Film

The One, The Only Stanley Donen

Including five of his most iconic scenes

by Josh Kurp   |   Nov 4, 2010

The One, The Only Stanley Donen

Stanley Donen (Photo: tcfilmfest, via Flickr)

| | More

Although not a household name, and definitely not as famous as the people he helped make famous, including Audrey Hepburn, Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds, Stanley Donen is the Academy Award-winning director (and occasional choreographer) of some of cinema’s most well known films. Singin’ In the Rain, you might have heard of. What about Charade, On the Town, Funny Face, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers…the list goes on and on.

Godard once referred to Donen as “surely the master (major or minor) of the musical,” and from now until November 10, the Film Society of Lincoln Center will be screening many of his classic films, including all the ones listed above, not to mention Royal Wedding, It’s Always Fair Weather and Indiscreet.

For a full list of screening times—and a chance to see Donen speak live—please click here.

#5. The impossibly cool opening scene from Charade

#4. “New York, New York, it’s a wonderful town!”

#3. “Make ‘Em Laugh” from Singin’ In the Rain

#2. Audrey Hepburn’s dance from Funny Face

#1. “I’m singin’ in the rain, just singin’ in the rain…”