If you can name a classic musical from the late 40s and and early 50s which is even entertaining when nobody is singing or dancing, Stanley Donen probably directed it.
Later in his career he finally remembered all of us perverts and directed the nudity classic Blame it on Rio. That was basically an exploitation film – but, oh, those musicals!
Singin’ in the Rain is an all-time classic which stands on the very summit of film musicals. On the Town is only a hair’s breadth beneath it. Donen was best known for his inventive dance sequences, and his three must famous are shown below.
Singin’ in the Rain:
Anchors Aweigh:
The scene with Gene Kelly and the animated mouse may not seem so special today, but it was a technical marvel to pull that off with 1945 technology. Donen didn’t direct the film, but he did do this particular segment although he was just listed as assistant choreographer at the time. When it came to understanding choreography and technology he was a wunderkind – he was just 20 when he conceived and created this sequence.
Royal Wedding: