Beyond the Glamour: The Poignant Decline of the Hollywood Musical with It’s Always Fair Weather (1955)
Dive into It’s Always Fair Weather (1955), a bittersweet Gene Kelly musical. An overlooked classic that foreshadowed the end of an era.
If Singin’ in the Rain (1952) marked the zenith of grand musicals, It’s Always Fair Weather (1955) signaled a warning: audiences seemed to be tiring of the genre that once enchanted crowds. The film, a collaboration between Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen, delivered memorable moments but failed to replicate the success of their previous productions.
Gene Kelly and the Magic of Musical Numbers
In an iconic scene, Gene Kelly joyfully dances down a street, masterfully balancing on roller skates. His radiant smile seems to reflect the delight of meeting the woman of his dreams. While reminiscent of the famous number from Singin’ in the Rain, this sequence is just one of many brilliant moments in It’s Always Fair Weather.
Despite Kelly’s impressive skill and Donen’s competent direction, the film didn’t win over the public. With a more melancholic tone and a story that diverged from the upbeat musical standards of the era, It’s Always Fair Weather ultimately resulted in financial losses for MGM and contributed to the genre’s decline.
The Synopsis: Friendship and Disillusionment
The film’s original story was intended as a sequel to On the Town (1949), but casting issues—primarily reluctance to work with Frank Sinatra—led to a complete rewrite. The result was a more introspective plot that follows three war friends: Ted Riley (Gene Kelly), Doug Hallerton (Dan Dailey), and Angie Valentine (Michael Kidd).
After the war, the three promise to reunite at the same bar ten years later. When the day arrives, they discover that their lives have taken different paths and that the dreams of youth have given way to frustrations and disillusionment. The central question of the film is: can bonds of friendship endure after so many changes?
The Cast and Memorable Scenes
Beyond Gene Kelly, the film features performances by Cyd Charisse, known for her elegance and dancing talent, and Dolores Gray, who brings versatility to the cast. The musical sequences, while not as festive as those in Singin’ in the Rain, are technically impressive, especially the roller-skating scene.
Filmed in CinemaScope and boasting vibrant colors thanks to Eastmancolor technology, It’s Always Fair Weather was nominated for Academy Awards in the categories of Best Screenplay and Best Scoring of a Musical Picture. However, the film also marked the end of the partnership between Kelly and Donen, who never worked together again after disagreements during filming.
A Film to Rediscover
Despite its lack of contemporary success, It’s Always Fair Weather is a film that deserves to be revisited. Its melancholic approach and reflections on friendship, time, and frustration remain relevant today. For fans of Gene Kelly and classic musicals, it offers both entertainment and depth.
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