Formative Performances: Jean Hagen in “Singin’ in the Rain”

[The following is a guest post from abovethetitle.]

I felt in the mood for a distinctively comedic performance this time around. “Singin’ in the Rain” is somewhat retro right now, being one of the two films attributed with inspiring the plot of “The Artist” (“A Star is Born” being the other). Indeed, Gene Kelly tap dancing in his yellow raincoat is one of the most iconic scenes in film history. But where would this story be without Lina Lamont, a silent film star whose rather distinctive voice seems to hinder her transition into talkies? The blonde ditz is a stereotype wrapped within a cliche nowadays but Jean Hagen imbued Lina with so much heart beneath the screwball that despite “Singin'” getting summarily ignored by the Academy (FOR SHAME!), Hagen still scored a nom for Best Supporting Actress.