILMS
The GREATEST MUSICALS of All Time

Singin' in the Rain

Gene Kelly performed the rain sequence with a 103-degree fever - which may have added to the 1952 film's emotion. "His mother says, 'Don't jump in the puddles.' The guy was so much in love, he did it," Gene said. "The whole thing had to be done like a child in a state of euphoria."

A Star Is Born

Judy Garland felt this 1954 film mirrored her life. "She went from being Frances Gumm into being Judy Garland as Esther Blodgett becomes Vicki Lester," says daughter Lorna Luft. "That's what she loved about it."

Calamity Jane

Doris Day said this 1953 musical was her favorite film role of all time because the spunky, buckskinwearing character was most like her. "I think I had more fun in that part than anything I'd ever done," she said. "The songs and the dancing were so good. I loved everything about it."

An American in Paris

Gene Kelly brought 18-year-old Leslie Caron to Hollywood to star in the 1951 musical after seeing her perform with France's Ballet des Champs-Elysées. "I had never heard of him or seen his films," she said. "Until that film, I never did anything on jazz. [But] I thought that music was fabulous."

Grease

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM CLOSER USView all