August 8, 2002
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Leslie Unger - (310) 247-3000
                     lunger@oscars.org

Academy to Present 50th Anniversary Screening of "Singin' in the Rain"

Beverly Hills, CA - The 50th anniversary of "Singin' in the Rain," one of the most popular movie musicals of all time, will be celebrated at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Thursday, September 5, at 8 p.m. In addition to the screening of a newly-restored digital version of the film, the evening will feature a reunion of some of the cast and crew.

Starring Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor, Debbie Reynolds, Jean Hagan (who earned an Academy Award nomination), Millard Mitchell, Cyd Charisse, Rita Moreno and Douglas Fowley, "Singin' in the Rain" was produced by Arthur Freed, who also wrote the lyrics, and directed by Stanley Donen and Kelly. Betty Comden and Adolph Green wrote the story and screenplay of Hollywood's transition from silents to talkies. The original music is by Nacio Herb Brown, and Lennie Hayton earned an Oscar nomination for Scoring of a Musical Picture.

Following the screening, members of the cast and crew will assemble on the stage of the Academy's Samuel Goldwyn Theater to discuss the making of the film. Among those confirmed to participate are stars O'Connor and Charisse and writers Comden and Green.

Tickets for "Singin' in the Rain" go on sale August 12 for $5 for the general public and $3 for Academy members. They can be purchased by mail or in person at the Academy during regular business hours, however the Academy will be closed from noon to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, August 14. The Academy is located at 8949 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills. For more information, call 310-247-3600.