Showtune Sunday: Numbers from “Singin’ in the Rain” plus recollections from Debbie Reynolds!

It’s hard to believe that it’s been 60 years since Singin’ in the Rain first hit theaters.

Hard to believe because the film’s leading lady, Debbie Reynolds, is still so youthful and fabulous.

I was one of the very fortunate people who attended last night’s world premiere of the 60th anniversary restoration of this beloved musical during day three of the TCM Classic Film Festival in Hollywood.

Miss Reynolds’ appearance before the film was, for many of us, even more special that seeing the movie on the big screen for the first time.

She was just 17 and had starred in only one movie when she was cast to star with 39-year-old Gene Kelly and 27-year-old Donald O’Connor.

“I used to go to see Gene Kelly at the movies for a dime so when [MGM studio head] Louis B. Mayer said, ‘Now you’re going to be in a movie with him for nothing – which is what they were paying.”

But there was one problem: Debbie could not dance!

“If it looks too tough to do it, I just have to work twice as hard. I didn’t know I could quit and I’m glad I didn’t. They worked with me for five months [on the dancing]. … They took this little girl from Burbank – and before that Texas – … and they just molded me into being a good dancer. I’m now a really good dance. I just tie the tits down and go!”