The Fabulous Fifties

In my opinion, the 1950s is by far the best decade in modern history. From the iconic rock 'n' roll era to the "Golden Era" of TV and film, this decade was revolutionary in terms of society and culture.

From 1946-60 some of film's iconic classics were born. Films such as It’s a Wonderful Life, Hitchcock’s Vertigo and Psycho, and the heart-warming Singin’ In The Rain are easily proclaimed as favourites from the “Golden Era”. Singin’ In The Rain (1952) features none other than dancing legend Gene Kelly, alongside zany Donald O’Connor and the charming Debbie Reynolds. What affirms Gene Kelly’s illustrious performance is his delighting enthusiasm for the arts; ‘Kelly's delight - not in his own movements, but in the sheer joy of being able to move - is contagious’ to audiences, and ‘will have you standing up, tapping your feet, and singing along to the amazing lyrics.’

Watching Singin' in the Rain is an exuberant, magical experience - a journey deep into the heart of feel-good territory. It is ‘the classic of all classics when it comes to musicals. A wonderful film that is light, entertaining, very funny, with priceless dialogue and fantastic choreographies - and where even an out-of-place Broadway number is delightful enough to make us forgive it for being there’. In this enchanting musical, Kelly plays the charismatic Don Lockwood marvellously, and yet the subtle star of the film must be Donald O’Connor’s Cosmo Brown, for his zany characterisation and unbelievable quirky magnetism. The comedic attributes of the film plants warmth firmly into hearts for hours, if not days, and provides men, women, children, whole families with smiles almost permanently etched upon their faces; as a reminder of the positive effects of the arts. This is strengthened by the iconic numbers that are ‘Good Morning’, and the titular song ‘Singin’ In The Rain’, which was actually painstakingly performed by an ill Kelly, which still provoke contagious joy. Even the reverse pathetic fallacy induces a sense of warmth in the nightscape and rain. Jean Hagen's Lina Lamont provides audiences with a bittersweet comedic diversion from life with memorable, classic lines such as 'I can't stand him'. Her voice still haunts some today...

Thrillers such as Hitchcock's Vertigo and Psycho offer an exploration into the psychological state of humankind and exhibits the darker side of man. James Stewart of Vertigo fame however, appeared on screens 12 years prior as a very different man, albeit troubled. In 1946's It's A Wonderful Life, Stewart's character is reminded of just how valuable life is, and how, although we do not realise it, we contribute massively to our dearest friends and associates around us. Much like Singin' In The Rain, this film is heartwarming, but such an effect is maximised by the most part of a troubled character finding strength. James Stewart, Donald O'Connor and the fabulous Gene Kelly go down as some of Hollywood's most talented performers.

Another one that graced our screens, and definitely radios was the King himself, Mr. Elvis Presley. As much as I have admired and attempted to copy the mesmirising magnetism of performers such as Kelly, there 'can only be one', and that is the King. I have appreciated Elvis' enchanting presence for over a decade, and the King of rock 'n' roll provided the 1950's with boyish good-looks, charm, and a voice that seemed angelic and yet sinful. Hits like 'That's All Right', 'Blue Suede Shoes' and 'Hound Dog' saw the rise of such a semi-diety of talent. Another personal hero of mine Jerry Lee Lewis joined Presley in 1956 in perhaps the most famous supergroup - The 'Million Dollar Quartet', with Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash. The '50s was certainly a time of artistic revolution.

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