It's Always Fair Weather

It's Always Fair Weather is an American musical romantic comedy-drama film released in 1955, directed by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen, who previously collaborated on the successful musical film Singin' in the Rain. The movie stars Gene Kelly, Dan Dailey, Cyd Charisse, Dolores Gray, and David Burney, and marks a significant milestone in Kelly's personal career, as he not only directs and stars in the film but also co-choreographs the dance routines alongside Stanley Donen. The story follows three World War II buddies, Dave - the rugged entrepreneur, Ted - the sensitive singer, and Melvin - the lovable ladies' man. The trio makes a promise to reunite 10 years after the war at a designated spot, with an open-ended future, a prospect that filled them with high hopes and ambitions during their wartime days. As the years pass, the three friends become increasingly preoccupied with their individual pursuits, and their paths diverge significantly. Dave, played by Gene Kelly, is portrayed as the self-assured entrepreneur who has established a thriving business after the war. However, his success has come at the cost of a sense of belonging and personal fulfillment, which leaves him questioning the emptiness of his high-society lifestyle. On the other hand, Ted, played by Dan Dailey, who is a charming, talented singer, has pursued a career in show business. Nonetheless, his experiences on stage have left him feeling disconnected and disenchanted. Ted struggles to find his place in the world, constantly torn between his passion for music and the commercial pressures that threaten to diminish his artistic expression. Meanwhile, Melvin, played by David Burney, the carefree ladies' man, has found himself struggling to hold onto his charm in the cutthroat world of post-war America. After the war, Melvin returned home with numerous romantic conquests and boasts of his adventures, but beneath the surface, he feels unfulfilled, as he struggles to adapt to the complexities of adulthood. His attempts to recreate the camaraderie of the war years seem futile, and his desperate longing for connection only serves to emphasize his feelings of isolation. As the three friends are reunited 10 years after making their promise, they initially struggle to recapture the spirit of their wartime camaraderie. The once-strong bond between the trio has been weakened by their vastly different paths in life, and their inability to rekindle the same level of intimacy and trust leaves them all feeling disillusioned and disconnected. As they reminisce about their youthful dreams and aspirations, they come to realizations about the lives they once envisioned for themselves but have yet to achieve. Dave becomes increasingly disillusioned with his business and material successes, recognizing that his accomplishments have not brought him the sense of purpose he once sought. Ted struggles with the constraints of commercial pressures and the fear of losing his artistic integrity in the pursuit of fame. Melvin is left to confront the emptiness he's been trying to fill through his romantic conquests and the nostalgia he harbors for the carefree days of the war. The film's pivotal moment comes as the three friends attend a lavish party, where they witness the societal norms and expectations that seem to dictate their lives. Faced with the choices their post-war lives have created, they are compelled to reevaluate their individual pursuits and to seek out authentic happiness. As they begin to break free from the rigid expectations of their individual worlds, they slowly start to rediscover the bonds they once shared as three wartime buddies. In a poignant musical performance, the three friends break into song, revealing the long-held ambitions and desires they had for their lives after the war. The poignant rendition showcases the emotional depth and vulnerability that Kelly and Dailey so convincingly convey through their dance and song. The scene marks a significant turning point in the film as it underscores the friends' collective quest for authenticity and meaning in their lives. In the end, the friends are seen walking down a crowded street in New York, hand in hand, symbolizing the renewed bond they have formed. As they disappear into the crowd, the camera pans out to reveal the vibrant cityscape, a powerful metaphor for the countless possibilities and opportunities that lie ahead. The film comes full circle as Dave, Ted, and Melvin walk into the unknown, ready to face the future, and perhaps find their long-forgotten dreams. It's Always Fair Weather is a poignant and powerful exploration of male friendship, the American Dream, and the human search for authenticity. Through a masterful blend of humor, music, and pathos, Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen have crafted a timeless and captivating tale that resonates deeply with audiences today.